An Interview with Jacci Gresham the First Known Black Female Tattoo Artist and Shop Owner in the United States
Jacci Gresham
Flint, Michigan native Jacci Gresham is the first known Black female tattoo artist and shop owner in the United States. Her Aart Accent tattoo shop, formerly located in New Orleans famed French Quarter, was Lousiana’s oldest continuous tattoo business. Jacci has designed tattoos for celebrities, been featured in media, and acted as a community leader.
Her picture book autobiography, MARK YOUR MARK, about her life, art, and activism is her debut children’s book written in collaboration with co-author Sherry Fellores and illustrated by David Wilkerson.
“I didn’t set out to be a trailblazer, but that’s what happened. Along the way, I made history by becoming America’s first known Black female tattoo artist, doing what I love while making my mark.” – Jacci Gresham
Make Your Mark by Jacci Gresham with Sherry Fellores
Can you introduce yourself and tell us in your own words, your inspiring story?
I’m Jacci Gresham, America’s first known Black female tattoo artist and shop owner. I’m proud to add a new title, children’s book author. My debut autobiography, MAKE YOUR MARK written in collaboration with Sherry Fellores and Illustrated by David Wilkerson. I’m excited to share my story with a new generation.
I’ve always thought outside the box. Early in my career, I didn’t even have my own tattoo or know any other Black tattoo artist. I learned quickly. I started doing things no other artist did such as using more vibrant colors. I also drew flash on brown paper so people of color would see what designs would look like on their own skin. This small attention to detail helped me stand out.
What made you decide to go into business for yourself?
When I got laid off from my job, I decided to move south. My friend Ali came with me. One day, he told me about how he learned to tattoo while he lived in England. I realized there weren’t any tattoo shops in the area, so we decided to go into the business together. Eventually, I took over the shop on my own.
How did you market your business when it was brand new?
Back then, you had to be creative because technology wasn’t around. I put my logo on t-shirts and my vehicles. I would park on the main street in high-traffic areas. I took out late-night television ads and sent out mailings with a discount coupon. After Hurricane Katrina hit NOLA, people had to move their refrigerators out to the curb for disposal. I went around and drew art on them to bring a smile to a desperate situation with a message saying “come and see us–we’re open.”
I also added the extra A to our business name AArt Accent so we’d be at the top of the phone book. I added the motto and logo, “LOOK BETTER NAKED” Get A Tattoo. That got people’s attention.
What is a typical day like for you?
Back when my shop was open, I’d start early. I did all the typical things you need to do to run a business. I ordered supplies, did our banking and payroll, took my own appointments, cleaned and sterilized equipment, drew designs, and tattooed my clients. I worked long days, but I loved it.
What are the three most important habits to be a successful entrepreneur?
Think outside the box.
Love what you do and keep learning new things.
Be willing to change with the times and adapt.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Respect the people who are working for you. I would never expect an employee to do something I wouldn’t do myself. Work alongside your people and keep a positive atmosphere.
Yes! The people in my community are important to me. There are lots of people down on their luck and there is always a way to help. I have helped people by giving them food, work, and sometimes money depending on the situation.
Many people walk down Rampart Street where my shop is located. I always provided benches for people to sit down. I liked to decorate both the inside and outside of my shop for holidays and Mardi Gras so everyone could enjoy and make my place welcoming.
What would you consider your biggest accomplishment and why?
I always try to empower women. I’d like to think I have given some women the courage to chase their own dreams and become business owners themselves–to work for themselves. I came from an era where women didn’t have a foothold in this business. I was doing a job that no other women did. It was a man’s industry and I broke in and gained respect. I know my life’s work and my art have empowered women to go after what they want.
We all face challenges. Looking back, what have been some of the biggest challenges and obstacles you’ve had to navigate?
Some of my biggest challenges were trying to navigate myself as a woman in a male-dominated industry and gaining respect. Making a name for myself in the tattoo industry.
I was raised up North in Michigan where racism was evident, but nothing like in the South.
When I moved South, in the 1970’s, I really felt it. Being a woman in this man’s industry was tough, being a Black woman made it even tougher.
What challenges have you faced in the workplace, especially your experience in male-dominated environments?
What sticks out in my mind the most was the struggle when it came time to rent or buy the location for our business. Most landlords and banks didn’t give loans or rent to women, even though I was qualified.
Another struggle earning respect from the men in the industry. Men didn’t always take kindly to a woman boss. Women are always making changes, making things better. Men back then, in my opinion, didn’t like women coming in and changing things. Also, lots of the men I worked with back then didn’t like if you did a better job than they did.
Which female leader do you admire, and why?
I have three women I really admire:
Kandi Everett
Judy Parkers
Vyvyn Lazonga
I admire them because they are trendsetters. They do more feminine work, original work. They do their one thing, not what everyone else is doing.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you?
The motto for my tattoo shop was always, “Look Better Naked” Get A Tattoo!
Do you have any future projects that you are looking forward to?
Yes! I’m really looking forward to focusing on sharing my new book with this next generation of young people. Tattoos are much more mainstream than they used to be and most parents and professionals have tattoos these days. Kids don’t realize it so I’m excited to share a bit of the history with them.
All of these and more are part of our interview series spotlighting successful women in business.
Melissa Stewart is the founder of SheOwnsIt.com. She is a Purveyor of Possibility, Entrepreneur Advocate and Coffee Addict. She believes that behind every successful woman is her story. What’s your story?
