The Real Reason Kat Von D Is Closing Her Tattoo Shop
Kat Von D is officially closing down High Voltage, her iconic tattoo parlor in West Hollywood, California. As fans will know, the shop was the set for the TLC reality show "LA Ink," which featured the owner — as well as tattoo artists Corey Miller, Hannah Aitchison, Kim Saigh, and Amy Nicoletto, among others (via IMDb). A spin-off of "Miami Ink" (which also starred the TV figure), Kat's reality show first aired in 2007 and ran for four seasons, until it was canceled by the network. "TLC has decided that the current season of LA Ink will be its last," a 2011 statement by TLC read (via Entertainment Weekly). "The network is proud of what the series has accomplished in its four seasons, following Kat Von D's journey as an artist from Miami to Los Angeles."
The show's ending didn't slow down business, though. Over the years, High Voltage continued to thrive, attracting celebrity clients such as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Demi Lovato, Dakota Fanning, and Ewan McGregor, per VH1.
"When I met her I had no idea who she was because it was right before she blew up," Kat told Billboard in 2010 about inking Lady Gaga. "She wanted to get these roses on her hip. She came in and was this little firecracker ... I swear, like three days later her face was everywhere." Despite all the high-end clientele, Kat is closing High Voltage for good ... and you won't guess why.
Kat Von D is leaving Los Angeles for rural Indiana
In an October 25 multi-slide Instagram announcement, Kat Von D revealed that she will be closing down High Voltage as she plans to leave California for good. Earlier this year, Kat and her husband Rafael Reyes purchased a home in rural Indiana, and now, they've decided to make it their permanent home. "The more time we spend out there we realize we feel more at home there than we do here in LA," Kat wrote.
The official move will happen at the end of the year, as the couple sells their home in California ... as well as closing the shop. "This means that, sadly, I will be closing my beloved tattoo shop @highvoltagetat here in West Hollywood on Dec 1," Kat continued. "I didn't think it would make sense to keep it open if I wasn't present." Though High Voltage may be closing, that doesn't mean that the popular tattoo artist will stop receiving clients.
"I will most likely open a private studio in Indiana once we are done with the house remodel there," she explained. Of course, Kat also took a moment to thank her High Voltage family. "I'd like to thank my beloved tattoo family that I've had the honor and privilege of working alongside," the KVD Beauty founder continued. "Thank you for 14 years of love + tattooing!" Once in Indiana, Kat will definitely live comfortably, given her $20 million net worth.