In a world that still judges women by how much skin they show—or in this case, how much ink they wear—Amber Janae is rewriting the narrative.
She is the founder of Marked N’ Bold, a growing collective based in Chicago that celebrates tattooed women, dismantles outdated stereotypes, and creates safe spaces for those who live unapologetically marked.
“I started the collective because I was tired of being either hypersexualized or seen as too masculine just because of my tattoos,” Amber says. “It’s like people couldn’t imagine femininity, brains and ink existing in the same body.”
What began as a personal frustration quickly turned into a cultural movement. Marked N’ Bold is more than an aesthetic—it’s a statement of power, identity, and community.
From Isolation to Inked Sisterhood
Amber, a multi-hyphenate creative with a background in communications and event curation, recognized a glaring gap in how tattooed women were represented—and respected.
“I wasn’t seeing women who looked like me in these creative spaces, or if I did, we weren’t being taken seriously. We were either a spectacle or an afterthought. I wanted to build something different.”
Her response was Marked N’ Bold—a collective that now hosts gatherings, group appearances at tattoo conventions, creative collaborations, and digital features that spotlight the stories and artistry of tattooed women. The group isn’t limited to tattoo artists like existing networks; it’s built for enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, creators, and individuals who view their skin as a canvas and their bodies as living archives.
More Than Ink
The collective is grounded in both visual power and personal truth. On markednbold.com, Amber expands the conversation with blogs, photos, and merch that affirm the diverse ways femininity, creativity, hustle and body art intersect.
Marked N’ Bold is also redefining community visibility. From features at art events to forming partnerships with local businesses and creatives, the collective walks into spaces that never expected them—and owns the room.
“For us, it’s not about just being ‘accepted’. We’re used to being the outliers. We’re comfortable being the lone wolves. The black sheep. It’s moreso about being seen for who we really are. Who we’ve always been. We just decided to show up for ourselves louder… bolder.”
Art, Expression, and Entrepreneurial Hustle
Beyond culture and community, Amber’s vision for Marked N’ Bold includes something vital: economic opportunity. The collective actively creates space for female entrepreneurs, connecting local business owners, artists, and creatives through pop-ups, vendor markets, collaborative shoots, and more.
“Visibility isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being paid,” Amber explains. “Too many talented women, especially those with body art, are overlooked in professional spaces. We’re changing that. Every event we host is a platform to showcase their work, their talent, and their hustle.”
Through partnerships and intentional promotion, the collective helps elevate brands, boost clientele, and offer women an authentic network of support. Whether it’s a boutique owner, a lash tech, or a jewelry designer, Amber ensures there’s space for them to shine—and sell.
What’s Next
As Marked N’ Bold continues to grow, Amber remains focused on impact over trend.
“I want this to be the blueprint for women who’ve been told they don’t fit,” she says. “Whether you’re tatted up or just love the culture—this collective is important and impactful for all women. We’re marked, we’re bold, and we’re done shrinking.”
In a city and culture that often asks women to soften or hide their edge, Amber Janae is doing the opposite—inviting others to step into the light, exactly as they are.
Follow the Movement:
Amber Janae
Instagram: @AmberJanae__
Official Website: AmberJanaeInfo.univer.se
Marked N’ Bold Collective
Instagram: @MarkedNBold
Website: MarkedNBold.com