Help a Black queer tattooer open a studio!

My name is Faith (She/Her), and I am a Black, Indigenous, Trans tattoo artist in Chicago. Throughout my 14 years of tattooing I have longed for a safe space to learn and grow; a place that fosters flourishing and healing. I have found individuals that foster these qualities, but spaces that wholly encompass these principals are practically nonexistent. Tattooing has long been an industry that fosters misogyny, racism, homophobia, and upholds white supremacy, keeping people like me out of mainstream tattooing. There are no Black Trans owned tattoo studios in Chicago. But, there should be. In the current climate where social justice is on the lips of every person breathing, this kind of space is needed more than ever.

My goal is to have a safe space to work, to provide for my child, and to provide a safe space for other BIPOC/LGBTQIA+ people to work and grow. My goal is to change the culture of tattooing. 

This studio will be more than tattoos. It will be a gateway into tattooing for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks that would otherwise be turned away like I was for many years. This space will be a community center that offers multidisciplinary art classes, know your rights workshops, and is a hub for community resources, organizing, and growth.

The funds/reparations I am asking for will give me the best chance at success: 

6 months rent $10,800
6 months Utilities $800
Business license $250
IDPH license (3 stations) $600
Supplies $2000

Your support in this would mean the first Black Indigenous Trans owned tattoo studio in Chicago. It would mean the whole world to me to be able to open my own business and secure my right to self determination. This is not something I can financial do on my own so I am asking my community for support. Please help me reach this goal. Thank you!