Today we’d like to introduce you to Chai Lee.
Chai, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My tattoo journey began with a tough but deeply formative apprenticeship in the heart of Denton. Soon after, COVID brought a lot of uncertainty and changed the landscape for everyone.
When things reopened, I found a place in Dallas where I could truly grow into my work. Since then, the years have moved quickly, building one public studio and two private studios while continuing to cultivate a style that still feels alive and evolving.
Today, I work from a cozy little room inside the woman-owned offices at Stoke Coworking, and I couldn’t be happier there. I’m deeply grateful for my clients and for the privilege of commemorating plants, insects, wildlife, memories, and meaningful moments through artwork that stays with people forever.
I also continue to coach tattoo artists on an individual level and drive toward my love for nature and community with the gifts I have.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a single mother of three has been a wild and humbling ride. Tattooing has given me the ability to show up for my kids in ways I once couldn’t have imagined. There have been hard seasons where motherhood and career growth felt at odds with each other, and balancing both hasn’t always come easily.
Coming from homelessness, poverty, and very little support, I’m deeply grateful for where I am today. None of it happened in isolation. It’s been a convergence of so many factors, within and without, fueled by the unique magic of the tattoo industry itself.
My apprenticeship kicked my butt and pushed me mentally and emotionally, but it also gave me tools and gifts I’ll carry for life. Through the stability and opportunities tattooing created, I was able to leave an abusive relationship, build a strong sense of community, and continue growing through the challenges of both small business ownership and personal transformation.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in vintage botanical realism. My work reflects my own deeply embodied value of the natural world—drawing heavily from plants, insects, birds, antiques, texture, and memories. I work primarily in black and gray realism as well as muted, earthy color palettes, and I’m especially drawn to long, flowing compositions that pull the natural world and human body together.
What sets me apart is my dedication to the craft and client experience. I care about tattoos that have sharpness and texture for longevity, about the client experience being the least painful for the most results (which is a notably difficult balance sometimes), and adorning the body with a style that they can feel forever proud of. I take the design process seriously, value collaboration, and try to balance professionalism with warmth and honesty.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve learned that the chemistry between intentionality and drive is everything. An aimless career is one that will die out. So it’s critical to dig deep and marry your values with your business goals.
As my career has developed from the “jack of all trades” kind of approach toward my “vintage botanical realism” niche, I have become much happier with my day-to-day work. I trust that showing up each day is contributing to my overall mastery of the craft, both in executive and artistic skills.
But most of all, I’ve learned that my small, stable community of friends and tattoo artist keep me grounded. Many of them, I have gained through the exposure of coworking or directly tattooing. They’ve helped pull my instinctively small-minded artist brain into the greater picture, and we are so supportive of one another.
Pricing:
- $200/hr Starting Rate
- Half-Day Discount: $160/hour
- Full-Day Discount: $140/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Chaisunlee.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/chaisunlee.tattoos
