In this episode of Chats and Tatts,  I had the privilege of interviewing Stevie Randallyn, a tattoo artist who overcame a life-altering stroke. Stevie shared her journey of experiencing a stroke at a young age and how it affected her ability to speak, taste, and even tattoo. Despite facing significant challenges, Stevie's determination and resilience shone through as she navigated the difficulties of relearning how to tattoo with one hand and overcoming the limitations caused by the stroke.

Stevie's story is one of redemption and inspiration, showcasing her unwavering passion for tattooing and her ability to adapt to new circumstances. She highlighted the importance of support from the tattoo community and the impact of her stroke on her personality and perspective on life. Through her experiences, Stevie emphasized the power of gratitude and the ability to find strength in the face of adversity.

Overall, Stevie's journey serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to overcome challenges with determination and a positive mindset. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the ability to find beauty and gratitude in every moment.

Chat breakdown:

[00:02:33] Stevie's love for tattooing.

[00:04:51] Overcoming adversity.

[00:09:33] Stroke recovery and realization.

[00:12:53] Overcoming challenges for two daughters.

[00:16:49] Overcoming self-pity and finding inspiration.

[00:17:41] Tattoo community and support.

[00:29:31] Overcoming language challenges post-stroke.

[00:35:13] Life-changing effects of stroke.

[00:39:57] Lack of gratitude.

[00:42:09] Acupuncture and stroke recovery.

[00:47:00] Juggling motherhood and tattooing.

[00:51:19] Overcoming challenges in motorcycle riding.

[00:58:59] Embracing individuality in tattoo art.

[01:00:08] Drawing on iPad vs. paper.

[01:06:42] Tattooing and personal growth.

[01:11:59] The evolution of tattoo marketing.

[01:14:29] Tattooing traditions and inspiration.

Quotes:

"It's amazing to me what humans can get done when there's no way out."

"Just because you're having an emotion doesn't mean you have to react to that emotion. You can just stand back and look at it and decide what to do with it."

"I feel like we all suffer from a disease as human beings of lack of gratitude"