By Isabel Zieres, Laramie Main Street Alliance Communications
On December 10, 1869, Wyoming was the first state to pass a law permanently guaranteeing women’s right to vote and hold office, 50 years before the rest of the nation. In 1870, Louisa Ann Swain cast the first female vote in a general election, ever, here in Laramie, Wyoming. Laramie and the rest of Wyoming are commemorating the 150th anniversary of women’s suffrage this year. To celebrate Wyoming’s essential role in the advancement of women’s rights, we’ll be featuring a series of articles that focus on local female business owners and their contribution to our community.
For over a decade, artist Meghan Meier has provided the Laramie community with professional, custom tattoos. In June of 2006 Meier opened her shop, Rolling Tattoo, in the historic railroad district of downtown Laramie. Since then, she and the other artists at Rolling Tattoo have earned a list of devoted clientele that continues to grow.
Meier hasn’t always been focused on tattooing, but she has always been focused on art, and she was determined to pursue a career as an artist. After deciding to leave college in Vancouver, British Colombia, Meier developed her skills as a tattoo artist at a trade school in Detroit, Michigan. She later returned to her hometown of Laramie and opened Rolling Tattoo.
“It took a couple of years to build a reputation,” said Meier. “I never thought I’d stay in Laramie, but I’m happy I did.”
Rolling Tattoo is located on South First Street, almost hidden from the busier downtown area. Although the shop isn’t difficult to find, it’s unlikely someone visiting town would stumble upon it. Meier says her loyal customer base and occasional walk-ins are based almost solely on local word of mouth.
When asked about what it’s like to work in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Meier said the attitude towards tattoos in general has changed a lot over the last few years. The industry is now more focused on the artistry of tattoos.
“Not only are tattoos more accepted, but the art behind tattoos has blown up,” said Meier. “And women are just as good at art as men.”
“Not only are tattoos more accepted, but the art behind tattoos has blown up,” said Meier. “And women are just as good at art as men.”
There is a lack of female tattoo artists in Laramie, and women may appreciate having Meier as an option to go to. Meier recognizes that some women may feel more comfortable getting a more intimate part of their body tattooed by another woman. Rolling Tattoo’s layout is made up of adjacent rooms, offering a bit more privacy than a traditional shop.
“Just go for it. Don’t feel like being a woman is a negative thing. Kick ass and take names.””
Meier says the community has been very supportive of her work from the start. In 2011, Meier and a few others spearheaded the Laramie Mural Project, a development that utilizes local talent to create large-scale murals across downtown Laramie. The project allowed Meier to express herself artistically through a different medium and reach a broader audience. Meier’s future plans include working more conventions, working abroad, and finishing her sauna.
Meier was asked what advice she would give to young women who want to start a business of their own. “Just go for it. Don’t feel like being a woman is a negative thing,” said Meier. “Kick ass and take names.”
