
Davantie Mckenzie
EMINENCE INK ARTIST SINCE JULY 2019
@globalvantie
If you told me six years ago that I’d be a tattoo artist, I would have never believed you. But here I am, with a career that’s become more than just work—it's my passion and my life. My family is originally from Jamaica. I went to Catholic school, singing in the church choir and playing sports like soccer, track, and basketball. Originally from Bridgeport, Connecticut, I made the move to Willimantic to pursue a Communications degree at Eastern Connecticut State University. But my path to tattooing was to say the least unexpected.
It all started at McDonald’s. I was working the drive-thru when I took an order from Fame and Millz. There was an instant connection. Fame liked how I handled his order, and I appreciated his compliments. At that moment, I never thought that conversation would turn into me gaining a tattoo mentor, a second mom, and a whole second family who only wanted to see me do great things. But that’s exactly what happened.
Fame eventually hired me as a manager at the Eminence Ink shop in Willimantic, and while I had never stepped foot in a tattoo shop before, I instantly felt at home in Eminence. The vibe was unmatched, and that’s where I truly began my tattoo journey.
When I first started working at Eminence, I didn’t have any experience in tattooing, but I was eager to learn. I was surrounded by talented artists, and they took me in as part of the family. I watched, learned, and grew, not just as a manager, but as an artist. The shop became more than just a workplace for me—it felt like home. It’s where I found my passion for tattooing, and it’s where I’ve built my career from the ground up.
When I’m not tattooing, you can usually find me drawing, watching or playing basketball, cooking, or playing 2K. I’ve always been inspired by the world around me, whether it’s the people I meet, the artists I work with or the experiences I’ve had.
Tattooing, for me, is about more than just ink on skin. It’s about connection, collaboration, and growth. Every tattoo I create is a part of someone’s story, and I take that responsibility seriously. I’m grateful for the people who have trusted me with their tattoos and for the mentors who have helped shape me into the artist I am today.
My style is a mix of different influences. I like to keep it diverse because I believe every tattoo should be as unique as the person getting it. I’m always striving to push my boundaries, whether it’s experimenting with new techniques or working on the ones I already know. My goal is to be able to do whatever walks through the door, whether it’s fine lines, bold designs, or creating something new.
Hours:
Friday-Sunday & Tuesday-Wednesday: 11:45 am - 9:00 pm
Monday and Thursday : OFF
$150/hr