Jenna Eddy-Loving: Ink, Identity, & Family Tradition
At Ink & Dagger, our Client of the Month is someone whose tattoos tell a story - not just about the artwork itself, but about the person wearing it. This month we’re excited to spotlight Jenna Eddy-Loving, whose vibrant tattoo collection reflects her bold personality, deep sense of community, and willingness to embrace exactly who she is.
Working closely with Ink & Dagger resident artist Brian Bennett, Jenna has built a collection that spans styles, subjects, and meaningful moments in her life. From sentimental tributes to family traditions, every piece in her collection is a reflection of the things she loves most.
Healed floral chest piece by Brian Bennett.
A strict upbringing
Jenna grew up in a strict, religious environment, and for much of her life she felt like her outward appearance didn’t fully represent who she was inside.
That changed during a vacation to Hawaii, when she got her first tattoo.
“I just wanted something totally different,” Jenna says, remembering how exciting it felt to take that step.
That first tattoo quickly became more than just a design - it was a way for her to align her outer appearance with her inner self. The experience scratched an itch she hadn’t quite been able to name before.
After that first tattoo, she was hooked.
Finding artist Brian Bennett
Jenna’s connection with Ink & Dagger began back in 2011, when she got a one-off tattoo at the shop and had a great experience. Years later, she crossed paths with resident artist Brian Bennett, and the connection immediately stuck.
“He communicates and listens so well,” Jenna says. “I can always come to him with a crazy idea and he runs with it.”
After experiencing judgment from artists in the past, Jenna says working with Brian felt different.
“He makes me feel safe.”
That trust has turned into a long-standing artist-client relationship - so much so that Brian has been the only artist Jenna has worked with since 2017.
Her openness to collaboration and Brian’s willingness to run with her ideas has led to a collection of pieces that are deeply personal and uniquely hers.
Family Tradition built on Tattoos
Jenna’s love for Ink & Dagger has grown into something even bigger: a family tattoo tradition.
She made a deal with her six kids - when each of them turns 18, they get to choose a matching tattoo for the two of them, and it must be done by Brian.
So far, two of her children have turned 18 and the tradition is already underway.
One of the matching tattoos reflects the family’s dark sense of humor: a small “Esc.” key, symbolizing escape in the most tongue-in-cheek way possible.
Another piece came from an even more personal place. Jenna’s 19-year-old is an artist, so the two of them decided to tattoo their original artwork together.
Jenna is always happy to give Brian creative freedom, and that openness often leads to the most meaningful pieces in her collection.
Jenna’s Maximalist Collection
When asked if she has a favorite tattoo, Jenna laughs, because choosing just one isn’t easy. “It’s so hard to choose,” she says, “but if I had to pick just one, my chest piece is my favorite.”
She loves the piece so much that she’s already planning to come back and expand on it.
Another meaningful tattoo in her collection is a dirty martini–themed piece that serves as a tribute to her grandmother.
In life, Jenna describes herself as a maximalist, and that mindset absolutely carries over into her tattoos. Her collection includes a wide range of styles - black and grey, colorful, traditional, neotraditional, and more.
For Jenna, it’s not about sticking to one lane.
“If something strikes my fancy, I’m game for it.”
She loves pushing her limits and thinking outside the box when it comes to her tattoo ideas.
Why she keeps coming back to Ink & Dagger
Beyond the artwork, Jenna says the atmosphere at Ink & Dagger is a huge reason she keeps returning.
She describes the shop as welcoming, friendly, and easy to work with.
“The vibe is great,” she says. “Everyone is so nice and always welcoming.”
Booking appointments is simple, and every visit feels like a fun experience.
In fact, Jenna loves the shop so much that she’s started bringing friends along.
“My friends have all started going to Ink & Dagger!”
Whenever someone compliments her tattoos, she’s quick to point them toward the shop.
Advice for first time tattoo clients
For anyone considering their first tattoo, Jenna has some straightforward advice:
Think about your idea - but don’t overthink it.
“Allow yourself to just love something and enjoy it.”
She also emphasizes how important communication is when working with an artist. Tattooing is a collaborative process, and the more open the conversation, the better the final piece will be.
And one final piece of very important wisdom:
Hydrate!
Life outside of Tattoos
Outside of collecting tattoos, Jenna is deeply passionate about building community.
She’s a mother, activist, and writer, and many of her tattoos reflect the things she cares about most.
But life isn’t all serious pursuits. Jenna also embraces her nerdier side - from all things fantasy and nerd culture to an interest in witchcraft.
In many ways, her tattoos act as a visual map of her personality and interests.
Tattoos as Radical Self-Expression
When asked what her tattoo collection means to her, Jenna says it goes far beyond the artwork itself.
Her tattoos are a reflection of who she is and a commitment to showing up authentically in the world.
“They are a way to separate myself from the masses in a positive way,” she explains.
“I’ve always been different,” Jenna says. “Tattoos force me to be honest about who I am and to hold myself accountable to both myself and others.”
Start your own Tattoo Journey
Stories like Jenna’s are exactly what make tattooing so meaningful. Whether it’s your first piece or the next addition to a growing collection, the right artist can help bring your ideas to life.
If you’re inspired by Jenna’s story and want to start your own tattoo journey, check out the portfolios of the artists at Ink & Dagger Tattoo Studio and submit a booking request here.
Your story might just be the next one we get to tell.
