Meet Karley Dawson | Tattoo & Permanent Makeup Artist

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

Hi Karley, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I have found that the most important factor behind running a successful business in the beauty and tattooing industry is forming personable connections that strengthen relationships between provider and clients. They are placing a great deal of trust in my hands when choosing me to provide a service that is a permanent alteration to their body. I pride myself in pursuing extensive training and education to be able to achieve the best possible results that are custom tailored to each individual in my chair. I’d like to believe that I also provide a warm and welcoming environment that keeps my clients comfortable and excited to return for future appointments!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began my artistic career as a child, strongly encouraged and facilitated by my Grandma, Barbara Garrels. She helped me build a strong foundation by teaching me the fundamentals and helped me to explore all kinds of mediums. She recognized that I had a flair for animation and bold graphic styles, that translate very well into tattooing. Makeup artistry was also always a big part of my career as a long time esthetician. I absolutely love the concept of the human body being utilized as my living canvas, and my long time background as an artist allows me to see things in a unique perspective.

I spent 6 years in Flagstaff, AZ which is where I began my tattooing career, moving back to my hometown of Mt. Pleasant, IA in 2018. Upon moving home, I knew that I was ready to start my business and fill a need in my area. When trying to open my business, I discovered a city ordinance preventing new tattoo shops from opening in our business district. I had the choice to try to remove the ordinance or relocate to another city, so I chose to stay and fight it. I had to attend numerous city council meetings and plead my case, and ultimately I was able to successfully have this changed. I am happy to see that in doing so, other shops and artists have been able to come to our town and the industry is thriving here!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in other states, I have had the opportunity to make friends that are spanned across the country. I have had the opportunity to host them and show them my hometown. The thing that actually makes Mt. Pleasant so great is the ability to truly enjoy a slower and relaxed pace from the busy world that can consume us! The most common remark I hear from my many clients that travel to our town and how pristine and neat our town square is, like “something from a move”. There are have several wonderful local boutiques and restaurant options situated around the square, all within walking distance. I might suggest we go to Costas Steakhouse for lunch, or grab a beer flight at The Grange. Perhaps go to Little Mexico of Pad Thai for dinner for authentic cuisine. We could check out the unique finds from boutiques like Le Chic, Lillian Grace, Sorta Sweet, Holistic Gypsy, the antique shops, etc! My favorite things to show people though are the local parks and abundance of things to do outdoors on a nice day. I really enjoy the walking trails at East Lake park or hitting the golf course on a sunny day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The biggest supporter throughout the journey of my career has been my husband, Damien. Each time I would go out on a limb to pursue trainings that required significant financial investment and uncertainty, he would encourage and support me 100% (even though it may have made him nervous at times). I am definitely a “dreamer” and he has patiently endured listening to me discuss my all of my ideas and aspirations for years without complaint.

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