As an artist, Selina Medina understands the power of art to tell a story, communicate feelings, and memorialize significant events. When she first began exploring the art of tattoos twenty years ago, she knew it was the perfect career for her. “I was immediately captivated with the ability to help people through events in their life or commemorate really special things by doing tattoos for them,” she shared. “The more that I progressed in tattooing, the more that I came to love it, respect it, and not only have a certain reverence for my clients, but also for the art and the craft of tattooing.”
Over the years, Selina has honed her skills and developed an extensive experience portfolio that ranges from doing large full-body tattoos to nano/micro tattoos and everything in between. In addition to creating new designs, she also specializes in reworking existing tattoos, covering up tattoos, and creating a plan for longer, ongoing tattoo projects.
A few years ago, Selina moved to the South Charlotte area and opened Girly Tattoos, providing an elevated, curated, and private tattoo experience. “My vision for opening a tattoo studio was to blend luxury with comfort because I’m not just passionate about tattoos, I’m obsessed with giving clients the best possible experience,” she said. “Providing my tattoo services in an upscale studio environment with a private atmosphere allows clients to be relaxed and enjoy the creation process of their tattoo. I offer a private studio environment for all walks of life, backgrounds, and ethnicities while balancing safety, spirituality, and science for the optimal client experience.” Additionally, because services are by appointment only, clients need not worry about people stopping by in the middle of their session.
By taking the time to get to know her clients and their stories, Selina is able to create custom designs and experiences for each person. “Consultations are key! We discuss the client’s goals, expectations, and budget to create a plan.,” she explained. “Tattoos are personal, and yours should be as unique as you are. I understand the unique desires of my clientele and spend time getting to know what it is they want, offer my creative expertise, and provide an empowering environment for them to express themselves through body art. I celebrate femininity and individuality, encouraging women to embrace their bodies and tell their stories through tattoos. For my discerning male clientele, they can look forward to the same support and attention to detail in a friendly environment.”
Conversations and planning also help Selina in ensuring that she is a good match for clients. “It is my art on their skin, so I hand select every single client based on what it is that they're looking for and if I'm the right fit for the job,” she added. “More than just ink, I craft tattoos that become cherished personal expressions. When a tattoo is done on a client, they will have the memories for a lifetime.”
When designing tattoos, Selina encourages clients to draw from personal experiences and find creative ways to incorporate meaningful imagery into designs. “When women come to me and want to commemorate something about their family or partners but without using names, I often suggest different options like birthstone colors on particular flowers, because flowers have a language associated with them as well,” said Selina. “Recently, I had a client give me a handwritten note from her grandmother and we actually attached it into the tattoo and were able to replicate her handwriting. So it was a part of the design of the tattoo and my client can carry that really special memory of her grandmother with her.”
Coming full circle and completing the creative process brings Selina back to why she is so passionate about her craft. “I am purely obsessed with watching my client’s face glow when they are able to look in the mirror and see a tattoo that is their vision come to life,” shared Selina. “There is sense of wholeness that I get from clients whenever a piece of their body has been restored or they reclaim that power in themselves when they are able to look in the mirror and hold their head up high. I’m blown away that I am able to guide them and enable them to have this immortalized image on their skin as their self-expression.”
Paired with Selina’s creative services is a distinct element of education for herself and her clients. Operating under transparency, she makes sure clients understand the value of the investment they are putting in their skin. “I spend hours weekly pursuing education around the tools, materials, and products used in tattooing,” she said. “I offer client-friendly information to help my clients make informed decisions about their tattoos and determine what type of tattoo or project suits their lifestyle to immortalize their images in skin. I am also constantly looking for opportunities to offer better, longer-lasting products or select products that make my clients more comfortable. I strive to make the entire tattoo journey, from inspiration to booking, questions, discovery comfortable and convenient.”
Additionally, Selina invests in the industry as a whole by serving as the Director of Research for the Alliance of Professional Tattooists Association, a national cooperative of tattoo artists focused on safety around tattooing. “I am frequently involved in helping find facts around tattoo products and empowering the tattoo community to better serve our clients,” she explained. “I also spend my time working on education materials for health department officials to protect public health and provide regulation to protect the public around tattooing. On my weekends, I speak with tattoo artists to motivate them to elevate standards in their businesses and educate around tattoo inks, bandages, and skin products.”
As a woman business owner, Selina is excited by the female entrepreneurial movement. “I love seeing moms and women starting their own businesses and taking that creative initiative,” she said. “Women stepping out by creating their own businesses and taking ownership and leadership roles is driving a creative movement across the board. Women are fantastic problem solvers and have such an amazing capacity for empathy that, as business owners, we can really support and elevate communities that we live in.”
In all aspects, Selina encourages herself and others to explore their creative side and tap into their passions. “I believe body art is a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment and I’m constantly pushing boundaries and refining my craft, making sure a client’s tattoo is a masterpiece they will treasure forever,” she shared. “For me, Girly Tattoos goes beyond just tattoos, but it’s more like a movement to get back to the magic of tattooing.”
Begin your creative journey with Selina by booking a consultation appointment with Girly Tattoos by visiting www.girlytattoos.fan or sending an email to selinatattoos@gmail.com. For more information on the creative process, timeline, and pricing, visit the Book tab on the website. Also follow @girlytattoos on Instagram for a constantly growing portfolio of Selina’s work.
A note from Selina: Are you ready to tell your story through art? Don't settle for ordinary. Instead, let's create something amazing together.
My vision for opening a tattoo studio was to blend luxury with comfort because I’m not just passionate about tattoos, I’m obsessed with giving clients the best possible experience.
I believe body art is a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment and I’m constantly pushing boundaries and refining my craft, making sure a client’s tattoo is a masterpiece.
