Meet K-ta Buathier-Kialoa

Today we’d like to introduce you to K-ta Buathier-Kialoa.

K-ta, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2002 migrated from Colombia to NYC. I’ve been in the tattoo industry since 2004. Used to own 2 tattoo shops in Ny where I tattooed and pierced before I decided to close down and relocate my family to Arizona by the end of 2013. I ended up opening a new shop in an area I wasn’t familiar with due to the lack of friends, family, or any prior visits to the state and eventually decided to close down to work on different shops around the valley where I got the opportunity to travel around the states doing tattoo conventions, meeting great people and getting my name out there. Which I’m very grateful for.

After years of hard work and with the help of good friends my dream of opening a new shop finally became real in 2018 when I opened Az Tattoo Asylum LLC. In Glendale Az. Where I work in the company of my new husband Hanalei Kialoa a phenomenal Polynesian artist and our 2 other artists Eric Nava and Naron Antone. The shop also counts 3 more traveling artists that joying us for conventions around the states.

After 5 years of successful business, we have decided to relocate the shop to a bigger location in the Phoenix area and open to the public this coming January. At 4214 W Cactus RD suite 1104-1105 Phoenix Az 85029.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For me, as a female piercer and tattoo artist was very difficult in The beginning to be successful in a male-dominated industry, years ago people mostly men used to prefer male artists to do their work.

It was very hard for me to start all over again in a different state with no friends, clients, or any family other than my 3 little girls. Took me a while to build a based clientele but I’m very grateful for their loyalty towards me and my work they’ve followed me anywhere I went since day one. Even my NY clients keep asking when I’m coming back to book appointments.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a professional body piercer since 2004 and a professional tattoo artist since 2005.

I’m a very versatile artist but people know me mostly for my specialty in colorful tattoos and my watercolor tattoos which I really enjoy doing.

I’m not your typical tattoo artist, yes I’m very covered in colorful tattoos but I’m also very modified. I have first-generation subdermal implants on my forehead (horns) done in 2006 back in NYC I have elf ears done in 2006, in NYC as well, I got my tongue split (2020) here in AZ, 1” 3/8 ear gauges, a couple of piercings, and fangs which are my latest modifications.

I’m very proud to be a female tattoo shop owner with a great team by my side to represent the shop.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Get a professional apprenticeship! I know it could take a little longer but with a good mentor, practice, customer service, and commitment you will be a great artist.

I wish I had all the tools that I have now that make everything so much easier and faster but I don’t regret learning doing lines and stencils the hard way, all that knowledge came in very handy throughout the years.

Pricing:

• Shop minimum $100
• Hourly rate of $150 for bigger pieces
• Tattoos are priced accordingly to size and detail
• Piercing ranges from $45 to $80

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @aztattooasylum
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aztattooasylum
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katabosslady4431