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India Rush: The Artistic Journey Behind India Ink Tatoo Company
By Israel Polk
Located in Northside Marketplace at 21 Furnace St. in Akron, India Rush has carved out a unique space in the local tattoo scene with India Ink Tattoo Company. From a background in graphic design to becoming the proud owner of the only Black female-owned tattoo shop in the city, India’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and creativity.
“I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil,” India Rush said. After high school, her creative pursuits took a backseat as she spent nearly two decades in various corporate roles, including working for Apple and a lighting company.
When she was laid off from her job, Rush saw an opportunity to return to her artistic roots. With a background in graphic design, she sought out creative work and stumbled upon a tattoo apprenticeship.
“It was my sister who planted the seed,” she said. “About a decade ago, she told me I should be a tattoo artist. At the time, I thought she was crazy. But when I saw the posting for an apprenticeship, her words echoed in my head, and I decided to give it a shot. Next thing you know, I own my own shop.”
Photo collage of images from the India Ink Facebook page.
Butterfly tatto by India Rush. Photo by Julie Cajigas
India Rush in her Northside Marketplace shop, photo by Israel Polk.
Tattooing not only provided Rush with a career she loved - it also gave her a newfound sense of confidence. “When people ask me what I do, I can proudly say, ‘I’m a tattoo artist.’ It always sparks conversation and potential clients,” she said.
Her shop, India Ink Tattoo Company stands out not only for the quality of work, but also for its atmosphere. Unlike traditional tattoo parlors that often have a dark, edgy aesthetic, India’s shop is filled with natural light and warmth. She chose her location specifically for its tall windows that flood the space with light, creating a welcoming and relaxing environment.
“My shop has a boho-chic, boutique vibe that makes clients feel comfortable,” she said. “Plus, being located in a bustling marketplace adds to the experience. Clients can grab coffee, shop for plants, or enjoy a meal while waiting for their appointment.”
As the only Black female-owned tattoo shop in Akron—and possibly all of Summit County—India takes pride in offering a unique and inclusive experience. “My clients become my friends. They come here because they feel comfortable and love the energy of the space,” she said.
Her vision for the future is ambitious.
In the next five years, Rush hopes to open additional small locations that replicate the intimate and creative atmosphere of her current shop.
She’s also in the process of purchasing a tattoo truck, which will allow her to take her artistry on the road and participate in tattoo conventions across the country.
“I’ve already had the chance to tour with an incredible group of female tattoo artists, and I want to do more of that,” she said. The tattoo truck will open up new opportunities for travel and networking while helping my business grow.”
With awards, grants, and a growing network of connections in the tattoo community, India is confident that her business will continue to flourish.
“I’ve been introduced to amazing organizations and experienced incredible growth in just three years. I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes me.”
Through her art, India has not only built a thriving business but also created a welcoming community where clients feel valued and inspired.
“I love what I do, and I love the connections I make with my clients,” she said. “This journey has truly changed my life.”
As her business continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains certain: India Rush is leaving a lasting mark on Akron’s tattoo scene, one inked masterpiece at a time.
To reach content author Israel Polk, email them here.
Previous stories about India Joi Rush of India Ink:
Give the Gift of Self Expression
India Ink offers traditional tattoo service, custom tattoos, and tattoo portraits.
By Erin Farmer
Anyone looking for an authentic, unique, and safe place to get meaningful tattoos of any kind should visit India Ink Tattoo Company, a tattoo shop in Akron's Northside Marketplace.
This small, local shop provides traditional tattoo services as well as custom tattoos including realism, portraits, and other styles.
The owner of the shop goes by India. India likes to stand out.
As far as she is conerned, of the many things that make her company stand out from other Akron-area tattoo shops, one is most important.
India Ink is the only black female owned tattoo shop in all of Akron.
“One of the main things that sets us apart from every other tattoo shop is that I’m a black female owner,” India said. “There are a lot of women in the tattoo industry, but there are not a lot compared to the men in the industry."
India is proud of her tattoo shop being a 100% black female owned business, because it makes getting a tattoo more accessible to women and men of color, who may feel safer in her shop.
She's also concerned with everyone's comfort and wants to make sure that all clients from all walks of life can feel her enthusiasm and passion.
“My special connection with tattoos is my clients. I love my clients," she said. "I think I have the best clients."
While some may see tattooing as art and nothing more, India focuses on its healing power.
India enjoys her art being a therapuetic outlet and every interaction with a client seeking benefits beyond the art is meaningful to her.
“Sometimes people are getting tattoos to cover up scars that are painful- to give them back some sense of normality to their life from something traumatic that happened," she said. "That [healing ability] is one of the things I absolutely love about it.”
India Ink Tattoo Company is located in a large space toward the front of Northside Marketplace at 21 Furnace St. in Akron. It's another thing that sets India Ink apart.
“We have amenities right here in the building we don't have to go anywhere to receive,” India said. “There's a restaurant and all the shopping there, so you can do multiple things without leaving the space.”
For anyone looking to gift a unique, custom, or detailed tattoo, India Ink stands ready to assist this holiday season.
You can visit the shop at 21 Furnace St in Akron, or visit their website, https://indiainked.com/
(left top) Tattoo created by India Ink, courtesy of India Ink's Facebook page. (left bottom) India Ink Tattoo Company's space in Northside Marketplace. Photo by Erin Farmer.
To reach content author Erin Farmer, email her here.
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