Today we’d like to introduce you to Chasadey Parker.
Hi Chasadey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2020, when the world slowed down and everything felt uncertain, I was at home feeling restless. I had always been an artist. I painted signs, shoes, canvases, vases, literally anything I could pour myself into. Art was how I expressed love, emotion, and healing. But no matter how much heart I put into it, it wasn’t enough to support my family, and that broke me more than I ever let on.
I was working a job that paid the bills, surrounded by good people, but it wasn’t where my soul belonged. I’ve always loved people. I’ve always wanted to help. And without even realizing it at the time, tattooing had been quietly calling me my whole life. Growing up around my cousin Chad’s tattoo shop, drawing stencils, coloring flash, even getting in trouble at school for sharpie tattoos, the signs were always there.
So during that quiet season, I reached out to Chad and asked what it would take to start. I didn’t have much. I didn’t have a plan. I just had a feeling I couldn’t ignore anymore. Little by little, I bought supplies. I studied constantly. I practiced. I watched and learned and hoped.
My very first tattoo was on my husband, Seth. I was terrified. My hands shook. But he trusted me anyway. He believed in me before I knew how to fully believe in myself.
Those early days were heavy. I worked two jobs. I missed my kids. My marriage was strained. I was exhausted and scared and pushing myself harder than I ever had before. But when I was tattooing, when I was gloved up and focused ,everything else faded away. My heart felt calm. My mind felt clear. For the first time, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Then everything fell apart….
The shop I was apprenticing at shut down without warning. I had just quit my other job. I had no backup plan. I had very little money. I remember crying in my car, calling every shop I could think of, being told no over and over again. I felt like the dream I fought so hard for was slipping through my fingers.
But I couldn’t let it go.
I found a tiny room for rent, barely big enough for my chair. I used every dollar I had to make it work. I walked into city hall, asked for a business license, and when I got back to my car, I cried harder than I ever had before. Not because I felt confident… but because I didn’t and I was doing it anyway.
That little room became the beginning of Rippie’s Ink Co..
I did my first tattoo there on a mother who had lost her baby. Holding space for her, honoring her story, doing that tattoo in my own tiny shop — it changed me forever. I realized this wasn’t just about art. It was about connection. About healing. About being trusted with something deeply personal.
From there, growth came slowly and honestly. I met people who supported me when I felt unsure. I reunited with artists who shared the same heart. We cried behind the counter. We questioned everything. And then we watched clients turn into friends… and friends turn into family.
Rippie’s was never a carefully mapped-out plan.
It was built from fear, faith, tears, love, and perseverance.
This shop exists for the ones who feel nervous walking in.
For the ones who don’t feel like they belong in traditional spaces.
For the ones carrying stories on their skin and in their hearts.
Every ounce of me lives inside these walls.
Rippie’s is my purpose.
It’s my heart.
And it’s home.
And if you’ve ever walked through our doors or ever will
just know… you belong here 🤍
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has absolutely been a struggle.
One of the biggest struggles in my journey has been learning how to carry the weight of responsibility while still leading with heart. Owning a business isn’t just about art it’s about people, finances, emotions, and constant problem-solving. There have been moments where I was exhausted, discouraged, and questioning if I was strong enough to keep going, especially during times of financial strain, unexpected setbacks, or when negativity tried to overshadow the good we were doing.
Another major challenge has been navigating criticism, judgment, and misunderstanding. When you choose to build something different (a safe, welcoming, female-operated tattoo studio rooted in kindness, community, and integrity) not everyone understands it, and not everyone supports it. Learning not to let outside noise, false perceptions, or unfair criticism derail my purpose has been a hard but necessary lesson.
Balancing motherhood, personal life, and business ownership has also been a struggle. There were seasons where I felt stretched thin, showing up tired but determined because people depended on me, my family, my team, and my clients. I’ve learned that resilience doesn’t mean never breaking down; it means showing up anyway and choosing to keep building even on the hardest days.
Through every struggle, I’ve learned that growth often comes from discomfort, and the challenges I faced shaped me into a stronger leader, artist, and woman. Every obstacle reinforced why I started, to create something meaningful, safe, and impactful, not just for myself, but for my community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an artist, my work centers around intentional, meaningful tattooing. I specialize in fine line and soft black and gray pieces, handwritten scripts, birth flowers, memorial tattoos, and designs that carry emotional weight. Many of my clients come to me during pivotal moments in their lives like grief, healing, growth, or first-time tattoo experiences. I approach every piece with patience, care, and deep respect for their story.
I’m known for my gentle hand, attention to detail, and calming presence. I take pride in creating tattoos that age well and feel personal, not rushed or trendy. For me, tattooing is about connection just as much as technique. I want every client to leave feeling heard, safe, and proud of the piece they carry with them.
As an owner, I’m most proud of the environment I’ve built. I’ve created a female-operated tattoo studio rooted in kindness, emotional safety, and community. My focus has always been to provide a space where both clients and artists feel supported, respected, and empowered.
I lead with heart, transparency, and integrity. I’m deeply involved in mentoring my artists, protecting healthy shop culture, and setting boundaries that prioritize long-term sustainability over burnout. Beyond the shop walls, giving back to the community is a core part of our mission through charity work, local events, and outreach programs that allow us to use our platform to help others.
What sets me apart as an owner is that I don’t separate business from humanity. I believe success isn’t just measured by numbers, but by the lives touched, the team supported, and the community strengthened along the way.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories would have to be carrying my bag of sharpies around and doodling on all of my friends during recess at school. I got in trouble for it but little did they know I was preparing for my future career.
Pricing:
- Shop minimum is $80
- Hourly pricing is $125
- All day session is $1,000
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rippiesinkco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17zSU8cvHc/
