Meet Paula Diamond | Owner, tattoo artist and body piercer

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

Hi Paula, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Not only because it is the right thing to do, we feel that giving back to others is a vital part in the development of our community. There is always a hope that the good you put out in the world will spread. We have hosted events raising money for wonderful non-profits such as Trinity Gap Animal rescue, Barkley World, which helps cover veterinary expenses, and Journey to dream, a organization in Lewisville dedicated to helping at-risk, victimized and homeless teenagers. We held an event to raise money to pay off the entire student lunch debt of a local area elementary school, helped in providing Christmas gifts for for multiple families for 2 years in a row, delivered meals to Ft. worth homeless, and school supplies to low income families. We worked with the Mid-Cities Montessori in creating a local community closet to help provide clothing for people who have job interviews as well as people who lost their belongings from fire, domestic violence and other misfortunate events. At the beginning of the pandemic we donated PPE to area medical facilities and although Covid has slowed down our ability to reach out to others we will continue to do everything we can to help our community.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a fifteen year veteran tattoo artist who got their start in central Texas before making my way into the metroplex. I’ve been an artist my whole life, in various mediums but tattooing is the one that won my heart over. There’s something beautiful about the connection that you’re making with your clients, the gift that you’re giving them to cherish forever, and it’s an honor to be trusted with their stories and ideas. I’m very proud to be a female tattoo artist with a tenured career, because when I got in it was still very much a male dominated industry. I didn’t give up, even on the days when I wanted to and even when I hated the work I created, I just kept going. It wasn’t easy some days, but I’ve learned that it’s not supposed to be easy every day and that builds character. I’ve learned that everyone is different, and everyone communicates differently – and it’s a privilege to get to articulate their story visually for them. I’ve also learned to always try to be nice – and if you can’t be nice, be vague. I want everyone to know that they can be safe here with my staff and I. That we welcome all people, and that this is a safe place for them to exist. I try to live every single day with the motto “be the change you wish to see” in mind. Whenever you can help someone, you should, because there’s room for all of us to succeed and you never know what someone else is going through.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a big fan of showing off all of my amazing local spots, so we would definitely have to make the rounds to all of my favorite shops in the community. We would definitely go by Fort Witch to check out the seasonal selection at our local witchy shop, and then we’d have to go by the Pineapple Grill for some of the most amazing Hawaiian food that I’ve ever eaten. Just trust me, everything is good. We’d go by Buon Giorno to get the most amazing chai tea latte you have ever tasted, and sit and read a book in their beautiful little cafe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
No matter how difficult things may be it, brings forth a great peace of mind knowing that you never have to face them alone. I have been truly blessed to have the support and love of my wonderful family, friends, and shop crew.

Website: www.diamondtattooparlor.com

Instagram: diamondink13

Facebook: Paula Diamond / diamondink13

Image Credits
Professional images by Beau Cardwell & Anthony Reinhart – all artwork by Paula Diamond