Selma native Jessa Galla knew that she wanted to do two things with her life: have a career in the arts and help people. She never imagined that a tattoo machine would become the instrument she used to do it.
In a field known for bold lines and tough exteriors, the 20-year-old is proving that a softer touch can be just as powerful.
Galla studied sociology and psychology at Johnston Community College with the goal of one day becoming an art therapist. She was drawn to the idea of helping people process emotions and experiences through creativity.
Her career path shifted in an unexpected way during a simple night at home watching TV with her mom.
Galla was multitasking during an episode of “Ink Master,” the popular reality show where tattoo artists compete in a variety of challenges that showcase their work.
“I have a hard time focusing on just one thing at a time, so I was drawing while we were watching the show,” she said. “My mom said she liked what I was drawing better than anything they were doing.”
That comment planted a seed and she started to consider becoming a tattoo artist as a real possibility.
After completing an apprenticeship and safety training, Galla began tattooing professionally at Combine Mindz in Selma, and quickly realized she had found a place where she could make a real difference in people’s lives through her skill as an artist.
As a young woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she has found that many clients appreciate the gentler hand and careful eye for detail that she brings to her work, and she values the connection she builds with the people who sit in her chair.
“People say ‘ink therapy’ as a joke, but it’s very much a real thing,” she said.
Galla has a special affinity for creating memorial tattoos and helping people honor loved ones they’ve lost. She creates portraits, replicates handwriting for sentimental phrases, or designs pieces that are tied to memories, hobbies or meaningful characters.
“I love creating art that is comforting to people,” she said. “Sometimes they like to talk about the person and share memories, or we can just be quiet and mourn together.”
For some clients, she said, even the steady vibration of the tattoo machine can be soothing.
She describes her personal art style as “illustrative realism” and especially enjoys when clients trust her to get creative with color.
She plans to continue refining her skills through tattoo seminars and training, growing as both an artist and a compassionate presence for the people she serves.
While her career may be heading down a different path than she once imagined, the goal remains the same: using art to help people.
