Meet Wendi Ramirez: Tattoo artist, painter, and anthropomorphic assembler.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendi Ramirez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wendi, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started tattooing in 1991. Between then and the time I decided to have my own business, I had experienced multiple shops and artists. It was easy to know what I wanted to present to the public as well as my personal boundaries I realize to stand firm on by refusing to conduct my business in the repeated negative format used by so many shop owners I worked for. I choose to sacrifice a lot in order to hopefully make my artists happy by allowing them to run their own business under the umbrella I’ve built. Hopefully this leads to a drama free relation where they choose to remain loyal. My husband and I are partners who work hard by doing most things ourselves while receiving a modest profit . We value longevity of a business that artists can acknowledge is most beneficial to them opposed to most other shops. It took many years to accomplish the outstanding crew we have of genuine people whom we can consider family. The quality of our clientele stems from this. There is a mutual respect gained when the general public realizes negative behavior isn’t tolerated. Many cliche features of a tattoo shop can remain in the past as we cater to so many walks of life that are also multigenerational. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It was difficult for me to enter this industry nearly 30 years ago when I struggled with true challenges as a young woman. Situations most women don’t have to encounter today. It made me strong. You simply stand firm and never view yourself as a victim or “ less than” and most likely others will respect you. Some take longer than others to appreciate your strength. I value the diversity of styles my crew offers and we all enjoy learning from one another. The education is endless. I’m happy to be a major part of someone acquiring that which they set out to obtain.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m big on live music. Old faithfuls are The Continental Club, C Boys, Stay Gold, Antone’s, and a new spot named Sagebrush. Restaurants would be The Russian House, Justine’s, Junai Sushi, Central Machine Works, Salt Lick BBQ , Fukumoto Japanese Restaurant, and Matt’s Famous El Rancho Restaurant.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Brian Ramirez, who works along side me with a passion for the goals we strive towards. Others are truly endless inspirations whom I have gratitude for. Too many to list. I’ll keep it to the most immediate influences by also praising my father for his support by being my first client full of love and trust so long ago.

Website: www.dovetailtattoo.com
Instagram: @dovetailtattoo and @wendiramireztattoo
Facebook: Dovetail Tattoo and Wendi Ramirez

Image Credits
First black and white of me tattooing Nika Urban taken by Aryn Black