Women Leaving Their Mark in the Tattoo Industry: Glass Moon

The Journey into Tattooing

For many artists, the path to tattooing is rarely linear. Megan and Carly were both creatives exploring different artistic mediums before they stumbled upon tattooing. What drew them in was not only the ability to make a living through art but also the chance to create pieces they genuinely loved. Traditional career paths never felt quite right, and tattooing offered a way to turn passion into a sustainable career.

But breaking into the tattoo industry wasn’t easy. Their first experiences were in male-dominated spaces, where opportunities were scarce and the culture was often unwelcoming. However, they found guidance and inspiration in strong female mentors. Kristie Latimore (@Kristie_latimore_art) became a primary mentor, alongside influential women like Laura Babsie (@le_babs) and Liz Green (@lizgreeentattoo). Seeing these women pave their own way, especially Laura Babsie opening Three Fates Tattoo in Denver, proved that success as a female artist was possible.

Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

Entering the tattoo world as women came with hurdles. Early on, both Megan and Carly encountered toxic work environments where they were expected to tolerate mistreatment simply because they were “lucky to be there.” Later, as they sought to open their own shop, they faced skepticism from landlords who doubted their financial stability or seriousness. Finding a rental space for tattooing is already challenging, but being young women in the industry made the process even tougher.

Despite these obstacles, they pushed forward, determined to create a space where they and other artists could thrive.

Building an Inclusive Tattoo Space

Creating a welcoming environment has been a cornerstone of their shop’s mission. Megan and Carly set out to design the kind of space they wished existed when they were starting out. With warm decor and a team that prioritizes inclusivity, their shop fosters an atmosphere where all clients—especially women and marginalized communities—feel safe and respected.

Seven of the nine artists in their shop identify as women or non-binary, creating a strong feminine energy in the space. They practice trauma-sensitive, consent-driven interactions, ensuring that every client feels comfortable. From offering snacks and drinks to allowing as many breaks as needed, they prioritize the well-being of their clients, recognizing that tattooing can be an intense experience.

The Evolution of the Tattoo Industry

The tattoo industry has become more inclusive over the years, but there’s still work to be done. Seeing more women-led tattoo shops and diverse representation has been encouraging, but barriers remain.

For aspiring female tattoo artists, Megan offers this advice: Ask more questions. Many believe that learning stops after an apprenticeship, but in reality, it’s just the beginning. Surround yourself with people you admire, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance and mentorship.

Success and Artistic Growth

While there have been many proud moments in their journey, the community they’ve built remains the most meaningful. Watching their shop flourish with talented, kind artists and loyal clients proves that their vision has come to life.

Running a shop while maintaining personal artistic growth is a balancing act. Having a trusted business partner has been crucial—Megan and Carly rely on each other’s strengths and shared vision. Their team’s talent pushes them to continuously evolve as artists, always striving to meet the high expectations they’ve set for themselves and each other.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women in Tattooing

What kind of legacy does Megan hope to leave behind? The belief that artists can create the world they want to work in. If the style of work they want to make isn’t widely seen, they can be the ones to introduce it. If the kind of shop they dream of doesn’t exist, they can build it themselves.

Solidarity among women-owned tattoo shops in Denver is strong. Even when artists don’t know each other personally, there’s a sense of camaraderie. They frequently refer clients to other women artists when their styles differ or their schedules are full. If a woman artist is seeking a shop to work in, they make a point to recommend other women-owned spaces.

When asked what tattoo holds a special place in their heart, or what they would tell their younger selves, Megan emphasizes the importance of learning. Tattooing is a lifelong journey, and the best artists never stop growing.

Through resilience, creativity, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive industry, Megan and Carly are shaping the future of tattooing—one design at a time.

Featured Tattoos by Glass Moon's Artists

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