Khale Nielsen

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My last two tattoos were inspired by, and shared with, the people In my life. Neither were tattoos I would have done to myself alone, however when I imagine myself growing old, these are snapshots of the people I love and the times that I shared with them. These are precious memories of precious people. Should those people leave this world, I’ll always have these tattoos to remember them by.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

I don’t have a lot of ink, but each of my tattoos have meaning and/or a person they represent in my life. If they could speak they would say “Remember, you are loved, and there are people who want you in their lives. Take care of them, and remember to offer yourself the same grace. Learn to love yourself and who you will become. Be kind to you.”

What would you do with the $25,000?

The first thing I would buy is an ice-make for my mother’s yoga studio. She just opened the location. This is a luxury for down the road, so being able to help with that would be a blessing. I would spend some of the money on getting a good apprenticeship or mentorship to develop my own tattooing and art. If possible, I would travel to studios and locations that inspire me as a creative. I know the healing power that tattoos can bring, and want to offer that to as many people as I can.