Life & Work with Chymia Baker of 907 Rivergate pkwy ste C6 Nashville TN 37072

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chymia Baker.

Hi Chymia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hard work prayer and faith! I’m KimChi, I’m from Memphis, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 2014. As a kid I drew a lot, just kind of drifted away from it. In 2016, I was working for the Post Office, pulling 12 hours 6 days a week getting off work daily to draw even if it was just 10 mins, I was determined and I had a vision. One night at work 2 of my co workers, whom are 2 of my closest friends now told me I should look into tattooing. A few weeks later I bought a tattooing kits. Practiced on family and friends a lot then one day i decided i really wanted to pursue it and do it the right way. October 2018, I got in a shop, but I wasn’t learning anything, so I left August or September 2019. By that October I was in a better shop, May 15, 2020 I became a licensed artist. I had a conversation with an artist and he told me to “believe in myself” and I was already on a journey of learning to trust and believe in myself…betting on me. 2 weeks later I quit my job, and I was tattooing at home but someone threatened to call the health department, I called my girl, Charlene Holland, she told Terentez Vestal about me. He introduced me to his space and team. I was afraid at first because I didn’t know how I was going to make everything happen, especially bills. I talked to his mom and him, and I decided to bet on myself, been tattooing full time for 5 years now.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When you’re meant for something there will always be trials and tribulations. From not feeling supported by the people you love, because they didn’t see your vision to not feeling like you’re good enough because of comparison to others and their success. I experienced a lot throughout out my life, I was built for this, I was meant for this.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Licensed Tattoo Artist, I specialize in Black and Grey. I’m known for my professionalism, my journey to becoming the The Artist I am today, and of course my work. I’m proud of my journey and the strength I had to keep going when it was easy to give up. What sets me apart from others is my desire to keep learning and growing, I didn’t come this far to just be another mediocre artist.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
A stranger will support you before people closest to you. Patience and consistency is definitely key. Believe in yourself and when it’s hard to believe in yourself believe the great things people say about you. If they’re not saying great things about you, be delusional about your success, it’s only one way to go…UP!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: InkbyKimChi
• Facebook: InkbyKimChi
• Twitter: InkbyKimChi
• Youtube: InkbyKimChi