Joanna Roman: Chronic Ink & Crohn's Disease
Host Sarah Burke speaks to Chronic Ink partner and Chronic House designer Joanna Roman about her rise to tattoo fame and her new jewellery line born out of her Crohn's diagnosis.
Joanna Roman is the head designer at Chronic House Jewellery, the first female partner with Chronic Ink, and one of the most sought-after tattoo artists! I’m sorry to break the news that her wait list is often a year long! 'JoJo' started as an apprentice seven years ago and was determined to pursue art for profit. In what is typically a male-led industry, Roman worked hard to earn her title as the micro tattoo goddess. She is the first female owner of Chronic Ink - an award-winning tattoo shop with multiple locations in Toronto and Vancouver, and now an international expansion to Las Vegas.
In this episode, Joanna will talk about her experience from ‘being on top of the world,’ and living her dream, to being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. She discusses how she became a tattoo artist, and expanding Chronic Ink internationally. Joanna also talks about Chronic Ink’s values and their commitment to giving back. Joanna also shares her experiences as a female tattoo artist and touching moments with clients including Nelly Furtado. The conversation highlights the influence of strong and independent women in Joanna's family, their successful careers, and the impact they have had on her.
She opens up about living with Crohn's disease and how it led her to start Chronic House Jewelry. She says, “I think anyone who's dealt with a chronic illness will understand the toll it takes on you. But thanks to my family, friends, and clients. They have given me the strength to fight back…This is my attempt to be reborn. This is where I say fuck you to Crohn's. I want to feel like myself again. I want to feel alive. I don’t want to feel caged to my bed and watch life pass me by. I just want to design things and spread my art all over the world. I hope you like these pieces because for me they are more than just jewelry. Butterflies are my most requested designs and I want these butterflies to make people feel alive.”
“My papa was a huge inspiration in this line. He loved to sing in his church choir and he was always so proud of me. And whenever I felt down, he would always remind me 'Joanna, you are marvelous." So, I hope this jewelry makes you feel marvelous too.”
Episode art photo by @lianbenoit
Find out more about Joanna Roman:
https://chronicinktattoo.com/pages/joanna-roman-chronic-house
https://chronicinktattoo.com/pages/joanna-roman
https://www.instagram.com/joannaroman
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