Celebrate National Tattoo Day with Sherry Fellores!

Hi, readers, writers, and tattoo wearers, too! Today is National Tattoo Day and we have such a sweet treat for you. Sherry Fellores is here with us sharing her inspiring picture book Make Your Mark, The Empowering True Story of the First Known Black Female Tattoo Artist. Sherry's story, co-authored with Jacci Gresham herself, follows Jacci's experience as a tattoo artist when tattoos were considered distasteful on women. Still, Jacci persevered and continues to make her mark on the world. Want to know more about Sherry, her book co-authored with Jacci, PLUS want a chance to win your own copy? Read on...

Q: Hi, Sherry! Thanks SO much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to celebrate a super cool day with you - National Tattoo Day. Before we get started, can you share more with us about your book and journey to becoming a published author?

A: Hi, Heather and Lynne Marie! 

MAKE YOUR MARK is the inspiring true story of America’s first known Black female tattoo artist, Jacci Gresham.

I started seriously writing in 2017. I knew I wanted to become traditionally published. It was important to me to have my books in bookstores and libraries. I wrote a lot of very bad stories. But I also had some good ideas. I worked on the ideas that I had the most passion for. They also had to stand out in a crowded, competitive market. I had the idea for MAKE YOUR MARK in 2018. I worked on over 25 drafts.  I had an opportunity to query Miranda Paul through a SWBWI event. I sent MAKE YOUR MARK. I received an email back from Miranda asking us to set up a zoom with her. She requested and R&R. (revise and resubmit)

She gave us lots of things to think about. I worked for the next four months before I sent it back. She asked for one more round of revision. I worked for another three months after Jacci and I met in person to try to get it as personal as possible. I sent it off once we felt there wasn’t much more we could do.

Miranda called that afternoon and offered representation. We were thrilled! We went on sub soon after. Several editors were interested, so when Jess Garrison from Dial/PRH offered us a pre-empt, we were excited to take the deal.

Q: Can you share more about your book with everyone and the inspiration behind it? 

A: Back when my now adult daughters were much younger, they got their first tattoos. Some people say tattoos can become addicting–once you get one, you can’t wait for the next. The problem I had was they began getting tattoos in very visible places. Full sleeves on their arms. It was the early 2000’s. I was worried they wouldn’t get professional jobs or be taken seriously in the workplace. Women were expected to easily hide their tattoos. As their arms became full of tattoos, I had many strong feelings about it! 

One day, my oldest daughter added another design. It was gorgeous. It was the first time I saw her completed designs for what they were worth. A  beautiful artistic collection of personal expression.

I noticed  many other young women also expressing themselves with visible  tattoos  that they were proud to wear. I also observed several professional women sporting tattoos openly. Nurses, teachers, lawyers–Tattoos were mainstream and my views were outdated.

I wondered about the first women in tattooing. My curiosity got the best of me and I went down a rabbit hole. It’s where I discovered Jacci Gresham, America’s first known Black female tattoo artist. Her story was amazing. She pushed boundaries and broke barriers. She is a true legend! 

Q: I was lucky enough to see an early version of this story. And it has really blossomed from there and helped land you an amazing agent plus a book deal with Dial Books. A HUGE congrats! What are some changes that were made along the way, what did you learn, and what was it like working so closely with Jacci?

A: Let’s just say that the early draft you saw was a completely different book in every way! I believe it was a collection of several first women in tattooing and the contributions they made. It was interesting enough, but it wasn’t a compelling story. I kept coming back to Jacci’s story. I changed the entire manuscript to spotlight Jacci. Now I had a fascinating story! 

I hesitantly called her shop. When she was on the line, I explained I was a children’s author and wanted to interview her. She was kind and genuine. After a few phone conversations, we hit it off and she agreed to collaborate with me. 

Q: What advice do you have for teaming up with a writer/another individual on a book? What’s been the coolest part of your journey? 

A: With Jacci and I, it’s always been a true partnership. Our conversations were easy right from the start. We had the same goals for the book. My advice would be to look for someone who has a similar vision. Someone who ignites the same passion for your project as much as you do.

Q: You have another book that was recently released, This is The Crew That Builds Our School. This looks like so much fun! What can you share about this book and why is it a great read for those headed back to school? 

A: THIS IS THE CREW THAT BUILDS OUR SCHOOL follows the journey of several skilled trade workers as they build a new school from the ground up. It introduces kids to the trades in a fun, sing-song way. It’s a great back to school book to get students thinking about how their own schools were built while learning about the trades. Many educators told me they will use this book as a part of their community helper's unit.

Q: BONUS QUESTION: Of course, on National Tattoo Day we have to share a tattoo pic/story. You actually got tattooed by Jacci - how exciting! Can you share more about this with our readers? 

A: Of course! Miranda and I told Jacci that once the book sold, we would come to her shop in New Orleans to get tattoos to celebrate. Jacci gave us our tattoos at seventy-six years old. We are so proud to wear this part of history on our bodies! 

Love this! Thanks for sharing this with us!

Q: Would you like to leave a tip or a treat for our readers?

A: A TREAT! I'd love to offer a copy of Make Your Mark to one reader.

Wow! Thanks so much for such a sweet treat. And thanks again for joining us! It was so much fun getting to know you more and hearing more about your journey partnering with Jacci and sharing her story!

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter to win Sherry's amazing book giveaway, 1) share this post on social media and 2) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by! Tattoo-themed GIFs are encouraged.

Giveaway winners will be drawn and announced on or about 7/31!

Books will be shipped in the US only.

About Sherry Fellores:

Sherry is a children’s book author. Her debut book, How to Make Your Mark, was in collaboration with the legendary Jacci Gresham, America’s first known Black female tattoo artist. She is drawn to untold stories about regular, everyday people doing extraordinary things and how they serve in their communities. Sherry writes about family, schools, blue collar workers.

For more about Sherry, check out the below links:

IG: Sherry Fellores (@sherry_fellores) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook: Sherry.Fellores

TikTok: #jaccigresham #tattooedmom #tattooedgirlsoftiktok #tattoo #tattoo #NOL... | TikTok

X: Sherry Fellores (@sfellores1) / X

To purchase Sherry's books or to leave a review for them on Amazon, click here.

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