A trailblazing female Venezuelan artist turned Bronx entrepreneur who’s shaping memorial-driven, inclusive tattoo culture.
Dayeli “Daye” Daly’s story begins far from the Bronx, in Caracas, Venezuela. One of the first women in the country to enter the tattoo industry, she defied cultural norms and gender expectations. Like many self-taught artists in Latin America, Daye nurtured her talent with at-home experimentation and mentorship from family, following the localized traditions of tattoo craft.
Her origins are rooted in a creative household. As a Venezuelan woman breaking into a largely male profession, she demonstrated both ambition and resilience. Experiences from her homeland, where tattooing was historically underrepresented, likely influenced her communal, expressive approach to art.
Pioneering in the Bronx: Tattoo Mayhem
In 2025, Daye founded Tattoo Mayhem, a distinctive studio nestled in Pelham Bay, Bronx. Opened with a mission to foster a supportive, all‑female workspace, the studio is lauded for its clean, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere.
Multiple reviews highlight her professionalism: clients appreciate Daye’s thoughtful communication, light touch, and commitment to personalized design. One client praised her for transforming vague ideas into “stunning visual art” and ensuring a comfortable, trust-building tattoo experience. Another shared how Daye’s precision and rapport made what could be an intimidating process feel safe and engaging.
Notably, Tattoo Mayhem operates as a community hub: whether you’re a first-timer or a returning canvas, the studio delivers quality art with purpose and a sense of solidarity, championing diversity within a traditionally white-dominated industry.
Style & Signature Approach
Daye’s art defies singular categorization, leaning into emotive, narrative-driven tattoos with a strong emphasis on portraits, memorial pieces, and bold neotraditional work. A standout memorial design pays heartfelt tribute to her late sister, showcasing both craft and emotional depth .
She blends heavy outlines and vibrant color, hallmarks of neo‑traditional tattooing, with portrait realism, achieving both traditional structure and modern stylistic flair. This fusion allows her to create pieces that are both visually striking and deeply personal.
What truly sets Daye apart is her interpersonal process. She takes time to understand a client’s story, collaborating intimately to transform ideas into striking visuals. This mutual conversation fosters trust and ensures each piece resonates, emotionally and artistically.
Breaking Barriers & Amplifying Diversity
In a field historically dominated by men—and even more so by white practitioners—Daye’s leadership matters. As part of a growing movement, she’s one of many artists of color advancing representation in tattooing, ensuring visibility and skilled artistry for clients of darker skin tones.
Tattoo Mayhem’s all-women team echoes a larger push for inclusivity, nurturing talent regardless of gender or ethnicity. Such environments challenge traditional norms, foster solidarity, and uplift underrepresented voices in art.
Community Engagement & Recognition
Daye’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In April 2025, News 12 featured her story in a segment titled “Breaking barriers: Bronx tattoo artist builds her dream,” celebrating her journey from Venezuela to Bronx studio owner. Earlier, she received similar attention in 2024 for promoting strong female narratives in a male-centric trade.
Her work and workspace resonate deeply with Bronx residents. One client shared that Daye had tattooed and pierced multiple family members, highlighting her meticulous approach and genuine care. Testimonials frequently emphasize her empathy, clarity, and even acting as a friend in the chair, creating an intimate, memorable experience.
Why Daye’s Work Matters
- Redefining representation: As a female Venezuelan artist, she actively challenges gender and racial barriers in tattooing.
- Championing emotional storytelling: From memorial tattoos to deeply personal narratives, her work speaks to authenticity and vulnerability.
- Cultivating inclusive community: Tattoo Mayhem is more than a studio, it’s a nurturing space where everyone, especially women and people of color, feel seen and empowered.
Final Thoughts
Daye’s ascent—from a determined young artist in Venezuela to founder of Tattoo Mayhem, offers a portrait of resilience, creativity, and authenticity. Her dual commitment to craft and community, makes her work memorable, meaningful, and culturally resonant.
With every brushstroke of ink, Daye not only etches a design into skin, but reinforces the power of art to heal, honor, and connect. In a world hungry for representation, she’s not just drawing tattoos—she’s inscribing stories, forging bonds, and leaving an indelible mark.
