I am honored to introduce you to TheClevelandMoms.com’s next Meet-A-Mom.
Mikayla is the co-owner of Reflection Room Tattoo in Avon Lake & Vermilion which are upscale private studios that offer a wide range of tattoo/piercing services.
Hi Mikayla, tell us a little bit about yourself & family:
I’ve lived in Avon Lake for the majority of my life. I moved away for a little during college, but we decided to move back when we had our firstborn. We love the community here.
Children/Ages?
We have two awesome daughters- Isla, 4 and Eden, 1
What are your favorite things to do with your family?
We like to cook together, travel, go to the library, explore the metro parks, and try different activities/events in the greater Cleveland area! Your page gives us a lot of ideas.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I definitely think other people are surprised to learn I’m a tattoo artist. Other parents either are scared or think it’s cool. No in between lol.
What are some of your favorite things about NE Ohio?
I love NEO because there is never a shortage of anything to do. I love that we experience every season too. From swimming in Summer to apple picking in Fall, we always can find something fun!
What’s your favorite family friendly restaurant in our area?
It’s hard to pick just one. My favorite place is probably Blue Sushi in Westlake at Crocker. My girls love sushi and so do my husband, and I. They have great kids options and are always welcoming. We also love Rico’s, Las Cazuelas, and Fratello’s- all in Avon Lake!
Please tell us about Reflection Room! Why/when did you start it and how did you know this is what you wanted to do?
My good friend Kyle and I started Reflection Room Tattoo Co. in February of 2020. We started our studio because we wanted to create a private and inclusive space where clients feel safe, and can receive high-quality professional service. We offer work in custom, cosmetic, and medical tattooing, and safe body-piercing. We both worked for previous studios where it was less about the art of what we do and more about the money, which was really frustrating. We were sick of working for greedy owners that didn’t care. We have built our studio off the philosophy people before profit. We do our best to try to achieve a better, more sustainable career for ourselves, and for our incredible team. This way we can focus on what we love which is creating timeless art, and making people feel good.
How has your community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
My community has been incredibly supportive of my business, and the city of Avon Lake has so many resources for small businesses and economic development. It’s truly incredible. I’m very active in philanthropy in my city, and have met some amazing people here. Even if they’d never get a tattoo, just knowing how many people support us is amazing! That support has allowed us to thrive and expand. Now that we have a second location, and academy in Vermilion we’re receiving a warm welcome there as well.
What’s your favorite part about what you do?
I love body-art in general, but I would say making people happy with my art. A big part of what I do is medical tattooing which includes things like scar coverage with art, scar camouflage, 3D Nipple and Areola, etc. It is just incredibly rewarding work. I have personal experiences that really connect me to this type of tattooing, and to help someone with closure or feeling more like themselves is just the most beautiful/incredible feeling. I am genuinely so honored that people choose me to be part of that journey.
How did you get into medical tattooing?
My background is in the health sciences. I was premed in undergrad. I shifted focus because I’ve always been preoccupied with my art. I love both art and science, they’re the only subjects that ever truly took my interest. I always knew making the shift and pursuing tattooing that I wanted to work on the paramedical side of the industry also.
Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start their own business?
No’s are part of the journey. If you want it, keep trying, no matter how silly people might think your dream is or how many people tell you no. We only have one life and it’s up to us to create what we want out of it. I cannot tell you how many failures I’ve had in life, but if I let them stop me I wouldn’t be anywhere. It’s a continuous journey of learning, growth, and putting in the work to achieve your goals.
What’s your proudest accomplishment?
Personally, my family. I never thought I would meet someone as incredible and supportive as my husband. To be able to start a family with him, to have our beautiful daughters, and this unbelievable life we’ve created together is more than I ever imagined. I wake up everyday and feel blessed.
Professionally, I’d say risking it all to start our studio, and seeing where we are now. I put so much of myself into my business, and I can’t even express with words the feeling of gratitude I have to everyone who chooses or recommends Reflection Room. I’m so incredibly proud of what we’ve built.
Is there anything you would have changed or done differently with your business thus far?
I think that every decision I’ve made has led me to where I am today- good and bad, so I truly wouldn’t change a thing.
How do you juggle being a working mom?
Honestly, not amazingly well. Part of my personal journey lately has been establishing a better work/life balance. I’m trying to be less of a workaholic and to be more present. Sometimes I struggle being a full time working mom, and I think it’s important for people to know that’s ok. My husbands support makes a lot of the juggling I do even possible. I’m grateful for him and all he does for our family. He’s a really amazing dad.
Where do you hope to be in 10 years?
I hope to be happy, healthy, and thriving with my family. Hopefully still doing what I love!
Who has most influenced you the most to be the mom you are today?
I lost my mom when I was younger. My mother in law, Gretchen, has really stepped in to fill that role for me. She’s the best mom I know. She’s supportive, kind, and always offers the best advice- even when I call her at midnight with random questions lol. She treats me like her daughter, and I’d probably be lost without her. Navigating motherhood is hard, but she is there for me every step of the way as an awesome role model. I am always learning from her.
For more information on Reflection Room Co, please visit: reflectionroomtattoo.com
