Ep.16 Tattoo Sue: A 77-Year-Old’s First Ink & the Grit Behind the Art

"With Instagram and internet research, there is no excuse now for going to a bad tattoo artist."

—SHANNON WAGES, Tattoo Artist

 

We start off with how Sue got her first tattoo at age 77 (from a great tattoo artist, Chuy, at his Tatuajes Raza studio), and why the rainbow peace sign is so meaningful to her. And fun fact: Kelli's first tattoo was administered by a dude named Buzzard in a Mississippi double-wide.

 

Then tattoo artist extraordinaire Shannon Wages joins Kelli and Sue to share her 19-year journey from working the shop counter to becoming a leader in an all-female tattoo studio. She discusses breaking into a male-dominated industry, mentoring other artists, and the importance of health, safety, and professional standards.

 

The conversation covers tattoo culture shifts—sleeves, face tattoos, and cover-ups—along with stories about refusing certain designs and advice for anyone considering a tattoo: do your research and choose a reputable artist.

 

Of course, there are Neighborhood Notes and Daisy the Dog updates (she's doing better!), along with the Mailbag, Drinks of the Day, and how we used Sue's tattoo as a benchmark in the show's aim to making a positive difference.

 

Please join Kelli and Sue on their audio front porch for this and more—and together we can solve ... all the problems of the world.

 

 

Photos, bonus video and more at FrontPorchAF.com