Meet Kayhan Kiani: Refugee-Turned-Entrepreneur Transforming the Global Tattoo Landscape Through INK’D London
In partnership with Miss Investigate
The path to entrepreneurial success often begins with humble origins. For Kayhan Kiani, a London-based tattoo entrepreneur, the journey started with nothing more than hope as he arrived in the U.K. as a refugee with his mother and sister. Unable to speak English and lacking connections, young Kiani could not have foreseen the bright future that awaited him. Today, he leads INK’D London, one of the premier tattoo shops in the British capital, transforming the tattoo industry both locally and globally.
Kayhan Kiani’s Inspiring Journey
The story of Kayhan Kiani highlights resilience and determination. He faced numerous challenges, including where to start, the language barrier, and a lack of social networks. However, these obstacles only fueled his desire to succeed. Kiani worked tirelessly, seizing every opportunity that came his way, and gradually built a foundation for his future success.
“When we first arrived, everything was foreign to us. But I quickly realized that hard work and dedication could open doors,” Kiani shares. “I immersed myself in learning the language and understanding British culture, always looking for growth opportunities.”
Behind this immigrant story lay deeper personal struggles. Kiani’s childhood was filled with domestic violence, forcing his family into constant relocation and eventually settling in the rough neighborhoods of Tottenham. Kiani admitted that surrounded by negative influences, he found himself on a destructive path that led him to prison.
Yet, it was during these hardest times that Kiani discovered his turning point. Rather than succumbing to circumstances, he dedicated his time to taking many lessons and courses in jail, making his time productive. This turning point ultimately led to building INK’D London, which has become the number one tattoo studio in the U.K. and is valued at over £2 million.
Kiani shares his learning of the process. He mentions, “No matter where you’ve been or what mistakes you’ve made, giving up is never the answer. The journey of rebuilding yourself is challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. Like me, who knows what you can achieve in the next week, six months, or one year if you will not give up? You might do things you wouldn’t imagine.”
Diving deep into the art of tattooing, Kiani identified a gap in the industry.
INK’D London: Redefining the Tattoo Experience
Founded in June 2018, INK’D London quickly became a game-changer in the tattoo industry. Kayhan Kiani’s vision was to create a space that produces high-quality tattoos and provides a premium experience for clients. To achieve this, the studio invested in cleanliness, professionalism, and a customer-centric outlook.
INK’D London boasts a team of highly skilled artists specializing in various styles, from fine line and miniature realism to Japanese and neo-traditional designs. Each artist is carefully selected for their technical skills and ability to connect with clients and bring their visions to life.
The tattoo studio’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the artistry. Kiani emphasizes how the studio adheres to strict hygiene protocols, uses top-quality equipment, and provides comprehensive aftercare advice to secure the best possible results for every client.
“At INK’D, we’re about creating new experiences for our clients,” Kiani explains. “We wanted to break the stereotype of dingy tattoo parlors and create a space where people feel comfortable, respected, and inspired.”
Making Tattoos More Personal
Kayhan Kiani’s vision for INK’D London goes beyond simply offering tattoo services. He also focuses on elevating body art as a form of personal expression and empowerment.
His team comprises skilled professionals specializing in diverse tattoo styles. They excel in realism, portraits, blackwork, dot work, fine lines, Japanese, and neo-traditional designs. These artists collaborate closely with clients to transform ideas into personalized, stunning tattoos. This variety certifies that even the most complex and imaginative tattoo ideas come to life.
To further enhance the tattoo experience and address standard client concerns, INK’D London has also invested in innovative pre-visualization technology. This advanced system allows clients to preview their tattoo designs on their actual skin before any permanent ink is applied.
This unique service demonstrates Kiani’s goal of always bringing the highest client satisfaction and confidence, setting INK’D London apart as a premium tattoo destination. The studio’s advanced technology and commitment to quality, comfort, and honesty empower clients. This perspective enables informed decision-making about body art. Ultimately, it results in a more satisfying and personalized tattoo experience.
Tattoo Excellence: From the UK to the Middle East
Since its launch, INK’D London has already achieved heights in the tattoo industry. The team has tattooed some of the biggest celebrities and hosted the coolest tattoo events. Kiani is proud to share that INK’D London has become number one within the tattoo and piercing industry, with thousands of five-star reviews across the internet.
However, Kiani’s ambitions for INK’D London extend beyond the borders of the U.K. Recognizing the growing global demand for high-quality tattoo services, he also looks forward to expanding the brand’s reach to new markets, particularly in regions where professional tattoo services are scarce or non-existent, such as the Middle East.
“We are all about expanding and bringing an art form to places where it’s been inaccessible,” Kiani states. “We’re giving clients access to professional tattoo and piercing services by pioneering legal body art in markets like the Middle East, allowing them to experience high-quality body art without compromising standards.”
Despite this groundbreaking move, Kiani acknowledges that the expansion was difficult. Fulfilling all the complex regulations required a lot of paperwork. However, the founder believed in the value INK’D offers and overcame these challenges.
As a result, Kiani is proud to announce that INK’D London secured the first tattoo studio license in the Middle East in 2024 and will be officially launched by 2025, further positioning the company as a global leader in body art.
Kayhan Kiani concludes, “Whether in the Middle East or the U.K., we’re showing people that tattoos can be safe, beautiful, and meaningful when done by professionals in a controlled environment. We aim to be a go-to tattoo provider for those looking for a secure, customized, and elevated tattoo experience, regardless of where they are in the world. “
Please visit INK’D London’s website to see its complete list of services.
Rolling Stone UK newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this featured content