Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn (Doll) Reeves.
Carolyn (Doll), we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I actually never had being a tattoo artist cross my mind even though I’ve always drawn since a little girl. I wanted to do real estate, be a chef and drive 18 wheelers. I went with a cousin of mine and saw her get a tattoo done and wondered if that was something I could do! I bought a $50 tattoo kit off of eBay in 2013 and did a tattoo on myself. I couldn’t really find anyone to let me tattoo them because I didn’t have experience so I did a huge tattoo on my thigh and I took off from there. Just made 12 years October 2025.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a unique journey for sure. I had to learn everything from self. I did eventually try to get an apprenticeship and it was overly expensive something I could not afford then. So everything was trial and err. While it hasn’t been the easiest I am proud of how far I’ve come on my own. I’ve had easy pieces that were a breeze and other pieces questioning if this is something I can even do! All and all I’ve enjoyed and loved my journey as a tattoo artist good bad and trials.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a self taught tattoo artist of 12 years. I do everything from script, to portraits to coverups, black and gray all the way to color! I even do custom designs and freehand pieces as well. I would say I am known for how I can put color in melanin skin and how clean my work is. What I am most proud of is no matter how hard it got, I kept pushing forward and opened my own tattoo shop. I have had her for 5 years now. What sets me apart is I know and can be very creative to set myself apart from other tattoo artist. I come up with unique pieces when asked that are not just on the internet. While I do have those clients that want exactly what they send to me, I love and tackle the ones that gives me creative control and just let me do my thing based off of their idea. I pay attention to details, saturation and anatomy of the body. I care that it is forever and want it done correctly as if I’m going to wear it forever.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I am originally born and raised in Gary, IN and I moved to Texas in 2016. What I love about being in Texas in general is how much opportunity it is here. The great schools for my kids because that is just as important. You can really set yourself up for life being here if it’s done right. I have been here almost 10 years and the only thing I least like is the traffic. It is a nightmare. Other than that, I have no complaints. I’ve had great years being here.
Pricing:
- My base minimum is $200
- I tattoo everything outside of American Traditional
- My tattoo shop minimum is $60 and up
- We also do flash tattoos that are under $60 but they are our designs only.
- We work with budgets to get you a piece you’ll love.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dhoiofficial/?igsh=YTl3Nzlrd2pydTdp
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dollshouseofink?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
Carolyn (Doll) Reeves
