Getting to know the Artist behind PEACE MACHINE TATTOO – Chatting with Kayla.
By Mai-Liis Renaud
A while ago I attended the first Networking Event of 2024 for the Business Sisters – Consœurs en Affaires located at their office, 213 Main Street North, Alexandria, ON where I met many wonderful ladies in business. I was fortunate to meet one lady named Kayla, owner of Peace Machine Tattoo, a tattoo and piercing shop. Upon talking to her, I discovered that this is a rather unique tattoo studio that deals with eco-friendly products and also, as well as operating from a brick and mortar location at 139 Kenyon Street West, in Alexandria, Ontario, has a mobile location in the form of a van – a regular looking van from the outside – but on the inside – one that is professionally set up as a as a tattoo studio. Kayla has such an interesting story that I felt it needed to be shared and share I will in the form of the Seeker’s 5 Question interview.
So here goes …
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. How and when did you decide to open this business? I’m curious, how did you come up with the name “Peace Machine Tattoo”?
My name is Kayla Clermont and I own Peace Machine Tattoo. I’ve been an artist since the age of 8 and have been interested in tattoos since the age of 9. I spent the majority of my childhood and adolescence developing my art skills in several different mediums. Before becoming a tattoo artist, I pursued an education in teaching. I was teacher for two years during COVID. When Covid shut down schools in early 2022, I lost two out of three of my jobs. This left me with lot of time to think about my future and what I wanted for it. I had always wanted to be a tattoo artist however, I felt previously that I needed to pursue a more traditional career path so I chose teaching. With my free time during Covid I looked for tattoo apprenticeships as I felt that this was the right time to dive into my dream and hope that it worked out! I found an apprenticeship, worked hard every day to improve in every aspect that I could, and the rest is history as they say. Opening my business was the result of not being able to find a shop to work in that was inclusive of myself or my clients. I knew that I had to be the one to create change and start this unique journey. As for the name Peace Machine Tattoo, I knew I wanted to include the word “peace” in my business name but I wasn’t sure where or how to. I was listening to music one day and an incredible song by Philip Sayce came on called “Peace Machine” and I instantly knew that was the new name for my business. The word “machine” works in 2 ways for this: First, a vehicle can sometimes be referred to as a machine and this would reference my mobile tattoo van. Second, “machine” would reference the machine I use to tattoo. It was a perfect fit for every aspect of my business.
2. What is unique about your business versus other Tattoo Studios and what is your Mission Statement?
My business is unique in many ways. We are an LGBTQ+ owned business and are inclusive to all people no matter race, gender, sexual orientation or otherwise. Another truly unique thing about my business is the mobile tattoo shop that I operate which is one-of-a-kind for the area. Lastly we are the only tattoo shop in the area that operates almost completely with eco-friendly products. As for a mission statement my mission in my business is to offer an inclusive environment for everyone to get tattooed while simultaneously caring for the environment.
3. Congratulations on your First Year Anniversary this past February! How does your business improve or change the community at large – Reflecting on its first year milestone, what significant achievements or memorable experiences has the mobile tattoo studio encountered that have contributed to its success and reputation within the industry and in your community? How has the flexibility of a mobile setup allowed the studio to reach a broader audience?
Thank you so much. My 1 year anniversary is a huge milestone that I am so proud of. To start, my business improves the community at large as I started a flash fundraiser initiative in the area. This means that I hold special days every month where clients can get a pre-drawn design for a set price. This money gets donated to charities in the area. So far I’ve donated more than $5000 to a variety of charities, and causes that were in need in our community. Secondly, the mobile set up has allowed me to be able to bring my charity fundraising to other local areas such as Sarsfield near Orleans. Last year 2 ladies who were hosting a run for the cure heard about my van when I tattooed at the Nevan market. They asked me to stop in on their farm to help support their fundraising initiative for breast cancer awareness. They shared stories of triumph over breast cancer, stories of grief and loss of loved ones, it was such a heart wrenching yet heart warming experience; one I will never forget. Lastly, my mobile set up has offered my career so much flexibility as I can take my skills anywhere. It has allowed me to connect with several clients and events that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to connect with if I didn’t have my mobile set up.
4. In the description of your Tattoo Studio on Facebook it says “Eco-friendly tattooing” – What specific eco-friendly products or materials does your Tattoo studio utilize in its tattooing process and day to day operations, and how do these choices contribute to reducing its environmental footprint? What are some potential future initiatives or goals the studio has in mind to further enhance its eco-friendly practices and minimize its environmental impact while continuing to provide top-quality tattoo services?
We use several eco-friendly products in our tattoo set up that reduces our single use plastic waste and our environmental footprint. Some of the supplies include: paper ink caps, paper disposable rinse cups bamboo razors, bamboo tongue depressors, compostable garbage bags, compostable machine bags, compostable bottle bags, as well as plant-based and compostable barriers for covering our chairs and armrests while tattooing. Taken directly from the company whose products I use this is the perfect reason why I choose to use eco-friendly products. “SINGLE USE PETROLEUM PLASTICS Within Canada & the USA alone, there are approximately 23,100 registered tattoo shops. Every day they produce roughly 2,000 pounds of plastic which amounts to over 46 million pounds of plastic garbage per year.” I continue to give my feedback to several companies about products that I use that are not eco-friendly in hopes that they can eventually develop these into eco-friendly products that I can use and in turn faze out my plastic supplies. I hope to one day have a 100% compostable/eco-friendly tattoo set up. I strongly believe that my single use tattoo supplies should not outlive the tattoos that I do.
5. Looking ahead, how does the studio plan to continue evolving and innovating its unique business model to better serve its community and uphold its values of care, inclusivity, and creativity?
To me, it’s all about communication, communicating with my clients and finding out their needs. At the end of the day, I am not successful without them. I am hoping to one day be able to organize larger scale fundraisers to further my community impact. I would also like to work more creatively within the area to develop more art initiatives and help to continue to beautify our communities through art!
Bonus Question: Is there anything else our readers should know about this unique business and your approach on Tattooing and Piercing? Also, How does someone get a hold of you? Contact info please…
The execution of your tattoo will be in the best hands with me. I am constantly evolving and improving my skills so that I can better serve you; my client or future client! I work largely in American traditional and full colour styles but I am equally well versed in fine line, and black and grey work. My space whether it’s my van or my shop is a judgment free and inclusive space that you can always feel comfortable and safe in. I have tons of information on my social media accounts regarding my van and how you can book me for your next event as well as information to book with me for your next tattoo!
Thank you Kayla for the chat and chance to get to know you and your business. I have to say, when I look at the pics of you always smiling, the phrase “When you Love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life” comes to mind. It isn’t hard to see that you are passionate about what you do!
