A Decade Under the Influence of New York Adorned

Years ago, while tattooing was still illegal in New York (damn that Hep B!), Lori Leven strode into a tattoo shop and offered to do beer runs so she could hang around and learn about tattooing; but mostly to get some free ink. Through this somewhat unorthodox experience Lori was able to develop a keen eye for talent and what worked (or did not) in the world of tattooing. Later, Lori hooked up with Michelle Myles (Daredevil) and Andrea Elston to form NY Ink. They rented a 3-bedroom apartment on St. Mark's Place; put three artists in each room and got to work. From there on word of mouth spread like wild fire -- it was time to move on and expand.

Lori continued making waves in this largely male dominated field because of her determination and ability to score some of the best artistic talent on this side of the Mississippi. Today, Lori owns not one but two of New York City's finest tattoo shops; New York Adorned and its sister shop New York Adorned - Brooklyn, and reps 30 independent jewelry designers. Ladies Lotto's own Scosha's eponymous line is on sale at the stores and online.

On November 11th, Ladies Lotto gathered at New York Adorned's Brooklyn outpost to hear Lori's tales of gun toting parlor owners, jewelry store fronts and being a female pioneer in an ancient art. In addition to owning and operating the New York Adorned parlors, Lori consults for major brands including Kiehl's; her sterling silver cap will be hitting the stores just in time for the holidays. Her jewelry can also be found at Ten Thousand Things in New York City's Meatpacking District.

Click here if you can't see the slideshow.

Talent practically oozes out of the staff at New York Adorned-Brooklyn. In addition to Lori, tattoo artists Stephanie Tamez and Virginia Elwood have projects going on outside of their "day job". After hearing and living many of the infamous New York Adorned stories, Stephanie has a book in the works -- chronicling ten years of the shop. Virginia Elwood is creating a sexy line of bicycle wear; something that looks just as good at a restaurant or party as it does when you're rocking a helmet and dinging that bell! Look out for Peddler at a store near you -- we'll keep you updated so you'll get the scoop. In the summer of 2008 the crew painted tattoos on eight-foot tall photographs at White Box in New York City. See Virginia's below:



The last few months of LLNY meetings have been incredibly successful and they keep getting better! Ladies Lotto would like to thank Lori Leven, Stephanie Tamez, Shanna Nash, Simone Brochard and Virginia Elwood for making this another amazing meeting! We're pretty sure LL ladies will be returning to get some ink and pick up a little something while they wait.
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