We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kimme Horn. Check out our conversation below.
Kimme, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am being called to hit the brakes right now, something I have never done before. I have closed my books as a tattoo artist and been handing off tasks left & right to build my business; truly giving away the unhealthy load my scarcity mindset has built over time. It may not seem like much or “scary” to some, but I have always had the mental programming that my success is based off the fullness of my plate. But as I have learned from watching those that are both successful in business & in life (a tricky balance to strike) I’ve learned there is so much success to be found in the rest, in the stillness, in the *not right now, but eventually* flow. Currently I am in the thick of reprogramming my brain into understanding “just because I can, doesn’t mean I should”. Delegating, loosening my grip and focusing on what needs my energy the most in every moment has given me more time to move my body; create the designs my minds eye wants to see; be with each of my clients whole heartedly; spend time with my family without wondering whats waiting for me in my inbox.. It has given me time to step back and see everything I have in front of me with clarity and intention.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kimme Horn & I am a tattoo artist in Boulder, Colorado. But beyond that and more importantly, I am a wife and mother of two incredible children. I was born and raised here in Boulder and currently live in Westminster, surrounded by a home my husband has DIY’d for me, a small farm of chickens and cats, and our 11 year old pup, Roo. My husband Jarred & I recently opened a shop in Boulder called Horn & Heart Tattoo, lovingly named after our last name & the place all good things come from, the Heart.
My tattooing career began after a 9 month long apprenticeship followed by a 9 month long pregnancy, yep, my first almost year of tattooing was spent pregnant with my son, Morrison. And to circle back, my daughter Rhys is the whole reason why I began my apprenticeship. After taking a work from home position to a be home with her from birth until she was about three, I decided I needed something that filled my cup & gave me an identity outside of being a mom, a title I hold proudly, but a title that comes with a huge identity shift. Before quitting my corporate job, I decided to treat myself to tattoo, a small reclamation of my body after birth and breastfeeding. I drew a design and sent it to an artist, he said “Wow, you’d be a great tattoo artist”. I spoke to him about what it would take at my tattoo appointment and the rest is history.
Delicately but ever so passionately I have dedicated my whole life to being not only a great mother but a great tattoo artist.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose but must now be released is my scarcity mindset. Perhaps it came from my childhood, or my anxiety about the future, but either way, I have more recently come to understand how limiting my scarcity mindset has been. I’ve always thought my success was directly correlated to how full my plate was, both physically and mentally. More is more, right? Not necessarily. I’ve found when I take on too much, it limits my energy and ability to give in situations that would propel me further should I give it my all. The understanding I have toward myself and my limits has given me so much more clarity, peace and the ability to see how much further my passion goes when its not diffused.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me that I am capable of anything even without anything. I know thats a pretty general statement but truly being at the point where I was pouring from an empty cup; supporting a family on $1200/month; renting out half our house to help get us by; starting business after business; walking out on a boss that was counting quarters to pay me; filling my plate with tasks that I knew I could do but didn’t want to; stretching myself so thin I was feeling like I wasn’t a good mom, a good wife, a good artist…
Success would not have taught me that I can live off any budget; how to handle personal and professional relationships, even when they’re less than amicable; how to build a business I am passionate about; how to give myself grace; how my energy is valuable & potent when concentrated; that asking for help is how you succeed; that success is not measured by how full your plate is but honestly, how empty it is, and how full your heart is.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I wasn’t sure how to answer this so I asked one of my closest friends and this is what she said:
“Human connection, your whole career and life is centered around people, strangers, friends, family, they are what drive you. To create peace and comfort to show you love them, to make sure they know you are there. The connection with literally anyone is your spark and what matters most, you cherish each one. The second one is growth because I feel like you are always thinking what is next, what is going to make my brain think about this differently, how can I change. You really have that growth mindset.”
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
After the passing of a cousin of mine, a young man that had a distinct style and music taste, I realized more than ever before what our legacy looks and feels like. Yes, Limp Bizkit and Eminem will always remind me of him, as well as a Fox Racing emblem or the sound of a dirt-bike starting but beyond that, even in his darkest times of addiction and struggle, he always showed up for you. When I was seven months pregnant moving into our first home, we had little to no help. But Brian was there, he wouldn’t let me pick up a single box, he brought us lunch and just made us feel so seen & loved during such a big part of our life. He’d sometimes just call to say What Up? or show up at my coffee shop to just talk for a little. He always laughed even when your joke didn’t quite land or hug you tight when you needed it most. When he passed, yes we had a lot of physical things to remember him by, but even more importantly, I hold the way he made me feel to my heart and try to channel that every day. I hope when I am gone, people will of course remember me & my art, but beyond that, I hope they remember how much I loved them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kimmesmallzz.com
- Instagram: @kimmesmallzz
Image Credits
Esther
