Meet Tay Johnson - Owner Of The Code Tattoo Studio

What is your name and pronouns, the name of your business, where you are located, and what is the mission or purpose of your business?

My name is Tay Johnson, pronouns are She/ Her, I am the owner of The Code Tattoo Studio located in Kansas City Mo. The purpose behind The Code Tattoo Studio was never just to open another tattoo shop. I wanted to build a space where people feel comfortable, respected, and inspired when they sit in the chair. Tattoos represent chapters of people's lives, healing, growth, memorials, victories, and new beginnings. Our mission is to create meaningful art while building a community around creativity, self-expression, and personal evolution.

Did anything significant happen to bring you to this career path/ community mission?

I've always been an artist. As long as I can remember, creating has been a part of who I am. No matter the medium, I just wanted to make something. I explored every traditional form of art I could find, always chasing that feeling of bringing my or my clients ideas to life.

Tattooing actually came into my life unexpectedly. When I was 18 a friend of mine in college told me my artwork was good enough to live on skin. Up until that moment, tattooing had never crossed my mind. I had experimented with so many recognized mediums, but tattooing wasn't one of them.

That conversation planted a seed. From there, I started learning everything I could about what it truly takes to become a tattoo artist, and that path ultimately led me to where I am today.

What inspired you to start your business? Was there a specific moment when you knew this was the path for you?

What inspired me to start my business was the desire to create something of my own, something built from my passion for art and my vision for what a tattoo space could be. l've always been a creator, and once I stepped into tattooing, I realized it was more than just a skill. It was a way to connect with people and help them turn meaningful moments of their lives into art.

There wasn't just one moment, but a series of realizations that this was the path for me. As I grew in my craft and saw the impact the work had on people, I knew I wanted to build a space that reflected my values,professionalism, creativity, and community. That vision is what ultimately became The code tattoo studio

What advice would you give someone entering this industry?

My biggest advice would be to respect the craft and be patient with the process.

Tattooing isn't something you rush into. It takes time to learn the fundamentals, understand the responsibility that comes with putting permanent art on someone's body, and develop your own style.

I'd also tell them to stay humble and always be willing to learn. This industry rewards people who are consistent, hardworking, and open to growth. Focus on mastering your skills, treat your clients with respect, and build a reputation based on integrity and quality work. If you do that, the rest will follow.

How has your personal journey shaped the way you move through the world today?

My personal journey has taught me resilience and accountability. I've been through experiences that forced me to look inward, grow, and rebuild parts of my life from the ground up. Because of that, I move through the world with more intention now. I'm more aware of the impact I have on others, more committed to personal growth, and more determined to create spaces where people feel respected, understood, and able to express themselves.

Every challenge I've faced has shaped how I lead, how I create, and how I show up for the people around me.

Who are you when no one is watching beyond titles, roles, or expectations?

When no one is watching, I'm someone who's constantly reflecting, learning, and rebuilding.

Beyond the titles people see, I'm a creator at heart, always thinking, always imagining, always working toward becoming a better version of myself. The real work happens in those quiet moments, where I grow, heal, and prepare for everything I'm meant to build.

What legacy do you hope to build?

I hope to build a legacy rooted in creativity, integrity, and impact. I want to be remembered as someone who took their craft seriously, created meaningful art, and built a space where people felt respected, inspired, and comfortable.

Beyond the tattoos, I want the legacy to be about what was built around them, a strong business, opportunities for others in the industry, and a community that felt supported.

If people can look back and say that my work, my shop, or my story helped inspire them to create, grow, or pursue their own path, that would mean everything to me.

Follow Tay on Social Media

Facebook: The Code Tattoo Studio / Tay Johnson

IG: Just_SayTay