Meet Summer Solstice | Piercer, Tattooist, Tooth Gem Tech

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

Hi Summer, why did you pursue a creative career?
I moved from my beloved home in Chandler to a temporary home in Maricopa. To avoid a long commute, I got a job working from home for the first time ever. Not knowing how to adjust to my new, more mundane lifestyle I quickly found myself in a funk. I remember the night so clearly, a storm was brewing all around us, yet everything felt so calm and quiet. I was feeling particularly blue that evening so I decided to make some tea and go sit on the porch to enjoy the stillness. While waiting for the rain to come I took some time to reflect on how I was feeling. I realized something was missing from my life, but I couldn’t quite figure out what it was. I started listing all the things that made me happy, even all the way back to childhood. It didn’t take me long to realize that I hadn’t done anything creative in years. Actual years! I immediately decided that I would spend the rest of the year actively being more creative. I felt the missing piece fall into place, right then and there. I didn’t even know what I wanted to get into yet. An old favorite? Something new? The possibilities were (and still are) endless, that alone made me feel so much better. Later that night, I was on instagram and saw that a tattoo artist I really liked was offering a course. I thought about the post for the whole night. It just seemed like perfect timing, I’ve always loved tattoos so why not learn more about them. I messaged her the next day to find out more. The next few months went by, I was still working the same job but doing small crafts and taking time to create in different ways. I found out how cool pyrography is, I did some painting, and even some baking. But finally, it was time for the course, I was nervous, but I was just doing it for fun, so I figured there was no reason to be. After all, I didn’t think I would ever tattoo anyone. Just fake skin. I really wanted to learn how it all worked, the creative process, the machines, different inks, everything. It all intrigued me. Day one was on a Thursday. I saw how much fun the instructors were having, they were so free, just being themselves and doing what they loved. I wanted that. By the end of the first weekend, I knew I wouldn’t be able to bring myself to log into work on Monday. Long story short, I didn’t. That’s when Summer Solstice Studios came to life. I had no idea what direction I was going in (and almost everyone thought I was crazy) but I was ready to do whatever made me happy. I put myself out there and got to do a lot of amazing things and meet some really incredible people. Which lead me to meeting my piercing Mentor, Alesha, who gave me a way to do something something I’ve always wanted to do but never thought would be possible. That’s when my artistic career really began.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m most proud of the fact that I’m doing something I’ve dreamed of for so long. I’m not sure if it was a mental thing, but I just never thought it would be possible for me to pierce. College was pushed on me so much, I thought the only way to be successful was to get a degree. I was enrolled in college for 6 semesters and never got anywhere with it. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, I never even declared a major. I have always loved piercings. I started getting them as a teenager and I was obsessed. Placements, jewelry, everything. I loved it! All my sisters loved pop groups and I was following celebrity piercers. I guess the biggest challenge was just believing in myself. I had to have someone else plant the idea in my head that I could do it. That’s one lesson I’ve learned, be more confident in myself! I’m so grateful for all of the support I’ve had. I really couldn’t have done it without my friends and mentors. They are still constantly pushing me to take leaps even when it’s scary. I’m a pretty shy person so even the thought of putting myself out there on social media makes me want to bury my head in the sand. That’s where I have been having to actively practice self confidence the most. For awhile, I would send everything to my best friend before I posted it. I don’t even have to do that (every time) now! That’s growth, and I’m only kind of kidding. I want everyone to know that my studio is a safe space for everyone. I want to provide my clients what my mentors have provided me. A space to not have any worries, just focus on the vision, reflect, and feel amazing inside and out. One day, I hope to expand this one woman show to a community space. A space for artists like me, that need a push to get out there. That have been having a tough time, what ever that means for them. A space for people to feel safe to create. A space for everyone to be themselves and tap into their creative side, even if that’s for the very first time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my current favorites spots is the Roosevelt Row Art District. The art shows every Saturday and First Fridays are my favorite. I love to go and see what others in our community are creating. It’s seriously so hard not to buy everything. It’s also a great spot for networking with other artists. Everyone is so friendly! Walter Studios is right over there too and it’s a must! I take everyone that visits me. It’s a great spot to chill and have a drink, look at some art. Plus the food is superb, brunch is my favorite time to go. I also find myself bringing visitors to Papago Park. It’s an easy area to explore and it has a great sampling of all of our beautiful desert plants and wild life. Plus climbing up to the hole in the rock is like the perfect little faux hike. My sister and I recently visited Bark and Light in Old Town and made our own candles. We did a walk in and got helped right away. They made it super simple to mix our own scents and pour the wax. Mine smells so good I don’t even want to burn it. Plus they donate a portion of their proceeds to shelter pets! Speaking of pets, there are a few awesome cat lounges and cafes in the area. I’m a cat lady so I’ll go to one of those any chance I get.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The most important person in my journey has been my best friend, Tea (Toxic Sugar Art). They are an incredible, talented artist and entrepreneur as well as an amazing, supportive friend. Tea has been there for me through every step of the way to share their knowledge of well… everything. There isn’t a question I’ve had that Tea hasn’t been able to help me with, from art to articles of formation. I’m so incredibly grateful for our friendship and all the support they have provided me with. Thanks for lending me your skin to practice on too!

Next shout out is to Sierra (Emo Girl Ink) for showing me that I should follow my dreams, too. Even when I came to her just wanting to learn tattooing for fun, to boost my mental health, she knew I could take it farther and get out of my rut.

Huge shout out to my mentor Alesha! She owns Bold Beauty Company in Scottsdale and she taught me how to pierce (among other things) and really made all my dreams come true. She is like a real life Fairy God Mother. She is so genuinely supportive, nonjudgmental, and knowledgeable. She creates such a safe space that all I have to focus on is absorbing everything she and Bold Beauty Co. has to offer. The whole team there is incredible, it’s such a special space.

I would also like to shout out Arizona Tattoo Academy where I continued my education with Alesha and Britt. Both of these women are so inspirational. They are incredible artists and entrepreneurs. I can only hope to be half of the force these two are. The fact that they want to take everyone on their journey and see us win too is so selfless.

Website: https://sumsolstudios.glossgenius.com

Instagram: @summersolstice.studios

Image Credits
Miranda Brown David Byrd Karli Beasley