We recently had the chance to connect with Sierra Jenkins and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sierra, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I start each morning by downing a pot of coffee and catching up on the news. once I’m half awake I force myself to do some yoga or running. it’s difficult some days but I always feel better afterwards and it gives me energy for the rest of the day. after that it’s getting ready for work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Sierra, I’ve always been an artist and have directed that passion into tattooing. I work at Working Class Tattoo in the old Westport area. We’re one of the few shops that takes walk-ins everyday and that definitely sets us apart. I love the challenge of bringing peoples vision into a tattoo. I’m capable and enjoy all styles of tattooing. I could never pick one style as my favorite. I’m currently working on doing a BUNCH of horse flash. I’m a covert horse girl. Once I have enough I want to publish a flash book of them, the working title is ‘Hold Your Horseys’
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was winning state in Cross Country (2008) I felt on top of the world. I worked 4 long years to get to it. It taught me through hard work and dedication I am capable of whatever I set my mind to. I don’t think I’ve ever pulled a bigger smile than on that podium.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
100% during the apprenticeship process for tattooing. it’s incredibly difficult and there is no one way to do it, no blueprint. I bounced around 4 different shops looking for a good fit for me and having to start over each time. It was dismaying and there was many times I was peddling my portfolio and turned away. Learning to take the rejection in stride and try to grow from it was a TASK. Lucky for me I found the perfect fit at Working Class Tattoo.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
My work-sona is so different from the real me it’s actually hilarious. I get very rambunctious when I tattoo. I like to give my clients a fun ride. It’s like my own little stand-up gig but to a captive audience haha! We laugh, we cry, we overshare. We are best friends when you’re in my chair. In real life I’m a total introverted home body.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Any day I have a BIG appointment I get so so excited. I am loving getting to do more large scale work lately. I feel so incredibly grateful people are trusting me to do their entire arm or leg. I recently did a complete working class themed chest piece in one sitting because my client moved to Arkansas and it’s a long drive for him. He sits like a rock and gives me complete artistic freedom. The tattoo we did has been my favorite thus far (don’t tell my other clients).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sierratattoos.com
- Other: bluesky: breadstick-lover.bsky.social
