Today we’d like to introduce you to Mica Holmstead.
Hi Mica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In August of 2021, our 7-month-old daughter Lola suddenly passed away in her sleep. As a stay-at-home mom of one child, I didn’t really have much to do after that. After a long period of grieving, I decided that I needed to be doing something that I loved to help me stay out of a dark place. Since I can remember, I have always loved art. I just never thought I will be able to find a job that had to do with my art besides selling my art. (Which is very difficult) I also have always loved tattoos. I got my first tattoo on my 18th birthday! And had 5 more within the same year. I also was always the one giving my friends those ghetto stick-and-poke tattoos in high school.
My husband Hagen really helped me decide I should give tattooing a try (in a professional way) and I can’t thank him enough. It is wholeheartedly my passion and I enjoy tattooing every single day. My sister helped me come up with the name Lola’s Lines so that this art that helped me get through my loss could be in honor of our daughter Lola. This job/hobby has changed my life for the better. I don’t know where I would be without it. I get to meet the most amazing people every day through tattooing and piercing. I have gained so many lifelong friendships through my clientele and I am so grateful. I also get to connect with a lot of people who have also experienced loss and it is a great way to help me feel seen.
Around the same time, my husband started a brand called BE RARE in honor of our daughter and his brother who tragically passed away in a scooter accident just shy of a year earlier than Lola. His brand slogan is “What’s your mark?” Meaning what are you going to leave behind when you pass away? And “hang in there” (HIT) because we’re all just doing our best. His brand has been an amazing reminder to be a rare human. Be that person who is kind to all. You never know what others are going through and sadly it is a rare thing to be a person who can affect people every day in a positive way.
After experiencing a big year of loss, it is very important to my family to be the best we can be in this life. Life is short and would we all like to enjoy the ride?
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest struggles for my husband and I was the fact that I got pregnant with our daughter at just 19. She was not planned. It was very hard to turn our cheeks at those who judged us. But we have such a supportive family which helped us so much.
After getting over the stage of being nervous about being young parents, just to lose our daughter, it really was a punch in the gut. Lola was both mine and my husband’s whole hearts.
Then deciding if it was “okay” to try for another baby afterward was just another struggle. It may seem little or not a big deal but for being so young and just wanting to be parents again, it was very hard for us.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a fine-line tattoo artist and professional piercer. I specialize in tiny detailed tattoo pieces. I think one big thing that sets me apart from others is that I do every piece in a reminder of our daughter. I tell my clients that they have a little piece of Lola’s lines on them once I tattoo them.
My husband, Hagen Holmstead, sews all of his BE RARE clothing pieces himself, by hand. He has always been into fashion and really does have great style. It’s amazing to see him make these super sick clothing pieces in a way that can positively affect those who wear them or even just see them!
The thing that sets his brand apart from others is that it’s not just about selling his clothes. To him, it’s all about helping those around him and making a positive impact on the world.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The biggest thing both me and Hagen wish we kept in mind more when starting out, both with tattooing, piercing, and his clothing brand, is that you will only get better with practice and time.
I think as humans we all just want to start off perfect. But Hagen and I truly do learn something new every day with our businesses which leads us to get better with our practices every day.
Pricing:
- My tattoo minimum price is $65 and goes up depending on the size and detail of the piece you’re wanting
- The price of piercings includes jewelry: 1 single piercing- $50, 2 piercings- $80, 3 or more $35 each! Belly/naval $70, nose- $60, one nipple-$60, both nipples $100
- BE RARE clothing pieces are all one of ones meaning every piece will never be created again as well as it is the only one if it’s kind and Will go to the highest bidder.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.be-rare.co/shop https://bio.site/LolasLines
- Instagram: @lolas_lines @berare.hanginthere
