Hi Friends,
First Thank you so much to those who have helped share, liked, comment on posts through social media. And thank you to those that are able to financially contribute to help us all find some more stability by helping pay off our medical debt. And bills associated with keeping our small businesses open. And continuing to create art as our main source of income.
A little bit about why I’m using this mutual aid effort to support not just myself but also my friends.
No one really thinks they will be sick until you experience it yourself. The medical + healthcare system being stacked against our favor. Especially as chronically ill or complex cases. There truly is only so much you can do as one person. It takes a community to really get out of debt from medical bills and find stability. Which can be difficult when you’re constantly sick and have no energy to create. Or you are recovering from a major surgery or chronic illness.
A little intro to myself. I’m Rayna Ross, I’m a transracial adoptee, born in Tamil Nadu, raised in Iowa since I was 2 years old. I have been a professional artist for 20 years. Fully self employed since 2016. And a self taught tattooer for 6 years. Since I started tattooing I’ve been able to find so much stability being almost completely debt free until I started to get sick in 2020. From 2021-2025 I have had 242 Tests and Scans to help get answers to unknown chronic conditions. My conditions have been overlooked for years by many medical professionals. Being South Asian and not being able to have access or easily accessible care to Doctors that have a broader scope for ancestry. During the last 5 years I have self diagnosed most of my conditions and have had to heavily advocate for myself. In doing so I’ve from 2021-2025 I’ve had 2 nasal poly removals, Shoulder Surgery for a Labrum Tear, Gallbladder Removal, Total Hysterectomy, Bronchoscopy, Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, and Tonsillectomy. In total around 12-14 months of total unpaid recovery time. My GoFundMe in 2022 for my Shoulder Surgery in total raised $5,161 with only 88 donors. These contributions were directly spent towards rent, build out materials ( paint + tenant fees) and some tattoo supplies for 2.5 months. As being in a brick+ mortar space was extremely expensive with lots of many unknown costs. Since I have closed my brick + mortar intentionally. Since then I had opened a private studio back up and also had to close that due to another unexpected ( tonsillectomy) surgery. I have found a space that will work with my financial needs. But due to the debt I’ve acquired from surgery recovery, travel costs to finish existing tattoos for clients that can not travel to me. I’m starting completely over again.
My portion of these funds will be directed towards my medical bills, website fees, tattoo supplies, weekly tattoo rent, my square business loan, and credit card debt ( both acquired in turn to help me take time off to recover from surgeries ). And lastly I am attempting to secure funding to cover more genetic testing that in turn could help me stabilize my health. And ensure my medical care is properly being diagnosed and treated. And proper time to recover from the back to back surgeries and have some stability moving forward being a full time artist.
Over the years I have been fortunate to connect with many artists that have been so supportive of my art and also incredibly talented. Enyo Azar. ( They/ Them). Co-owner of XO Pinky Promise, based in Minneapolis Minnesota. They have also had many setbacks due to systemic racism and medical negligence. They’ve been attempting to work while chronically ill. And most recently diagnosed with EDS. Which as a tattooer and full time artist makes it very physically difficult to manage. Financial stability would help them be able to pay their tattoo rent, regular rent, purchase business supplies and in turn just manage day to day life living with chronic pain and reoccurring illness. It could potentially give them more accessibility to medical professionals as well that can help manage EDS.
Venmo their handle is @enyoazar
When I was in Minneapolis tattooing at a guest spot. I unexpectedly had to find a new studio to tattoo out of and continue providing a clean safe space for my clients. Without question, Janel welcomed myself and my clients into Atomic Tattoo Lounge. And I still don’t know how to ever thank them for such kind and generous support during a moment of sheer panic and distress. I’ve never met anyone so kind and willing to just help without expectation.
A little bit about Janel (she/ they) is the co-owner of Atomic Tattoo Lounge located in Minneapolis Minnesota. They are chronically ill and disabled. And tattooing is also her primary form of income. Their partner Cam (he/ him) is an incredibly amazing black tattooer and is just getting started in tattooing. And would love to tattoo full-time. They are the definition of in sickness and in health. Janel’s conditions have required multiple surgeries and special medications, testing and treatments. They’ve faced so many setbacks and losses over the last few years. But yet still are the kindest, sweetest and most supportive humans. Their capacity to just hold space for other humans is a light in the world. Janel has another surgery coming up in January. And helping them get out of medical debt would be life changing.
Janel is currently recovering from another surgery.
Venmo @jdiamond11
Over the past couple of years I’ve had the opportunity to work with many artists at Dwelling Tattoo in Chicago. Being able to work in this space has allowed me to connect with so many South Asians. And many other wonderful artists.
This last visit I was able to meet Sofija Kamasi . She let me watch her hand poke and we had a delightful connection between clients. Her warm is very notable in any room.
Not long after my visit Sofija and their partner Noah’s home caught on fire. They lost everything. And as an artist losing all your materials or personal belongings. And any sentimental items. It takes years to acquire. There’s not replacing some things. They are still assessing the damage and losses. As without insurance they won’t be compensated for material losses and more expenses come to surface.
Here is a direct link to Sofija’s GoFundMe if you prefer to directly donate
My first guest spot and most recent. I was introduced to Clover ( They / Them) working alongside Clover is such a joy. They just have the best energy and you can tell they work diligently to provide such care for their clients. And is always willing to share knowledge be helpful in any way.
Clover’s top surgery fund has not met its goal yet. The surgery costs are barely covered. They will need added income for rent + food and recovery time.
If you would like to donate directly here is the link below.
Bailey Goodwin is a local tattooer here in Ankeny,IA. We’ve crossed paths at conventions. While we don’t work in the same studios or even really know each other that well. I wouldn’t wish medical recovery on anyone. Recently she underwent an emergency abdominal surgery after going to the ER for a blood clot in her entire leg. And then had to have a large tumor, dead cyst and the clot removed. This was a very invasive surgery.
Here is a link to her GoFundMe if you would like to donate directly
If you’ve made it this far, Again, thank you from all of us. Truly the smallest to largest donations have made such a difference. In just being able to find some stability and take time to recover from chronic illnesses and surgery. And attempt to pay off medical debt and find financial stability.
I will continue to make transparent posts of the deposits made from my account to Enyo,Janel,Sofija,Clover and Bailey. At this time using GoFundMe is the easiest way for me to personally keep track of the transactions, deduct the fee and manage sharing on social media. It can take almost up to a week for the deposit to transfer to my account. So it is a slow process.
I understand it may seem silly to some to post link from a GoFundMe to a GoFundMe. But many of these humans also donate directly to relief efforts in Minneapolis, Chicago and Iowa. Having a small but rather large network between traveling to tattoo, for Mehndi and with knowing many small business owners. I know that this can make an impact.