Ink Link: The super talented @EasyEquities brand goddess Carly Barnes

The Ink Link is an ongoing project at CN&CO that showcases tattoos in the workplace. One of the great things about a tattoo is it goes against the commonly-held viewpoint that “what you see is what you get”. There’s a misguided belief in certain quarters that in order to be a working professional, it is categorically *impossible* to have a tattoo… because how can someone with a tattoo be a professional? We are putting paid to that perception through the stories showcased in the Ink Link. If you or anyone you know would like to be featured, please get in contact with us.

Carly Barnes is the super passionate and talented Brand Goddess at EasyEquities whose tattoos have always fascinated me, I managed to get some time with her to discuss the epic art she has inked on her and the stories behind them.

Howzit Carls thanks for taking the time to meet with me today. Please can you tell us a little bit more about who you are and what you do?

I am a storyteller, singer, investor, flexitarian and world wanderer. I’m the EasyEquities Brand Goddess aka ShareGalCarly, but being a big sister is also a job I’m super proud of – I’m the eldest of 3 sisters and 2 brothers. I love nature and cooking. I’m a part hippy, part hood and part high street. I’m passionate about empowering women, and I want to lead by example and show other girls and gals, that anything is possible.

“Flexitarian, I remember giving you gears about that 🙂 I love all your ink, how many tattoos do you currently have? 

Only five. For now.

I was really intrigued by the type writer and praying mantis, can you elaborate a bit on all of your tattoos?

Stylistically I love anything that is vintage/antique. Maybe that’s because I’m an old soul? The swallow on my foot, the typewriter on my arm and the praying mantis on my shoulder are all inked in this style. I also love stories and words, so each represents a story – or rather a chapter that has already been written and is now immortalized, or that is yet to come. The swallow makes me think of my Gran, who loved birds but also a Maya Angelou poem about being free, it’s called ‘I know why the caged bird sings‘.

My sisters and I all have the same small heart on our wrists, whilst we are all wonderfully different, the love we have for each other is constant. The Tibetan font quote on my neck, is from my other sister who passed away when I was 18. She once wrote that she was proud of being ‘brave enough to make mistakes’ and I loved that. I strive to be more like her in that way. The typewriter on my arm speaks to the storyteller in me, the creative. It reminds me that there are still so many chapters and adventures to be had, and that I better make each one a page turner. And the mantis is a symbol of feminine strength and of mindfulness. Our words and our actions are so powerful, its important to be mindful of them – especially when they are directed towards ourselves.

Woah, that is totally incredible, I actually just got goosebumps! Do you have a favourite?

While my mantis is still healing, I’m going to say my typewriter. Its in my line of vision every day, I love how it looks, I love that it still surprises me, I love that it reminds me who I am – when the world runs away with me.

I have to agree! Have your tattoos ever compromised your job? 

Nope. I can’t see myself working anywhere where artistic expression and individualism isn’t part of the ethos.

Any plans for more, or is that a silly question?

I’d love to extend the bird tattoo with some excerpts from the Maya Angelou poem, its truly beautiful. And I’ve collected quotes from each country I’ve travelled to, which I’d like to get done as a kind of wanderlust timeline.

Nice! In closing, what advice would you give someone looking to get their first tattoo? 

Find an artist that matches your style – they are all different and have different skill sets. Don’t skimp on price, this is a forever artwork on your body. Honour your expression and honour the artist who brings it to life. If you have an idea, sit on it for a year. Then if you still want it, book a spot immediately and don’t look back:)

Thanks so much for sharing your ink stories with me, they are epic and the stories behind them are incredible. Stay as awesome and passionate as you are! 

Be sure to check out www.easyequities.co.za for their latest #Thrive campaign where you can win R500 000! 

Kurt, our favourite Leb, has a zest for life and a heart of gold. He’s also a really good marketer, willing to do almost anything for his clients, even if it involves wearing a tutu!