HomeCreatorsHow the Mobile Tattoo Shop Ink Minx is Reshaping Tattoo Culture How the Mobile Tattoo Shop Ink Minx is Reshaping Tattoo Culture Shanzey Afzal is a female tattoo artist that runs her business out of a remodeled 1963 Shasta trailer. Through tattooing, Shanzey is breaking cultural stigmas surrounding the industry. Tattoo Culture Tattoo culture has evolved over thousands of years. It’s prevalent in different countries, across different cultures, and embodied by both men and women. In America, it’s a mix of cultures and the perception of tattoos have changed over the course of time. From it being seen on “unsavory” folk like sailors and prisoners in the 1930’s, to today, where tattoos are widely seen on social media, celebrities, and maybe even on yourself and your best friend. Though tattoo culture is currently at its peak of acceptance, there is still a stigma surrounding the art. Unfortunately, tattoos are taboo in Jewish, Muslim, and Asian cultures. “One thing my family disowned me for is saying that now that I’m tattooed I can’t go to Pakistan with them,” she explains to Slutist. “There are going to be people who are going to be adamantly against that.” Ink Minx Ink Minx is a necessity. Shanzey wanted to create a space for women who are struggling with tattoo stigma and other life challenges. Getting a tattoo is a very vulnerable experience. As a result, her trailer is only fit for two people – Shanzey and the client. And because it is so intimate, she wants to make the process as comfortable as possible. Shanzey is a a first-generation American, of Pakistani and Indian origins. She practiced henna with her family when she was young and discovered a new passion that launched her career. Shanzey found that most of the women that she works on prefers someone with experience that they can relate to. “They know they’re going to get a tattoo, they may feel some sense of shame or guilt, and they just need someone to say to them: I’ve been here before,” she tells Huffington Post. “I got a Muslim symbol tattooed on me to honor my past and what my family was about. Even though a tattoo is taboo, this is the tattoo to honor that. They need to hear that it’s OK.” View this post on Instagram Posted with permission of the client. Experimenting with dot work. Thank you from traveling all the way from RI! #ink #arthelixgallery #shimgrams #home_artist1 @shimgrams #grelaorihuela #aquaartmiami #artbaselmiami #artmiami @artmiamifairs #inkminxtattootour #inkminxtattootour A post shared by Tattoos For Women (@inkminxtattoo) on Nov 7, 2018 at 7:23am PST Shanzey’s studio is parked in New York City. However, she is looking to take the trailer cross-country into festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo, and Lallapalooza when she’s not working at events and fundraisers. Her feminist mindset is instilled in her policy of women first. Shanzey drives her trailer across the East Coast with her Ink Minx vanity plate in view. She hopes to give women the opportunity to express themselves through tattooing in a comfortable and safe space. Jie Kuang Jie is the Founder and CEO of Monochrome Pink, a publication focused on creators who are passionate about social issues. She supports creatives by giving them a platform to present themselves and their work in an environment that encourages growth. Jie has a background in SEO marketing, social media, and digital strategy. Jie has been invited to speak at top universities such as the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University to discuss entrepreneurship and building a positive startup culture. She aims to motivate young creatives to build an empire that will pave the way for the next generation. Share This Previous ArticlePantone's Color of the Year is "Living Coral" and We Are All About It Next ArticleThese States Are Plastic Bag Free and Here's Why the Rest of America Needs to Follow December 10, 2018