I am a tattoo obsess-o-girl. There’s not an episode of LA Ink that I haven’t seen and Kat Von D is most deffo my home girl. I’ve got just the two – one on my foot and one on my wrist, and I heart them both equally, but truth be told, if I was less chicken, I’d be inked to within an inch of my life, ‘cept I am. Chicken that is. Which is why Corissa is now my new homegirl.

Corissa is the uber-talent behind Wicked Minky, a beyond-awesome online shop selling Corissa’s tattoo-inspired jewellery. If you’re not able to commit to permanent ink, then like me, you’ll do star-jumps and happy dances when you discovered this store – I want EVERY single item, but will settle for a day of the dead skull necklace, or an over-sized rose ring, or  maybe a Daniel Day Lewis style moustache or…like I said, I want everything.

So Corissa, what’s Wicked Minky exactly? Care to share?
My nickname, or pet name if you will is Minky.. and since my man is from Boston..everything super is totally “wicked” there! So it just sorta developed organically and totally stuck.

What made you set it up and what’s the inspiro for your awesome prods?
I would stay up all night drawing alongside my man, who is a tattoo artist. I wanted to get every tattoo he drew! Then I thought, “wouldn’t it be awesome to wear a tattoo temporarily, like in a different art form – wearable tattoo art?” So I made some pieces for myself and my friends until a friend suggested I sell on Etsy…and voila!

When did you realise you were a creative girl who could make pretty, pretty things for kick-ass girls?
I have a very artistic family. My mother paints and sculpts, my father is a carpenter, my brother does fire art and my fiance is a musician and tattoo artist. I have constant inspiration all around me and I think it’s just in my blood. I can’t imagine spending my life doing anything else! I just make art I want for myself

What’s your fave prod that you’ve created?
The gypsy day of the dead skull, i really want it as a tattoo.. or the black and white rose – such a classic piece of vintage tattoo art.

Can you share a li’l bit ’bout your creative process please, Corissa?
I’m very lucky to work from home.. and my tiny little space is a tad bit of a mess My hands are always covered in paint thus fingerprints everywhere. My poor white Mac is very colorful now… but everything starts out as a concept.. then endless sketches and manifestations.. until the finished product is finally accomplished.

Can you share your own top 3 shopping destinations – pleeeaaseee??
ohhh man! Well, I just moved to New York City so the shopping is endless! iIdo love me some American Apparel. Topshop is pretty awesome..and  Betsey Johnson! And I love finding li’l indie boutiques that always seem to be filled with treasures…

What 5 tracks would be essential to a Wicked Minky soundtrack?
Top choice – pretty much any beatles song.. im pretty into MGMT at the moment..so I’ll say Weekend Wars, Zero by yeahyeahyeahs,  Nightclubbing by iggy pop, and Taper Jean Girl by Kings of Leon. I love stuff ranging from Wu-Tang Clan to Tom Waits.

Who are your style icons and inspir-o-girls?
I admire Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s. She’s got such a funky edgy style, but always very rock ‘n’ roll and definitely dances to the beat of her own drum, and I just recently got the chance to see Peaches live, and she had an outfit change for every song…each one more crazy and unique than the next. I think its the innovation and originality that I really dig.

What are your five must-have life items?
black skinny jeans… mascara..my macbook..COFFEE!!..and art supplies of course!

We love to visit new places – can you introduce us to your city? what would be your perfect way to spend a day there? what would you do? Where would you go?
Eek, well I actually just moved from Arizona to New York.. in AZ I would say the best way to spend the day is pool-side with a margarita watching the sun set, as it’s usually pretty hot and sunny and always has AMAZING sunsets. I’m still exploring NYC and I’m loving it.. running around finding new places to eat and shop, maybe hit up an art gallery and definitely grub on some pizza!

Who and what makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
my pups; a crazy li’l jack russell and a tiiiiny brussels griffon! They make me laugh everyday!

What’s your motto for life?
Drive fast, take chances and badmouth your government.. haha no wait.. thats my mans motto. i would say  just to do what you love! I know it sounds trite but it’s true. Go with your heart. If you are passionate about something you will succeed at it naturally and live with no regrets or wouldda-shoulddas

Quick fire round: What’s your favourite…
Shop: mine! haha no, betsey johnson.
Book: vegetarian cook books
Website/blog: etsy!
Hang-out: behind my mac overlooking the West Village
City: eek…Can I pick 3?! Phx, NYC, and Rarotonga (in the Cook Islands!)
TV prog: the Mighty Boosh! Funniest show ever!
Food: Italina
Must-have beauty item: mascara, without a doubt..

What’s next in the world o’ Wicked Minky?
If I told you, then it just wouldn’t be that exciting! You will just have to stay tuned and see! hehe. Join my mailing list for a scoop on the latest – email me at wickedminky@yahoo.com

Go get your tattoo-inspired treats from Wicked Minky, pronto. Tell Corissa The Sassy Minx sent you!