Today we’d like to introduce you to Zen Forbes.
Hi Zen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My tattoo career started unexpectedly in 2009. I was going to get a tattoo by a local artist by the name of Kevo Aregbe. After seeing some of my drawings, he asked had I ever thought about being a tattoo artist. After explaining that I hadn’t, but I’d always love to draw, he offered to buy me a tattoo starter kit if I gave him the money. He showed me some lining and shading techniques where I was able to practice on myself, my friends and family. After a couple years of practice, I started working at the first tattoo shop of my career called Tapout tattooing. There, I was able to learn more from other artists in the shop and start gaining clientele of my own. Since then, I’ve worked at several shops around the Houston area, with the most recent shop being Level’d up Ink, owned by a local artist and piercer, Lorenda Toran. This is the first and only female-owned tattoo shop I’ve worked at, and it was such a great experience. The owner of the shop introduced me to Lorri Thomas, the creator of the largest black female tattooing collective in the United States called Ladies of Ink. Since meeting Lorri, I’ve traveled to 9 different tattoo conventions and have expanded my brand more than I had ever imagined. Traveling to conventions gives me the opportunity to not only meet new clients and make money but to network with other artists. Now I am working at a private studio in the galleria area called Be inky tattoos.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In 2015 I got a difficult client, who got a tattoo and wanted a refund after her husband said that he didn’t like it. After explaining to her that I did not do refunds for my services, she went online, badmouthing me and the shop. I allowed the criticism to get to me to the point where I stopped tattooing for 5 years. During that time, I did lots of self-discovery, started practicing & teaching yoga, and came to the realization that my artwork isn’t for everybody and the people that it’s for will love and appreciate it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I love tattooing bold lines and color, anime, cartoons, animals, floral designs, anything nostalgic. I’m known for my bold color and fun designs. I’m most proud of being able to get back into the industry after being discouraged. What sets me apart from others is that I am down to earth, caring, and love to help others express themselves through art and movement. Since I started teaching yoga at Black Swan Yoga in Houston, I have started a loyalty program for my students. After coming to 10 of my yoga classes and getting their loyalty card stamped, they receive either a free small tattoo or $100 off of a larger piece.
Zenovia “Zen” Forbes is a yoga instructor and tattoo artist whose mission is to help people find a unique way of expressing themselves through movement and art.
She started practicing yoga in 2014 after experiencing a period of depression and has been teaching since 2016. Ever since, Zen has been committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces and opportunities for others to find peace, stillness, breath, and hope.
Her fun energy creates a dynamic space that uplifts students of all backgrounds and encourages growth of the physical and spiritual self.
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
By reaching out through email: ZenAFinkBooking@gmail.com or social media.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenaf_ink?igsh=MTJrcXh3cmZvbGVkbQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://blackswanyoga.com/houston/schedule/
Image Credits
Jamaal Ellis
J’nae Williamson
