Inspiring Conversations with Laetitia Coleman of Angel Tattoo Tampa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laetitia Coleman.

Hi Laetitia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Angel Tattoo body piercing and tattoo studio in Tampa, Florida, is one of Tampa’s most experienced and respected Tattoo and Body piercing shops. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, you can trust us to deliver only the best in Tattooing and Piercing. Angel Tattoo was founded and opened by Laetitia Coleman, one of the first women to practice the fine art of tattooing in France. Laetitia was later joined by her husband Ryan and relocated to Florida to open a brand new studio. Angel tattoo now has a strong and experienced team of diverse and friendly artists from around the world. Over the years, Laetitia and her team at Angel Tattoo have won numerous prizes and worked with many national and international artists. Our studio is renowned for our expertise, our hygiene, our honesty, and the guarantee of always offering you the best.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road to my career as a tattoo artist was not at all smooth. I had to find a mentor. I had to let my parents know what I wanted to be and drop school. Once I had done both sleeves on my friend, we went to Paris to visit the best tattoo artist from back then and ask him if it was worth keeping on this path. He was impressed by some of the work I’d done and told me to pursue it. I tried to find a mentor. I really needed to learn for real. The tattoo industry was very secret already, and without a mentor, I knew I couldn’t learn. I got the chance to be taken as an apprentice. I was taught how to solder needles, hygiene, and a lot more things that are considered industry secrets. The tattoo artists from the industry never really had an issue about me being a lady. The main issue stemmed from clients. Most thought I was there to be a cleaning lady or a secretary but would never consider I was there to be a tattoo artist. Back then, there were no female tattoo artists.

We’ve been impressed with Angel Tattoo Tampa, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our studio is one of three “Angel Tattoo” shops. We are located in Tampa and have two shops in Nice, France, where Laetitia began her career. Laetitia is known for her deep passion in her works, particularly with her precision in fine line tattoos and portraits. Every client is important to her and our team works hard to maintain a positive and friendly air in the shop. Laetitia and her team at Angel Tattoo have won numerous prizes and worked with many national and international artists. In addition to being tattooers, both Ryan and Laetitia are professional piercers. We offer educational aftercare and a number of jewelry options for your needs.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am considered a pioneer for female tattooers in France. After years of learning, I finally opened my own shop in 1996. We were only three female tattoo artists in the whole country. I was the only one working alone without men in our shop. Today, my shop is still open. It is the second oldest shop in town. Afterwards, I moved to Tampa over five years ago with my beloved husband, Ryan. Our daughter is the one who now runs the old shop, as this is where she grew up. She is also the manager of our second shop that we opened nine years ago. Our tattoo shops are family owned and family operated. My husband, daughter, and I are all tattoo artists and body piercers. Our shops are named “Angel Tattoo,” after our daughter (Angelique).

Contact Info:

• Address: 11158 n 30th Street
• Email: AngelTattooTampa@gmail.com
• Website: AngelTattooTampa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angeltattootampa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angeltattootampa/