Meet Alisha Turner | Business Owner & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alisha Turner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alisha, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Over time my work-life balance has become more of a priority for the sake of my family, marriage, and self. I’m constantly trying to find balance in all aspects but I feel like balancing professional responsibilities and personal responsibilities can be a daunting goal.

I think of work-life balance as a give and take relationship in a tug-of-war style. It’s a competition of time. When I give to my work schedule I take from my personal schedule. And vise versa. It’s not just a matter of, “Do I extend my hours this week so I can get this client in?” It’s a matter of, “If I’m coming in an extra hour early will I have time to get the sleep and nutrition I need?” Or maybe it’s a question of, “Do I reschedule everyone from today so I can stay home with the kids while they’re sick?” But the real question is, “Do I take from my work load to give to my family duties?”

It’s a balancing act — You can’t just cancel or reschedule on your clients because you want to go for brunch and shopping, but you also can’t put yourself and your Why on the back-burner either.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a Fine Line Tattooist in the Columbus, Ohio area and I’ve have been designing tattoos since I was a Senior in High School. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and have been an Independent Artist and Designer for over a decade, working with all sorts of mediums from gouache, oil paint, alcohol ink, graphite, and resin to cover art, digital art, branding, visual marketing, and web design. I’ve also wrote, illustrated, and self-published a Children’s Book series, so I’m all over the place as a creative.

It wasn’t an easy path but I don’t believe anyone’s path is. I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that we all have to make a leap of faith and then we either climb, dig, or break-through the barriers in front of us if we really want what’s on the other side. Most obstacles are redirection or a test of willpower.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many things to do here in Columbus but I think I would take them to Lincoln Social off of High Street which overlooks the city with this gorgeous view with the best tacos and shots I have ever had, and then to the Franklin Park Conservatory which has a ton to see and experience. There’s also the Michael Angelo Winery about an hour and a half from the city that is one of the most aesthetic places I’ve ever been to with the best food I’ve ever had at a winery. Then I’d probably take them to the Cliffs at Hocking Hills as I’ve been wanting to go there myself for the longest! Lastly if it worked out with tickets and events, I’d definitely take them to a UFC match or an Ohio State game.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh absolutely!

I’m really grateful to my husband, Blake Turner, for believing in me, making time to listen and give authentic feedback, always cheering me on and helping me stay in balance. He’s helped so much and I wouldn’t be where I am without his support, validation, and encouragement.

I’m grateful to my sister and sister-in-law, Lexi & Lexi Kip, whom trained me and helped me get into this industry. As well as Caroline and Joyce at Salons By JC who took a chance on me when I was starting out without any clientele to show for. Honestly the entire Salons By JC family here at the Polaris location are all worth shouting out because each of us contributes to the safe diverse work culture that makes the salon a whole vibe.

Website: www.inkbylish.com

Instagram: @inkbylish