Meet Brenna DeBartolo | Business Owner / Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenna DeBartolo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenna, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?

Forest Souls Tattoo is dedicated to cultivating a sacred and impeccably clean space for the global community by bringing their true tattoo visions to life and delving deep into their stories, not just the images on their skin. While serving a diverse clientele, I’ve discovered that my most significant impact lies within the Deaf community. I understand that for many Deaf individuals, expressing themselves through body art is deeply significant—it’s a reflection of their unique stories and journeys. Unfortunately, many of my Deaf clients have had unsatisfactory experiences with non-Deaf tattoo artists, facing communication barriers that prevented them from fully expressing their desires and resulting in tattoos that didn’t authentically represent their narratives.

At Forest Souls Tattoo, I am dedicated to bridging this gap by providing a genuinely inclusive and authentic experience. As a Deaf-owned and operated establishment, I intimately understand the nuances and depth of Deaf culture and communication. I offer full sign language communication access for clients who use American Sign Language (ASL) in the United States, as well as sign languages for clients worldwide.

My mission extends beyond the tattoo chair. I am deeply passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability, which is why I’ve established partnerships with forestry organizations to protect and restore forest ecosystems across the United States, especially in California. With every new tattoo my clients receive, trees are planted as a symbol of my dedication to the planet and my gratitude for the trust placed in me by the community.

Moreover, as a spiritual individual, I aim to create a haven for souls to find harmony and contemplate, transforming their inner truth into body art. At Forest Souls Tattoo, it’s more than just about crafting beautiful artwork—it’s about honoring individual narratives, fostering inclusivity, and making a positive impact on our environment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m immensely proud to announce that I am the first Deaf female tattoo artist business owner to own a private tattoo studio in America, and possibly in the world!

What sets Forest Souls Tattoo apart is my unwavering commitment to providing not just tattoos, but transformative experiences that delve deep into the stories and souls of my clients. I believe in creating a sacred and impeccably clean space where individuals can express their true selves through body art, particularly by embracing the true essence of Deaf culture with custom, ingenious, and innovative tattoo designs in sign language that uniquely represent each client’s story or personality.

I’m truly proud of the journey that has led me to where I am today as a business owner and artist. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. As a child of 7, I boldly proclaimed my dream of becoming a world-famous artist when asked about my future. Rediscovering a note from my middle school days recently reaffirmed the power of subconscious manifestation. This memory fuels my passion and determination as I continue my journey as an artist.

Another celebration of news to share, I was invited to participate in one of the largest Deaf festivals as one of their tattoo artists in France, July 2024. This recognition on an international stage affirmed that I’ve reached a point where my artistic talents are acknowledged and celebrated globally. It was a moment of profound validation and fulfillment, marking a significant milestone in my journey as an artist.

As an artist my entire life, I stumbled upon the art of tattooing at the age of 15 when my father took me to his biker friend’s tattoo shop. Instantly captivated by the concept of creating art on the canvas of human skin, I knew it was my calling. However, upon observing the traditional mindset prevalent in the shop, I realized that the work ethic there did not align with my vision. Determined to pursue my dream career on my own terms, I chose to defer my tattooing aspirations and pursued an arts major at university instead. Over the years, I ventured into entrepreneurship, founding several businesses while working for corporations, all the while honing my artistic skills. Despite facing numerous challenges, from navigating communication barriers in serving the Deaf community to establishing myself in a competitive industry, I persevered. Despite facing sexual pressure from every tattoo shop owner for the apprenticeship, I found it unprofessional and kept searching for the right shop. It took years of perseverance until I found a few that aligned with my values. Even when I briefly worked for a shop, I realized the owner’s mindset didn’t align with my philosophy, so I left to open my own tattoo studio. My philosophy extends far beyond the stereotypical image of tattoo shops, focusing instead on professionalism, cleanliness, and creating a safe environment. This approach has propelled my business forward.

Through these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance and adaptability. I’ve continuously evolved my approach, whether in understanding my clients’ needs or refining my craft as a tattoo artist.

The logo of Forest Souls Tattoo is a reflection of my personal journey and growth. It began as a representation of my soul’s identity, crafted with my own hands. As my journey progressed, it expanded into my photography business and later transformed into a socially conscious apparel company, Forest Souls. Now, this symbolic tree has extended its branches into Forest Souls Tattoo. The logo itself has undergone a profound transformation, evolving from three spiraled triangles to a shape reminiscent of a forest. Within this design, an endless spiral symbolizes the continuous cycle of energy, creation, and life, spanning past, present, and future. The tree symbolizes life itself, while the forest represents a portal for our souls to expand and recharge our energy. It serves as a reminder for us to stay connected to Mother Nature as Forest Souls’ motto is create, grow, and balance. In addition, the choice of black, white, and green colors in the logo holds symbolic significance. Black and white represent the yin-yang of light and dark, symbolizing balance and harmony. Meanwhile, green embodies growth and renewal, reflecting the vitality of nature and our interconnectedness with the Earth.

What I want the world to know about Forest Souls Tattoo is that it is more than just a tattoo studio—it is a haven for souls seeking meaningful expression. My brand is rooted in inclusivity, authenticity, and a commitment to providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone who walks through my doors, all while being able to represent themselves freely and deeply connected to the energy and essence of our Earth and beyond.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Relocating my tattoo studio for the third time due to rapid growth has been quite the adventure. With the demand for my services soaring, finding a larger space with convenient transportation access near the San Diego International Airport, including the Route 30 bus stop, was essential for accommodating my expanding clientele. Settling in La Jolla has proven to be immensely beneficial for numerous reasons, making it an ideal location for my thriving business.

Notably, my studio is only a block away from the gorgeous beach close to La Jolla Cove, ranked fifth best beach in the US, makes it a no-brainer for us to enjoy its stunning elements. I’d highly recommend a stop by the Bird Rock coffee shop and check out some fantastic small businesses in the area. Moreover, there are numerous fun activities such as surfing, snorkeling, sunset watching, kayaking, swimming, and even the chance to see sea lions and whales. There are a lot of great restaurants in downtown San Diego. It truly is a paradise for everyone, especially my clients who often travel from other towns, states, or countries to get tattooed by me and then kick back for a while.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve had the privilege of meeting some truly fantastic people in my life, each of whom has imparted valuable insights that have fueled my passion. From their brilliant minds, I’ve gleaned nuggets of wisdom that resonate deeply with me and align with my vision.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every individual who has crossed paths with me, whether briefly or for an extended period, and has contributed to my growth and resilience in navigating this chaotic world. Each interaction has been a lesson in survival and adaptation, shaping me into the entrepreneur I am today.

To my inner circle, family, and my boyfriend, I owe a debt of gratitude for their unwavering support and encouragement. Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength as I’ve embarked on this journey as a business owner and artist.

I’m also immensely thankful to all of my clients, whose trust, belief, and support have been the cornerstone of my success. Without them, my business would not be where it is today.

And most of all, I want to thank myself for being fearless enough to dive into the abyss of the unknown and trusting in my own abilities to become a successful business owner and artist, especially without having had many mentors in my life.

From the depths of my heart, thank you to each and every one of you. Your presence in my life has been a blessing beyond measure.

As I continue on this journey, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for what the future holds. Together, let’s keep striving for greatness, supporting one another, and making a positive impact in the world. Here’s to new beginnings and endless possibilities!

Website: https://www.forestsoulstattoo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestsoulstattoo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forestsoulstattoo/

Image Credits
All photo credits to Brenna DeBartolo except one of me working on the ankle with the projector on the wall, please image credit to Stacy Larson for that one.