Today we’d like to introduce you to Christalyn Peach.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
No longer wanting to stay complacent, and not fulfilling my true passion became the catalyst in my exploration of pursuing art and tattooing. I’ve always carried a strong foundation in art. I remember being as young as 3 or 4 and my parents buying me tons of art supplies for birthdays and holidays, which carried through my adolescent and teenage years. I also admired my older brother’s art… often sneaking into his room when he wasn’t around to marvel at his drawings. He would hide them alot because some were nudes, lol… a lot were images of cars and shapes… he was also into comics and drawings of people of color. I always admired and tried to mimic that.
Fast forward, I obtained my BFA from UNT for design. However, it wasn’t until recently I actually took time to put my skills and knowledge to use. I spent over a decade as a single mom trying to focus on the welfare of my child…tried to paint his pictures as bright as I possibly could, so he would have stability. But as he approaches his senior year in high school, I am taking a new approach on life. Embracing all that is good for me, leaving negativity behind, and seeking higher peaks… some I thought I would never get to accomplish.
I’ve always had a love for the art of tattooing, I just never thought the opportunity would present itself. Until one day, scrolling on IG, I came across a local tattoo shop who was holding tattoo class. It immediately caught my attention. I rearranged my time at work to work 10hr. shifts, just to have Tues off to attend the class. I remained diligent and committed to learning. I’m still learning and growing, but forever grateful to OG Poppy and Da Kandy Shop for opening a window of opportunity for me. The support in Dallas has been tremendously beautiful! I now apprentice at the Da Kandy Shop in Grand Prairie, TX, and occasionally their shop in Arlington.
I plan to keep going! The train doesn’t stop here! Lol… I’m determined to rub elbows with some of the world’s greatest tattoo artist someday. The world has so much to offer and I’m just a little Peach trying to gain all she can.
Great, 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?
Oh smooth!? Lol no, not at all. Which isn’t a bad thing, it just makes it all worth it in the end. I believe God has a sense of humor, and I’ve just learned to laugh in the face of adversity. I’ve had my fair share of struggle and upset. The year isn’t even over and I’ve had to overcome heartache, loss of loved ones, financial hardships, challenges of moving, and balancing the single parent life. But somehow, I press forward. I’ve learned that complaining won’t do anything for me or my situation. I’m pretty resilient. I allow myself to cry… and sometimes ugly cry, and be vulnerable in my own element for one day… then, I pray/meditate, regroup and persevere.
ART x Peach – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m currently not a business owner, but I am my own entity. PEACH… a woman who strives for nothing short of greatness. I specialize in creativity from many aspects: visual art (drawing/illustrations, and painting), conceptual design, fashion influencer, and apprenticing tattoo artist.
Currently, I’m proud of self-growth. I’ve managed to engulf myself with things in life that are important to me as they relate to my progression in my craft as an artist.
I’ve been told on a few occasions that I have a “magnetic personality”… lol, I suppose that sets me apart. I try to exude positive energy. I know the importance of a simple smile or a “hello”. I put good feels into my art as well. I love vibrant, passionate, bold colors… so when I speak, walk, and interact with people, I try to reflect that as well. I put myself into the art I create…and in turn, the art helps create who I am today. We are one.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
So far, summer 2019 has been an amazing ride. I’ve accomplished so much in so little time! Had a blast competing in art competitions, participating in art shows, meeting fellow artist and sharing ideas and will hopefully organize my own art exhibition soon! However, having an opportunity to fulfill my dream of becoming a tattoo artist in a real tattoo shop THAT has topped the cake! Lol.
Pricing:
- Monday Tattoo Specials $20 (select sizes, BLK ink only) – Kandy Shop Nawf
- Friday Tattoo Specials $25 (select sizes/BLK ink only) Kandy Shop Nawf
Contact Info:
- Address: Kandy Shop Nawf
2045 N Hwy 360 #124
Grand Prairie TX 75050 - Email: peach.dapluggart@gmail.com
- Instagram: @That.Sweet.Peach
- Other: Kandyshopnawf
Image Credit:
@lonelyboyjoshua
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