Today we’d like to introduce you to Celeste Masters.
Celeste, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into tattooing began in the early 2000s, guided by my mentor, Andy Casali, in Clarksville, just outside Fort Campbell. Those early years were a whirlwind of learning and growing, as I connected with local artists and traveled to my first conventions. Then, life threw me a curveball—I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. It was a challenging time, but instead of letting it derail my passion, I moved to Nashville and doubled down on my craft.
In Nashville, I found a supportive community and a loyal client base that stood by me through thick and thin. After three amazing years, I discovered a small shop in Gallatin, where I began to plant my roots. The journey wasn’t without its hardships, but with the encouragement of friends, family, and my then two-year-old daughter, I took a leap of faith and opened my own shop, Grimoire Ink. Despite the naysayers and negativity, we’ve now been thriving for five years, creating meaningful art that fills lives with stories and a bit of magic. It’s been a wild ride, but every moment has been worth it!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all! My journey has been anything but smooth. Early on, I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, which added a layer of complexity to my work. I’ve also faced the loss of my mentor and my partner during those formative years, which was incredibly challenging.
Being a woman in the tattoo industry, especially in the early 2000s, came with its own set of hurdles. There’s still a lingering stigma that women are somehow inferior to their male counterparts, and I’ve spent years pushing back against that mindset. It’s been a fight to prove that talent and passion know no gender. Each challenge has only fueled my determination to succeed and create a space where everyone can thrive.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Grimoire Ink, my focus is on creating a safe and nurturing environment for both artists and clients. We believe that every person who walks through our doors should feel cared for and respected. While there’s always room for growth and improvement, we work diligently every day to enhance that experience.
What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering a sense of community. We’re not just colleagues; we’re a family united by a shared passion for art. We host community events and strive to spread positivity wherever we go. Plus, we love to throw down some Magic: The Gathering tournaments!
I’m most proud of the welcoming atmosphere we’ve built and the connections we’ve made. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients leave not just with beautiful ink but also with a smile and a sense of belonging. That sense of community is what truly makes our work special.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Just keep at it. When it seem it is all for not just keep going
Contact Info:
- Website: https://GrimoireInk.com
- Instagram: @madamecelestetattoo
- Facebook: @madamecelestetattoo
