January Inked Girl of the Month: Chanel Ayana

Inked Magazine is proud to kick off the new year by introducing our January Inked Girl of the Month, Chanel Ayana, a New York–based real estate professional whose journey through tattoos, travel, and self-discovery reflects both personal evolution and artistic expression.

Growing Up Inked

For Chanel, tattoos were never about rebellion, they were simply part of her environment. Growing up in Seattle, where tattoo culture and body modification are widely embraced, she was surrounded by artists and creatives, especially in downtown Seattle and the Capitol Hill neighborhood. From an early age, she knew tattoos would play a major role in her life.

While her first professional tattoo was planned as a milestone, a half sleeve for her 18th birthday, her very first tattoo came earlier. At 17, she visited a neighborhood spot everyone referred to as the “tatt shack,” a local rite of passage for first tattoos. The piece, seven stars wrapping around her wrist and forearm, wasn’t exactly a masterpiece. Chanel laughs about it now, noting that it’s since been covered with something far more refined, symbolizing her growth both artistically and personally.

Tattoos With Meaning

Each of Chanel’s tattoos marks a different chapter in her life, but one piece holds especially deep significance: her full right arm sleeve. Inspired by coloring books she shared with her younger cousin Tiara, the design features playful food illustrations they loved coloring together. Though the tattoo dates back to her high school years, it took on profound meaning after her cousin passed away in 2019. Today, the sleeve stands as a lasting tribute, nostalgic, sentimental, and deeply personal.

Evolution and Intentional Change

At this stage of her journey, Chanel isn’t adding new tattoos. Instead, she’s embracing intentional change, choosing to refine her existing ink and let go of pieces that no longer reflect who she is today. For her, it’s a natural evolution, proof that tattoos, like people, grow and change over time.

Life Beyond Tattoos

Outside of ink, Chanel enjoys the simple pleasures of city life. She loves traveling, reading, and exploring New York City’s vibrant food scene as a devoted foodie. At home, she spends time with her cat Titus, who she describes as both intelligent and endlessly entertaining.

Despite her bold appearance, Chanel often surprises people with how laid back she is. She prefers casual looks, sneakers over heels, and a low-key lifestyle. One fact that consistently catches people off guard? She takes public transportation every day, a routine she finds completely normal, even if others don’t expect it.

A Full-Circle Moment With Inked Magazine

Being named Inked Girl of the Month is a milestone years in the making. In her twenties, Chanel remembers seeing Inked Magazine on bookstore shelves and telling herself, “If I can be featured in this magazine, I’ll know I made it.” That goal stayed with her throughout her modeling career and now, it’s come full circle.

As she enters the new year, Chanel is focused on building a successful, grounded life centered on her real estate career and personal fulfillment. Calm, clarity, and intention guide her next chapter and her story is one proudly written in ink.