Meet Bree Solomon | Entrepreneur/Owner, Black Diamond Tattoo

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

Hi Bree, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Although I’ve spent the last 22 years in Venice, California, my heart and creative roots come from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Growing up there, art wasn’t just something you saw in galleries, it was woven into daily life. From the vivid murals adorning the city to the intricate Native pottery, from the lowrider culture cruising Central and Route 66 to the graffiti and tags marking even the most impossible-to-reach spots, Albuquerque’s creativity was raw, unfiltered, and inseparable from its people. It’s a place where tradition and rebellion collide—where centuries-old weaving techniques sit alongside bold contemporary street art, and where tattoo culture thrives as a living testament to self-expression.

That environment taught me art isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about identity, resistance, and community. When I brought that mindset to Venice, it became the foundation of Black Diamond. We strive to honor craftsmanship while championing individuality—just like the New Mexican artists who inspired me. Southwestern symbolism, the grit of underground scenes, and the fearless spirit of boundary-pushing creators all live in the work we do. None of this would exist without Albuquerque’s rich, unapologetic artistic legacy running through my veins.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been a series of opportunities, each chapter more unexpected than the last. Before the tattoo industry stole my heart, I spent years in production management at NBCUniversal, where I learned the art of precision under pressure, managing budgets and timelines for high-stakes productions, and above all, business. That corporate creative world taught me discipline and professionalism, but I always felt pulled toward something more tactile, more intimately human. When I discovered the tattoo world, it was like finding a language I’d always wanted to speak, one where art and storytelling collide in the most permanent way possible.

Transitioning from studio lots to a tattoo shop was interesting. I went from being an established professional in corporate America to running my own shop at night and on the weekends. I quickly learned that tattooing isn’t just about technical skill, it’s about earning trust and telling stories through skin. My film/tv background gave me an edge, I understood both the creative vision and the business behind it and that unique combination helped me build Black Diamond Tattoo into a space where artistry and professionalism coexist.

What sets me apart is this dual perspective: the structure of corporate production meeting the raw creativity of tattoo artistry. I’m most proud of creating a shop that honors craft while running like a well-produced show—where every detail matters, from the lighting to the client experience. The challenges were many, but my NBC years taught me to solve problems before they arise and to adapt when they do.

What I want the world to know? The beautiful collision of my past lives is where meticulous planning meets spontaneous art, where a good business spirit lives in every tattoo we create. My journey proves that reinvention isn’t about starting over—it’s about bringing everything you’ve learned to what you love most.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Alright, let’s keep it real—with Malibu and the Palisades sadly (but temporarily) off the table, we’ll dive into the best of what’s open and thriving. We’d start in Venice with iced coffee and a light breakfast from Superba Food & Bread, then wander the boardwalk to watch the skate chaos and check out the Venice Art Walls before they get tagged over by tomorrow. Maybe some shopping at Aviator Nation or a stroll down Abbott Kinney for that perfect Venice vibe. Lunch would be fun at the Albright for seafood with a view, then ending the day with a nice dinner at the Watergrill.

The next day, we’re going full LA cliché—but the good kind. Breakfast burritos at Ricky’s Fish Tacos in Silver Lake (trust me), then up to Griffith Observatory. We’d hit The Broad downtown for that infinity mirror room selfie, then late lunch at Grand Central Market. At night, perhaps Everson Royce Bar for whiskey under string lights. We’ll likely need to cruise back to the westside through Hollywood just to check all the boxes, maybe making a stop on Melrose along the way.

The Arts District or LACMA for next-level installations, or if the timing is right the Rose Bowl Flea Market for full treasure hunt mode. Row DTLA’s indie shops and Smorgasburg on Sunday’s for stupid-good noodles. One can’t leave out dinner at Tao or Yamashiro in Hollywood if the reservations allow.

Once you’ve eaten your weight in tacos and learned that LA’s real magic isn’t postcards—it’s the late-night convos at an iconic rooftop lounge, the smell of sea salt and spray paint on the boardwalk, and that moment when the city lights flicker on and suddenly everything feels within reach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my co-founder Charly Reynoso. Beyond being my rock and primary support system, Charly has been a quiet force behind so much of my journey, his unwavering support, honest feedback, and the kind of push that gives you the courage to take big leaps. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas with me at midnight, or just reminding me what I’m made of when things get overwhelming, his belief in me has been a constant source of strength. Charly’s own creativity and resilience inspire me daily, and our partnership is a reminder that success isn’t just about individual hustle; it’s about having people who see your vision even when you doubt it yourself. So much of what I’ve built stands on his encouragement and for that I’m endlessly grateful.

Instagram: blackdiamondbree