How Icon Kat Von D Continues to Creatively Evolve Her Career

Welcome to Second Life, a podcast spotlighting successful women who've made major career changes—and fearlessly mastered the pivot. Hosted by Hillary Kerr, co-founder and chief content officer at Who What Wear, each episode will give you a direct line to women who are game changers in their fields. Subscribe to Second Life on iTunes, and stay tuned.

When thinking of Kat Von D, one word comes to mind: iconic. A tattoo artist, beauty mogul, and designer Von D has built an authentic creative empire. Beginning her career in the tattoo industry at just 14 in Los Angeles, Von D landed on TLC’s reality shows Miami Ink and LA Ink, eventually opening up her own shop in 2007, High Voltage Tattoo in West Hollywood, where she’s tattooed a myriad of celebrities, musicians, and artists. As one of the most renowned tattoo artists of our time, Kat transitioned her artistry into launching her cruelty-free and later 100% vegan makeup line, KVD Vegan Beauty, ultimately defying all expectations. After 12 years, Von D announced that she sold her shares of the top-selling brand that she did indeed, build from the ground up. However, Von D’s ever-evolving artistic career journey does not stop there.

Von D has refocused her energy toward her lasting passion for animals, humanity, and the environment, which inspired her to formulate 100% vegan products. In November of 2019, Von D Shoes launched as a luxury vegan shoe line that offers high-quality, cruelty-free shoes. It’s no secret that Von D is a creative powerhouse who not only inspires others through her work but is constantly being inspired to create.

Head to iTunes to subscribe to Second Life, and listen to this brand-new episode to hear all about how Von D has reinvented herself time and time again as an artist while remaining true to both her vision and voice. Spoiler alert: There are more exciting upcoming projects in Von D's future.