Meet Christy Calafati | Cosmetic Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Christy, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My current career as a Cosmetic Tattoo artist literally felt as though it was downloaded into my soul. I woke up one morning, 4 years ago, while still in the depths of my previous career as a hair salon owner, and I heard loud and clear that this particular weekend I was going to discover my true soul’s calling. I was headed to Las Vegas for a hair and beauty trade show(as a salon owner) but there was new energy building inside of me and I knew that my life was going to change. I could no longer betray myself by continuing to live my life as a business owner that had no creative outlet, no means of expressing myself as an artist. I was not a hairstylist but I owned a large scale salon and it was grueling as a creative person to continue on the day to day operations of managing it. So, at the IBS show in Las Vegas, I stumbled upon the art of Cosmetic Tattoo and I have never looked back.
It is my highest art form. Everyday, I get to tattoo faces and discover new methods of elevating the natural beauty of someone’s unique facial profile. It is my greatest joy and everyday I am humbled and in the deepest gratitude that people entrust their faith in my artistic abilities.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the owner of Christy Calafati Ink, a Cosmetic Tattoo Studio located within the Canyon Salon in Westlake Village, Ca, I am obsessed with elevating my client’s natural facial features through artistry, precision and tuning into their specific and unique energetic signature for guidance. Reinventing myself through my craft later in life was the most challenging thing I have ever done. Learning a new skill, training my brain, my eyes and hands to work together in symphony required commitment, consistency and an unwavering belief in my ability master this craft. The one and only way I overcame all the obstacles of starting a new business mid-life was through practice. Practicing my craft, practicing a specific mindset and practicing how it would feel in my body when I finally overcame all the insecurities and doubts I had that I could actually turn my business into a sustainable enterprise that is ever evolving and always finding new ways to be more charitable with my work. The biggest lessons I have honed is steadfast, diligent, self-discipline. For me, there is no other way. My business is my baby and I will always create as though my life depends on it.

My current list of services I offer are always expanding. As of right now, I do Permanent Eyeliner, lash Line enhancements, Lip Blush Tattoo, Powder and Ombre Brows, Tattoo removal and Eyebrow Lamination.

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 love Malibu so I would definitely keep her in Malibu for the first few days. If she arrived on a Sunday late morning, we would start at Ollo Restaurant. They have THE best brunch and I would make sure to pair our meal with their yummy Watermelon Mimosas. After a slightly boozy brunch, we would walk over to the Malibu Farmer’s Market and make a b-line towards to the coffee vendor for THE best iced coffees. Coffee in hand, we would stroll and shop some of the local vendors featured at the market. After spending some time there, we may walk over to the iconic Traverna Tony’s greek restaurant and chill there for some time. During her stay, I would make sure we visited the Huntington Library in Pasadena and also the Broad Museum. I would make sure we hit Bestia in Downtown Los Angeles, as well as Beauty and Essex in Hollywood. I would also take her to my favorite spa in Korea town for an entire day, Wi Spa.
Doesn’t get much better than that.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Everyday I am surrounded by an amazing network of entrepreneurial people that support me and my art. I am endlessly grateful to work alongside other artists; hairstylists, makeup artists, Estheticians, my best friends and my family. My network of support expands me every day and nothing brings me more joy than to support the rising of my loved ones as well.

Website: christycalafati-ink.com

Instagram: christycalafati_ink

Facebook: Christy McCauley Calafati