Lorenda Thompson is the founder and owner of Level’d Up Ink, the only black and female operated tattoo shop in Missouri City, TX. Level’d Up Ink has been open for 2 years and continues to thrive despite many obstacles, including the COVID- 19 pandemic.
Lorenda is a recognized female tattoo artist and professional body piercer with 14 years of experience in the tattoo industry. Lorenda’s passion for art began when she was a child. When starting out, all she ever wanted was to have a job creating art without the burden of student debt or restrictions of freedom.
At the age of 19, she began her career by working at various tattoo shops in the Houston area.
For so long she found herself being the only female in the workplace until she was introduced to the Ladies of Ink. The Ladies of Ink is a tattoo organization that consists of minority female tattoo artists from various locations in the United States. This rare organization brings attention to the fact that women make up 2% of the male-dominated industry and an emphasis on uniting women artists. Being a member has allowed Lorenda to travel to various tattoo conventions and tattoo shops, promoting solidarity amongst women in the male-dominated industry.
Throughout Lorenda’s 14 years of tattooing, she has been able to achieve what few have been able to accomplish.
Her accomplishments include:
Owning and operating her own tattoo parlor, providing her with the opportunity to be a platform and employ artistic individuals in her community
Hosting and touring tattoo conventions around the nation ● Features on reality TV shows on Lifetime
TV and VH1
Providing tattoo and piercing services for celebrity clientele
Providing ”Art of Body” courses and curriculum, educating countless graduates who receive gainful employment in the
Houston area
Orchestrating and organizing charitable events that provide school supplies, hygiene products, and food and water to the residents of the City of Houston and Missouri City
Lorenda is no stranger to hard work, continuing to develop her craft and branch out into other industries so she can grow her business portfolio. In the midst of running a prosperous business, she continues to mentor fledgling artists and gives back to her community. It is safe to say that though Lorenda has exceeded as a pioneer in the artistic tattoo industry, she continues to break glass ceilings, striving to hit her peak. She is proud to represent Black excellence at its best.