Meet Ashlee Horsley
Co-owner, artist, and storyteller — creating connection through every tattoo.
Ashlee Horsley’s journey as an artist began at just 11 years old, sitting beside her grandmother, who was a painter, and watching Bob Ross work his magic on television. Those early moments, filled with doodles and paintbrushes, planted the seeds of creativity that would grow into her lifelong passion. Today, Ashlee is not only a skilled tattoo artist but also the proud co-owner of Inked Under Ground, where she pours her love for art and people into every piece she creates.
A Lifelong Passion for Art
Art has always been at the center of Ashlee’s life. What started as doodles in childhood grew into a calling that she’s pursued with dedication. For the past six years, Ashlee has been tattooing, refining her craft and building her reputation as a versatile artist. Her favorite styles—neo-traditional and color tattoos—allow her to blend bold design with vibrant expression, giving her work a distinct personality that clients love.
The Heart of Connection
For Ashlee, tattooing is about so much more than ink on skin. Her favorite part of being a co-owner of Inked Under Ground is meeting people in the community, learning the personal stories behind their tattoos, and witnessing the impact of her work. “For me, it’s all about the connection,” she explains. Every tattoo becomes a shared experience, a bond between artist and client that lasts far beyond the time spent in the chair.
The Challenges of the Craft
While tattooing is rewarding, Ashlee doesn’t shy away from the reality that it can also be challenging. Not every client walks away easy to please, and sometimes she encounters people who can’t be satisfied—or who are simply rude. Those experiences have taught her patience, resilience, and the importance of focusing on the positive connections that outweigh the negative ones.
Favorite Work
Out of the many tattoos she has created, two stand out as personal favorites: her Raggedy Ann doll tattoo and a set of neo-traditional flowers. Both pieces represent her love for color and design, and they hold a special place in her journey as an artist.
Words of Wisdom
Ashlee’s advice for other artists comes from her own experience of perseverance:
“Never give up. Keep practicing. I’ve had a hard time in my life and I almost gave up and threw everything away. But something in me told me not to give up, and to do what I love.”
Her words serve as a reminder that passion and persistence can carry artists through even the toughest seasons.
Life Beyond the Studio
When she’s not tattooing, Ashlee enjoys the simple joys of life—spending time with her kids and continuing to draw whenever she can. For her, art is not just a career but a way of life, woven into her daily routines both inside and outside the studio.
Looking Forward
Ashlee’s goals are straightforward yet powerful: to keep drawing, to keep improving, and to continue growing as a tattoo artist. With every piece she creates, she moves closer to mastering her craft while staying true to the passion that first sparked when she was 11 years old.
