LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — Just over a year after opening its doors, InkStainz Tattoo Studio has earned a five-star rating on Google, a milestone owner Imani Parnell says reflects the trust and support of her clients.
For owner Imani Parnell, the recognition is more than a business milestone. It’s proof that a dream years in the making is becoming a reality.
“Opening InkStainz started with a dream, a lot of hard work, and a passion for art,” Parnell told The BayNet.
On March 9, 2024, Parnell officially opened InkStainz Tattoo Studio in Lexington Park, becoming the owner of the first Black-owned tattoo shop in St. Mary’s County. Her vision was about more than tattoos. She wanted to create a professional, welcoming space where people from all backgrounds could feel comfortable bringing their ideas to life.
Art has always been part of Parnell’s story. Before becoming a tattoo artist, she spent years modeling, an experience she says helped shape her appreciation for confidence, creativity and self-expression.
“Modeling taught me how powerful self-expression can be,” Parnell said. “Tattoos became part of my story, and becoming a tattoo artist allowed me to help others tell theirs.”
After spending years developing her skills and learning the craft, she decided to turn her passion into a business. Five years into her tattooing career, Parnell says the journey has been both challenging and rewarding.
Along the way, she has built relationships with clients from all walks of life, many of whom return not only for the artwork but for the experience. That commitment to customer service is what Parnell believes has helped InkStainz earn such strong community support.
“I was honestly humbled and grateful,” she said of seeing the studio earn a five-star rating on Google. “Knowing that our clients took the time to leave positive reviews and share their experiences meant more than any award could.”
She credits the recognition to the atmosphere her team works to create every day.
“We focus on making people feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the door,” Parnell said. “People appreciate professionalism, cleanliness, quality work and feeling genuinely valued.”
While tattoos are often viewed as artwork, Parnell says her work has taught her that they frequently represent something much deeper.
“Everyone has a story,” she said. “Some tattoos celebrate milestones. Others honor loved ones. Many represent healing, growth and resilience.”
Among the experiences that have stayed with her most are the memorial pieces she has created for clients grieving the loss of family members and friends.
“Those moments remind me that tattooing is about much more than art,” Parnell said. “It’s about helping people carry meaningful memories with them every day.”
As InkStainz continues to grow, Parnell hopes the studio can serve as more than a successful business. She wants it to become a source of inspiration.
“Small businesses are the backbone of communities,” she said. “I want to inspire young artists, mentor future creatives and show people that their dreams are possible.”
Looking ahead, Parnell hopes to partner with local schools, offer workshops for young artists and eventually create an InkStainz Tattoo Academy to help educate aspiring tattoo professionals. She also hopes her journey encourages others to take chances on themselves.
“As the owner of the first Black-owned tattoo shop in the county, I hope my journey inspires others to chase their dreams and create opportunities not only for themselves but for the generations coming after them,” she said.
Parnell also credited much of the studio’s success to the people who have supported the vision from the beginning, including tattoo artist Duane Reese, known professionally as Ink By Wayne, and her husband and business partner, Kenneth Parnell.
Most of all, she remains grateful to the clients who have trusted InkStainz with their stories, memories and milestones.
When asked how she hopes people feel when they leave the studio, her answer was simple.
“I want people to walk out feeling confident, empowered and proud,” she said. “I want them to feel like they found more than a tattoo shop. I want them to feel like they found a welcoming space and a community.”
For Parnell, the positive reviews and growing recognition are appreciated. But the real success is seeing a vision come to life — one tattoo, one client and one story at a time.
InkStainz Tattoo Studio
46925 S. Shangri-La Drive
Website:
www.inkstainstattoostudio.com
Instagram: @inkstains.mani @inkbywayne @inkstains_tattoostudio @needleritualpiercings
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