How Kayhan Kiani Turned Life's Struggles as an Inspiration to Building a Multi-Million Pound Tattoo Empire

On an evening in 2000, a seven-year-old boy stood silent and bewildered in the arrivals hall of Heathrow Airport. He clutched his mother's hand while his younger sister cried softly nearby. The family had just fled their homeland, arriving in London as refugees with nothing but hope and uncertainty.

The boy, Kayhan Kiani, couldn't speak a word of English. Twenty-five years later, he would stand in the gleaming interior of his creation—INK'D London—a multi-million-pound tattoo empire that had transformed the perception of body art from a subcultural statement to a luxury experience.

The journey between these two moments wasn't just about physical distance but a transformation that would make Kiani one of the tattoo industry's most innovative entrepreneurs. His story contains all the classic elements of the immigrant narrative – struggle, persistence, reinvention – but with an unexpected twist: the elevation of tattooing to the realm of high fashion.

Remembering the Tough Times

The first years in the UK were defined by isolation and confusion. Dropped into the British education system without English language skills, young Kayhan faced a daily battle to understand and be understood.

'When we first arrived, everything was foreign to us. But I quickly realised that hard work and dedication could open doors,' Kiani shares. 'I immersed myself in learning the language and understanding British culture, always looking for growth opportunities.'

His childhood in Tottenham's roughest neighbourhoods was punctuated by domestic violence and constant relocation. Rather than surrendering to these circumstances, Kiani developed an unexpected coping mechanism: an appreciation for art and fashion as languages that transcended barriers. While his peers found identity in neighbourhood affiliations, Kiani's imagination wandered to design and creative expression realms.

Kiani adds, 'Fashion and art became my escape, a way to dream beyond my circumstances.' This early recognition of aesthetics as both refuge and identity would later become the philosophical foundation of his business approach.

Finding Purpose Through Pain

The tattoo industry entered Kiani's life at sixteen when he received his first body art. What struck him more than the tattoo itself was the disconnection between the profound personal significance of tattoos and the often uninspiring environments in which they were created.

'Tattoos are deeply personal—they are stories etched onto the skin. Yet when I started getting tattoos at 16, I could not find a space that treated this art form with the sophistication it deserved,' he recalls.

This observation planted the foundation of a high-end tattoo studio in the UK, INK'D London. Kiani began envisioning a tattoo experience that would honour the art form with the reverence it deserved. But before that vision could materialise, his life would take several more challenging turns.

Kiani used every setback as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. When others might have surrendered to despair, he doubled down on education and self-development.

He mentions, 'No matter where you've been or what mistakes you've made, giving up is never the answer. The journey of rebuilding yourself is challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable.'

Leading the Luxury Tattoo Revolution

In June 2018, INK'D London opened its doors at Fulham. From the outset, Kiani's vision wasn't merely to create another tattoo parlour but to revolutionise how people experienced body art. The studio broke industry norms by applying luxury fashion houses' aesthetics and service standards to the tattoo experience.

Walking into INK'D London feels more like entering a high-end boutique than a traditional tattoo shop. Every detail – from interior design to consultation – reflects Kiani's belief that getting a tattoo should be an elevated experience.

'Imagine walking into a Louis Vuitton boutique or a Dior atelier. You feel welcomed, understood, and surrounded by luxury. That is exactly what I wanted to replicate in the tattoo world,' Kiani explains.

Raising the tattoo experience higher, Kiani is launching his new innovative tattoo technology platform, 'PRIC'D', this April 2025. This cutting-edge system enables clients to design custom body art through an interactive digital model while helping tattoo studios increase revenue by up to 80%. The technology seamlessly integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline studio operations, reducing dependence on personal assistants and reception staff through intuitive fingertip control.

The platform features a comprehensive booking system where artists automatically receive deposits and gain visibility into their upcoming schedules. Kiani emphasises that this eliminates the traditional back-and-forth communication needed to qualify potential clients, saving valuable time for both parties. Artists can instantly determine if inquiries align with their pricing structure, focusing on viable projects.

PRICED also incorporates sophisticated pricing estimation tools that allow customers to visualise designs of various sizes, helping them align artistic vision with budget constraints. This transparency creates a more efficient consultation process and empowers clients to make informed decisions before committing to appointments and actual tattoo design, ultimately enhancing the overall tattoo experience.

This reimagining of the tattoo experience resonated profoundly with clients. Within seven years, INK'D London has served over 80,000 customers and achieved annual revenues of £2.5 million. The studio boasts over 1,500 five-star reviews and has become a favourite among celebrities and discerning clients looking for exceptional body art in an equally impressive setting.

The Technology of Trust

Kiani's innovation extends beyond aesthetics. Recognising that the primary anxiety for many clients is uncertainty about how their tattoo will look on their body, INK'D London pioneered pre-visualisation technology that allows clients to see designs on their skin before any permanent work begins.

The studio employs a team of artists specialising in diverse styles—from realism and portraits to Japanese and neo-traditional designs—selected for their technical skill and their ability to connect with clients and translate personal stories into visual art.

'We're not just selling tattoos,' Kiani emphasises. 'We're creating experiences that empower people to express themselves confidently.'

This philosophy extends to every aspect of the business, including aftercare. Many studios consider their relationship with clients complete after the tattoo is done, INK'D London provides comprehensive follow-up support through a dedicated customer relations team.

From Refugee to Role Model

Twenty-five years after arriving in the UK without English language skills, Kayhan Kiani has built a multi-million-pound business and transformed an entire industry's approach to client experience. His journey from refugee to renowned entrepreneur embodies the potential for reinvention that lies at the heart of immigrant narratives.

As tattoos continue gaining acceptance globally, with industry growth projected at 4.8% since 2010, Kiani's forward-thinking approach positions INK'D London to lead this evolution. Beyond business success, he sees his journey as an inspiration for others facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

'Fashion teaches us to turn challenges into statements. Think of setbacks as the raw material for your design. Stay inspired by the luxury around you, but always add your twist,' he advises.

The journey has come full circle for the boy who once stood silent at Heathrow Airport, unable to speak the language of his new country. Today, through INK'D London, Kayhan Kiani speaks a universal language of art, luxury, and personal transformation – indelibly marking not just his clients' skin but the future of an entire industry.