Anne Frank said “How wonderful it is that no one need wait a single moment before trying to improve the world.” This quote speaks to the heart of Adrien Moses Clark, owner of Axe of Kindness Tattoo in Rochester New York. Adrien, who has been tattooing for 20 years, made the decision to open his own tattoo studio where he could continue to create art and spread joy while giving back. I had the honor to talk with Adrien about his mission and Axe of Kindness.
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change we seek.” Barack Obama
Adrien, who loves art and throughout high school focused on art, went into tattooing a couple of years after high school when he became an assistant at a tattoo shop. From there he became an apprentice and learned the skills to then became a tattoo artist. Adrien loves tattooing and seeing the joy his works of art bring to the people he tattoos. Prior to opening Axe of Kindness Tattoo, Adrien had been working at another tattoo studio. He had attempted to determine ways he, and his customers, could give back to organizations in Rochester and the surrounding community. Yet despite his best attempts, there was not as much giving as he had hoped. In 2022 Adrien determined the best way he could move forward with helping the community while tattooing was to open Axe of Kindness Tattoo. A tattoo studio whose mission is “born with a love of tattooing and the immense desire to answer a call from within to do more for the underprivileged, underserved, and all of those in need of help in our community. We welcome tolerant, accepting, and reasonable humans from all walks of life to be a part of this journey with us and we wish you well along the path.”
“Ubuntu is the belief that we are defined by our compassion and kindness towards others.” Unknown
Adrien shared that choosing the name “Axe of Kindness Tattoo” was an evolution of ideas. He always checks on clients to see if they are “A-Ok” when he is working on them so he pondered an “AOK” anagram. Since Adrien is also a “punny” individual he thought the Axe reflects how tattooing is not the most comfortable process combined with Adrien wielding the Axe of Kindness to help others, along with “the hope that we all can” be Axe wielding with our kindnesses to others. Axe of Kindness is a direct reflection of all these ideas and stands for the mission of this business.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo Buscaglia
Ten percent of the income Adrien generates through Axe of Kindness goes back into organizations in need in the Rochester community and beyond. Adrien thoughtfully focused on places that tend to be overlooked along with ones that supported Black and Brown communities. He is committed to taking action and wanting to make this world a better place along with wanting to inspire other people to do the same. Adrien also gives back to others by holding space to listen to the stories people share about the tattoos they receive, providing a much-needed healing experience for the amazing people who come to him for their special tattoos.
“Your kindness saves lives.” Adrien Moses Clark
With honor and joy we shine the Kindness Champion Spotlight on Adrien Moses Clark, owner of Axe of Kindness Tattooing in Rochester New York. Where he is using his joy of tattooing to wield his axe of kindness to do his bit of good wherever he can to help others struggling in this world and inspire others along the way. We thank you for being you and bringing your kindness to the world.
For more information on Axe of Kindness Tattoo here is their information:
Website: https://axeofkindnessroc.com/
Facebook: @AxeofKindnessTattoo https://www.facebook.com/axeofkindness.roc/
Instagram: @axeofkindness.roc https://axeofkindnessroc.com/
