Les Tattoos blends inclusion and artistry to craft a queer-inclusive studio

In the heart of Midtown Sacramento, at “Ladies Empowered Sacramento Tattoos” — also known as Les — art, identity, and community converge. 

Les Tattoos says they are the largest LGBTQ female-owned and operated tattoo shop on the West Coast, but to the staff, it isn't just about ink — it's about inclusion.

Mari Dominguez owns Les Tattoos. She started the shop with a passion for art and a desire to create something she felt was lacking: a shop focused on creating a safe space for queer expression and acceptance. 

Les Tattoo owner Mari Dominguez prepares to tattoo customer Monica Salamanca.Tony Rodriguez/CapRadio

Dominguez says up-and-coming queer-inclusive shops inspire her in the city and has seen more inclusive spaces like Les Tattoo being created nationwide.

"It's beautiful to see from starting where I started 11, 10 years ago ... you didn't see that at all,” she says. “So just to see that I was part of that progress and change in history is an honor.”

According to Dominguez, traditional tattoo shops can often lack sensitivity and representation for queer communities, leading to discomfort and misunderstanding. She says she frequently hears from clients or tattoo artists who come into the shop that they feel comfortable there. 

“Whenever someone comes in here [and] is like, I saw what you were doing with the communities, saw what you were doing with the team, and I knew I just had to work here. I had to be part of this and I think that is the most magical feeling in the world,” she says.