Starting your own business is challenging for an experienced veteran in a field, let alone someone with less than a year of experience.
That is the leap of faith artist Eden Nelson took when she opened Viva La Vida Tattoo and Piercing Shop at 103 W. Second St. S., and the results have been nothing but positive.
“I’m fresh and new, but I did a lot really fast. I worked a lot and tattooed a lot and managed to work ahead really fast,” Nelson said.
Nelson’s mother, Joy, was in the shop getting a cover-up tattoo from guest artist Barron Bon Chance Mcollum and said Nelson has also worked hard, learning through a mastery program while being home school as a child.
“Even before she started actually tattooing she bought herself a machine and was practicing on fake skin and oranges,” Joy said.
An artist her entire life, Nelson worked mainly in traditional mediums such as paint and drawing before moving to tattooing. With many avenues to pursue in tattooing, Nelson finds herself attracted to opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to designs.
“I really enjoy doing water color. Anything really elegant and flowing,” Nelson said. “Or anything really dark and scary.”
In her short time in business, Nelson has already set a new benchmark becoming one of the youngest females to open a tattoo shop at the age of 19. She has also received rave reviews for the work she has completed.
“I was the first person through the door, got my second tattoo from Eden, and I’m nothing but amazed by her talent and dedication,” Jake Kmiec said. “Her artistry supersedes all other Newton inkers and her desire to please her customers is incomparable.”
If interested in a tattoo, Nelson will talk with the client about what they are looking to get and review any ideas they have. She will then draw a draft of the tattoo and send it to the client for approval. When a tattoo is agreed upon, an appointment will be made and quote will be given for the price of the tattoo.
While she might be a bit biased, Nelson’s mother had nothing but positive words to say about her daughter’s work.
“We’ve had her paintings on our walls for years so it was kind of neat to be a living canvas for her art,” Joy said.
Nelson is available by appointment and can be reached through her website www.lavidababe.com or by phone at 641-275-5812. Viva La Vida also has a Facebook page where you can view art she has created.
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at
641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or
jpierson@newtondailynews.com