Today we’d like to introduce you to Kennedy Matteson.
Hi Kennedy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am an LA native whose expansive creativity matches the magical history of this city. I grew up taking extensive art lessons from a young age, even broadening to musical theatre, martial arts, guitar lessons, and film classes. I am grateful to have had these opportunities regardless of how long or short each curiosity lasted or manifested into something greater. Even with all the creative outlets that brought me so much happiness, I was always told that going for the arts or passions that weren’t linked to climbing the corporate ladder was an end-of-the-road deal. That any artistic legacy I would have would only be after my passing. Incredibly disheartening and morbidly inclined for a small girl to hear from family. So I did what I thought would be the correct move: go to college and get a degree in Psychology. Before finishing my degree, I realized I didn’t even want to be a therapist. I simply enjoyed learning about the human brain and how our world is shaped by psychological webs connecting one thing to another. After my epiphany, I went from vet technician, hospitality, and managerial roles for medical companies, to then stumbling upon tattooing and later on yoga. Finally feeling joy in what I could create rather than follow a preset idea of who I should be. Granted, I don’t believe any title or certification makes us who we are; rather, it tells a story of who we are becoming, even if becoming doesn’t land with a stamp of approval. I blended all forms of what I once was into who I already am within. An overly excited and bright Angeleno whose intensity matches her career paths. Tattooing gave me the chance to create a legacy of art while I am still on this earth. Yoga allowed me to use my intensity and passion to speak life into those who needed the encouragement and guidance to overcome adversity. All in reflection of what I wanted to see in the world: more art and community. Leading classes of 40-50 people in multiple studios and even training new-generation teachers on how to lead a class showed me that regardless of what we are going through, crooked sticks can still draw straight lines. Tattooing clientele of all backgrounds showed me how much others trusted me with the safety of their bodies and unfiltered psyche, a true energetic exchange of mind and body. I even went on to create a podcast called NRG: No Real Guru’s, encompassing all of my findings in the flawed systems of health and wellness, only to have that process stifled after an estrangement from someone close to me. New levels equal new devils, as they say. After a year of rebuilding my life from the ground up yet again, even getting legal protections in place, I was able to get the ball rolling on my first book that will be ready to release in 2027. I believe that my story, with all its twists, turns, and character arcs, deserves to be read page for page. I may also be tired of repeating gasp-worthy stories to those who inquire, so I’d rather my story be supported in its entirety for those wanting to know.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Anything but! One of the biggest and most foundational losses that contributed to my long and bumpy road was the loss of my father at the age of seventeen during my senior year of high school, which was then shortly followed by two deaths close by within our family. My father was one of my biggest supporters and taught me how to survive in a patriarchal world. There have been plenty of uncovered truths regarding his death, all based on assumptions or what-ifs. I felt like part of my soul had been taken away, and life expected me to move on and get over it. I numbed myself with work and partying in my late teens and early twenties, accepting that my time must be coming soon. It must be. Even with my degree in Psychology and all of the books about the subject in my home library, I couldn’t bring myself out of this long held depression. It didn’t help that I placed myself in roles that seemed to be sucking what remained of my soul out of my body, all for the sake of money. As a tattoo apprentice, one of the owners said I would amount to nothing, for I was only perceived as good looking and had not suffered enough to earn the title of tattoo artist. It felt like no matter how much I showed up and worked hard, my art was not going to be recognized. Only if I knew that once I removed myself from that shop I’d have a radio show ask me to present my story, followed by wonderful and loyal clientele that requested my art and services. I flew to Berlin on my own in search of solace on a cold New Year’s Eve, only to break down in the middle of a snow-powdered park, where, no matter how hard I worked or how fast I fled, my grief caught up with me. When I returned to Los Angeles, my sister helped me find a therapist who would become not only a helping hand but also a life coach for the next 3 years. When I became a yoga instructor, I used my own story to help lift others up. At the peak of my yoga career, I received a call in the middle of my class that another family member was about to pass. The number of funerals I have been to in my young life had not gotten any easier. All the while that was happening, I was in the process of escaping an unhealthy relationship with little to no money left to my name. “Keep fighting Kennedy, keep fighting; don’t stop” I would tell myself as I took leaps of faith to my next chapter. After living at my family home for about a year, I was able to afford my own apartment and embark on my journey even further. I know there will be plenty more plot twists and hardships, just as much as there will be positively wonderful and expansive opportunities to come. I choose to look forward to what the universe has to give me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am best known for building community. As an LA native, I am thankful to know so many neighborhoods and the people who reside in them. I’ve traveled to Long Beach, Pasadena, Venice, and so many other boroughs of this city with my services. From hosting a summer beach bash yoga class to a tattoo party in the mountains, my art and creativity have brought so many people together. Now I am incredibly heart warmed to see so many of my students and clientele becoming lifelong friends. I specialize in stylized realism that leans heavily on botanical, animal, and female muses. I am 260YTT certified in vinyasa and sculpt yoga. Yoga Sculpt is what I am most known for, whether it’s my incredibly commanding voice delivered with a smile, or my eclectic blend of music ranging from Hans Zimmer, Vivaldi, Timbaland, to 2WEI, my class is known for the energy and inspiring speeches. The will to keep going and to smile along the way. I have the honor of leading full classes to private yoga sessions, as well as learning about each individual who is open and willing enough to tell me their story. Any person who has shown me their heart and their mind has been kept safe close to my chest. I feel that people remember how grounded and comforting I’ve been to them, showing up when it mattered most, and almost psychically knowing what they need. My creations of all kinds come from my heart.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I read a good amount of books that encompass the human psyche, such as Gift of Fear, 48 Laws of Power, Many Lives Many Masters, Flow, Driven to Distraction, and so many others. I also enjoy reading memoirs of fellow artist with the same zodiac sign as me to compare and contrast these psychologically laced themes within the spiritual realms of our world. I am currently reading E3, which touches on energy experiments on manifestations and learning to control your focus for a better reality.
Pricing:
- Tattoos: $100 deposit, tattoo designs ranging from $200-1,000
- Yoga: Private $100-200, Group Classes: TBD based on event
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @movekennedy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedy-matteson-a43a5613a
