The Art of the Tat: KenyaBuzz interviews Female Tattoo Artist in Nairobi

What was once considered a taboo or even a sign of rebellion, tattoos are now widely accepted as a form of self expression. Like many other industries, the tattoo scene has been historically male dominated but now, many women are jumping into the fray.

One of them is Flora M'mbone. A tattoo artist based in Nairobi. She let us in on her ink business and what it's like being a woman in the business

KB: I bet you grew up doodling and drawing a lot. Right?

Flora: Yes, I started drawing when I was in primary school. My cousin who was in uni then and studying architecture inspired me to draw and gave me my first drawing book which I have to this date.

KB: Did this create a trajectory for your tattoo business?

Flora: It did! My love for drawing over the years led me to experiment with a couple of visual art forms and eventually starting a tattoo business

KB: Kenya is a conservative society. What do people think about you as a woman being in this kind of creative space?

Flora: I've been called "kafiri" (infidel) by some people for not only having tattoos but also for being a tattoo artist. It's crazy! But on the flipside, I've also met people who are awed by my work and many women have been inspired by my presence in a largely male dominated industry.

KB: How did you learn how to tattoo? Is there such a thing as tattoo school in Kenya?

Flora: I really wish there was one. It would have made things so much easier for me. I get many enquiries from young people interested in becoming tattoo artists to refer them to a place where they can learn the craft. I may be the first to open a school here in Kenya 🙂

KB: When did you first use human skin as a canvas? Did you first have to draw a rough sketch on something?

Flora: Back in 2020, a friend of mine was kind and brave enough to let me give them a tattoo and my experiment turned out pretty great! And yes, I have to draw a sketch first on paper then skin before I can go over it with the ink.

KB: What's a typical day at your startup look like?

Flora: Like any other business there are days that get really busy and there are days when bookings are scarce. On a typical day, I meet with a client, discuss a design concept and get to work.

KB: Can you break down the process of tattooing a client from start to finish?

Flora: After we settle on a design with the client, the first step is to map out the design on a stencil paper, prep the skin by cleaning it, then transfer the mapped out sketch onto the skin. Then I can start the tattoo process. Note that hygiene is very important even after the tattoo is done to prevent infections.

KB: How do you go about deciding how to charge clients seeing how simple or intricate some designs can be?

Flora: Charges depend on the design and size. I charge from Ksh 1000 bob for small tattoos and piercings.

KB: Show us your proudest work

Flora: It's hard to choose but here are some of them

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Inked by Eseri (@inkedby_eseri)

KB: Advice to someone getting a tat for the first time ever?

Flora: It's never a good idea to get your partner's name inked on your body. I've seen enough to know what I'm talking about. Also, don't get a tattoo just because you think it's cool. Make sure to do your research before settling on a tattoo artist. Have a look at their work first then proceed because different artists have different styles.

KB: What are some of your highs and lows in this business?

Flora: The high is that you can make your month's rent in one day if business is good. I always appreciate when my clients leave happy and are satisfied with my work. That's always a confidence booster. The lows are definitely when the business is struggling.

KB: Tell us your funniest anecdote since you started this business

Flora: There've been many but the most recent is a client who asked me to tattoo the back of their bald head! They kept insisting on it and I was shocked. Turns out they were just pulling my leg and we laughed about it later.

KB: Would you like to do this forever and what are your expansion plans?

Flora: Yes I'd like this to be my main source of income. My expansion plans are to make a name for myself, open a bigger studio and be able to offer other artists job opportunities and guidance in the same.

See Flora's Tattoo art on Instagram @inkedby_eseri HERE

For inquiries call 0706177082

The Art of the Tat: KenyaBuzz interviews Female Tattoo Artist in Nairobi

*Featured image by @thisisoliverreloaded

About The Author

Maureen Kasuku

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The Art of the Tat: KenyaBuzz interviews Female Tattoo Artist in Nairobi

*Featured image by @thisisoliverreloaded

About The Author

Maureen Kasuku

The Cat in Crisis: A Conservation Spotlight

Ramadhan Kareem: Iftar Kids' Recipes

Nigerian Artist Ruger much anticipated show postponed

Top 10 Popular Articles in May you Might have Missed

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