Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantrelle LeNoir.
Hi Chantrelle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been creative all of my life… I can’t imagine a year or time period in my life where I wasn’t making something. Whether it be art, music, clothes etc. but when I started tattooing. It was a form of art that felt so much different from the rest.
I bought my first machine my senior year in high school. And because of the experiences, I had with other artists at that age, seeing how apprenticeships were harder to obtain than a 9/5.. I had a very off and on again relationship with tattooing. After moving outside of major cities like Brooklyn and Atlanta.. I saw more of the need to bring my art to smaller cities to reach even more people who may be prior didn’t have access to tattooist of color.
When I moved to San Antonio 4 years ago, my goal was to open a creative studio with other talented women of color. Where we can create, teach, and learn with the community. And after almost a year in business, I’ve reached that goal through Studio See.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My first year owning the shop has probably been the most trying time of my life! I’ve learned so much patience through this journey.. not only with myself, but through having to navigate through all of the other artists in the city.
I’ve faced colorism, vandalism, and occasional cyberbullying. Words of support and the complete opposite from other artists/shop owners. All of this however, has only become fuel for me to do better. And go harder. If not for me, my team and clients.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Outside of being a tattooist.. I’d like to generalize what I do as “everything art”. I am an artist. A musician. A muralist. Singer/Songwriter. Model. If it’s even close to the creative realm. I’ve most definitely probably spent a significant amount of time trying to perfect it.
And even with multiple projects in the works, I am still most proud of Studio See. This space is by far my favorite creation! Having a safe space for people of color to receive and experience art is so important for the community to have access to.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
After 10+ years of tattooing, I’m at a stage in my life where I’m beginning to transition from the tattoo to the music industry. After releasing my latest album “Gemini” I realized I had a lot more to say to the world.
I’d like to give my hands a break for a while.. and use my voice in hopes to reach more people.
Contact Info:
- Email: BOOKINGCHANTRELLE@gmail.com
- Instagram: Chantre1le
- Facebook: Facebook.com/studiosee
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC3HL9T_WTHKqsSEqNJ6aezw
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7F1v5hQdbvsIC6HpmYm47C
Image Credits
Shawn (@shawnshootsraw)
John (@john.harvell)
