Port resident Dani Egna launched her business Inked by dani, a line of hand-drawn temporary tattoos, in early 2015 and the business has been thriving.
“I feel incredibly lucky with our immediate success. I think we have had the perfect combo of hard work, luck and a creative idea,” said Egna. “I am so excited about our current projects we are working on and everything that the future holds.”
Egna developed an intense passion for the arts at a young age. Early in her childhood, she recognized that she had a natural knack for both painting and drawing, which quickly grew into a highly developed talent. The artist threw herself into honing her craft, eventually earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California in 2015. Constantly seeking an outlet for her passions, Egna cultivated her love of art and design into an assortment of works that led to successful gallery shows and accolades such as the Pride in Port and the Making Waves Photography Award.
Egna’s college friends frequently requested that she draw custom designs directly onto their skin for themed parties and free-spirited outings. The makeshift tattoos were such a widespread hit that Egna began to consider creating her own line of hand-drawn temporary tattoos.
She soon teamed up with her best friend and accounting major Mandy Raeder, and Inked by dani was born. Together, Egna’s creative spirit and Raeder’s business acumen have built a brand with a fierce presence in both the retail and editorial landscapes. Following just a few short weeks as a branded venture, Inked was picked up by renowned retailer Brandy Melville, followed shortly thereafter by a wildly successful collaboration with cult-favorite, Nasty Gal.
“Living in Port has definitely helped with the creation of my business,” said Egna. “We have the most supportive community of friends and family that have been a constant help and such an important part of my business and its network.”
The team at Inked by dani is entirely composed of recent college graduates, giving the brand a unique perspective on their target millennial market, which they count as peers. Egna’s classical training paired with her eye for spotting trends as they happen is expressed in the collection’s assortment of on-the-pulse designs, which includes cheeky takes on Americana, whimsical surfer-inspired sketches, soft bohemian phrases and kitschy ’90s revivals like the brand’s mascot, a rainbow tie-dye alien.
Available in an assortment of sharp black and white, vibrantly colored and playful glitter designs, the funky and hip hand-drawn temporary tattoos are a trendy accessory. The youthful adornments are fitting for music festivals, spring break trips, days spent lounging at the pool or simple everyday wear.
“I don’t think I could pick a favorite,” said Egna. “Each is my own little drawing and creation—I love them all.”
Inked by dani tattoos retail at $10 for a pack of designs or $1 for a single tattoo. The brand can currently be purchased at major retailers, including Brandy Melville, Nasty Gal and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as specialty stores nationwide. For additional information, visit www.inkedbydani.com.
