Dutchess Lattimore, born Crystana Lavielle Lattimore, is a renowned tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and former reality TV star, best known for her role on VH1’s Black Ink Crew. As of 2025, Dutchess Lattimore’s net worth is estimated at $800,000, derived from her tattoo artistry, business ventures, and media appearances. At 41 years old, she remains a trailblazer in the tattoo industry, owning Pretty-N-Ink in Charlotte, North Carolina. Currently single and not married, she continues to inspire through her artistry and community work. This article explores her biography, career, dating history, and more, offering fresh insights into her journey.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Creative Path
Born on February 25, 1984, in Lincolnton, North Carolina, Dutchess Lattimore’s age in 2025 is 41. Raised in Harlem, New York, by parents Ricky and Crystal Lattimore, she grew up alongside siblings RJ and Zandrea. Her father’s love for tattoos sparked her passion early on. “My dad’s tattoos were my first canvas,” she once shared on Instagram (@dutchessofink), reflecting on her childhood inspiration.
Dutchess excelled academically, graduating cum laude from North Carolina A&T State University with a double major in Business Management and Visual Arts. She later pursued an MBA, balancing her creative and entrepreneurial ambitions. This unique blend of skills set her apart in the competitive tattoo industry.
Career Highlights: From Black Ink Crew to Pretty-N-Ink
Dutchess began her tattoo career in 2010, moving to New York City to hone her craft. She joined Black Ink, a Harlem-based tattoo parlor owned by Ceaser Emanuel, becoming the only female artist there. Her talent and bold personality landed her a spot on VH1’s Black Ink Crew in 2013, where she gained fame over five seasons. The show highlighted her artistry and personal life, including her high-profile relationship with Ceaser.
In 2015, Dutchess launched Pretty-N-Ink, her tattoo studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. The studio, a creative hub, reflects her vision of empowering artists, especially women, in a male-dominated field. “Opening Pretty-N-Ink was about creating a space where art and authenticity thrive,” she told Urban Ink in a 2024 interview. Beyond tattooing, she’s ventured into videography with Ambitious Day Dreams and launched a beauty brand, BeatYourselfBeautiful, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Her recent pivot to high school teaching in Charlotte adds a new dimension to her career. This move, reported in a 2025 Splatterly article, underscores her commitment to mentoring youth. She also appeared in films like Dope Fiend (2017) and False Advertisement (2020), expanding her creative portfolio.
Net Worth and Salary: How Dutchess Built Her Wealth
As of 2025, Dutchess Lattimore’s net worth is estimated at $800,000. Her income streams include:
- Tattoo Artistry: Earnings from Pretty-N-Ink and high-profile clients.
- Reality TV: Payments from Black Ink Crew, averaging $10,000 per episode for key cast members, per industry insights.
- Business Ventures: Revenue from Ambitious Day Dreams and BeatYourselfBeautiful.
- Acting Roles: Contributions from her film appearances.
Unlike some reality stars, Dutchess prioritizes reinvestment over extravagance. Her Charlotte-based lifestyle reflects modesty, with investments in her businesses and community initiatives. A 2024 case study by Mabumbe noted that her diversified income sources provide stability, a rarity in the volatile entertainment industry.
Personal Life: Dating, Relationships, and Resilience
Is Dutchess Lattimore married? As of 2025, she remains single and has never been married. Her most publicized relationship was with Ceaser Emanuel, her Black Ink Crew co-star. Their on-and-off romance, marked by two engagement proposals, ended in 2016 amid mutual accusations of infidelity. “It was a chapter of growth, not regret,” she reflected on Twitter (@dutchessofink).
In 2017, Dutchess briefly dated NFL player Zack Sanchez, but the relationship ended abruptly, reportedly via Snapchat. Recent reports suggest she’s dating Ali Moe, though she keeps her personal life private. She has no children but remains open to love, as shared in a 2025 Mabumbe interview.
Dutchess’s journey with mental health adds depth to her story. After leaving Black Ink Crew, she faced depression but sought therapy, emerging stronger. Her openness about mental health resonates with fans, making her a role model for resilience.
Community Impact and Legacy
Dutchess’s influence extends beyond tattooing. Through Pretty-N-Ink, she mentors aspiring artists, particularly women and people of color, fostering diversity in the industry. Her community events in Charlotte, like art workshops and mental health awareness campaigns, reflect her commitment to giving back. “Art saved me, and I want it to save others,” she stated at a 2024 Charlotte charity event.
Her advocacy for African-American representation in media, as noted in a 2025 Metaunfolded article, sets her apart. She uses her platform, with over 1.1 million Instagram followers (@dutchessofink), to inspire and uplift.
Biography Table: Key Details About Dutchess Lattimore
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Crystana Lavielle Lattimore |
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1984 |
| Age | 41 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Lincolnton, North Carolina, USA |
| Current Residence | Charlotte, North Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Business Management & Visual Arts, North Carolina A&T; MBA |
| Profession | Tattoo Artist, Entrepreneur, Former Reality TV Star, High School Teacher |
| Notable Works | Black Ink Crew, Pretty-N-Ink, Ambitious Day Dreams, BeatYourselfBeautiful |
| Net Worth | $800,000 (2025 estimate) |
| Salary Sources | Tattoo artistry, reality TV, business ventures, acting |
| Relationship Status | Single (Dating Ali Moe, unconfirmed) |
| Height | 5’7” (170 cm) |
| Weight | 125 lbs (57 kg) |
| Parents | Ricky and Crystal Lattimore |
| Siblings | RJ and Zandrea |
| Social Media | Instagram: @dutchessofink (1.1M followers), Twitter: @dutchessofink |
| Charitable Work | Mentorship, mental health advocacy, community art events |
| Major Achievements | First female artist at Black Ink, owner of Pretty-N-Ink, reality TV fame |
Future Plans: What’s Next for Dutchess Lattimore?
In 2025, Dutchess is exploring new acting roles and expanding Pretty-N-Ink to include virtual tattoo workshops, adapting to digital trends. Her teaching career, focused on art and entrepreneurship, aims to inspire the next generation. “I want to bridge art and education,” she shared in a recent podcast with Voxhour. Her upcoming projects include a potential docuseries on women in tattooing, hinted at on her Instagram.
Why Dutchess Lattimore Stands Out
Dutchess’s journey from a small-town artist to a multifaceted entrepreneur is a testament to resilience. Unlike many reality stars, she’s leveraged fame for meaningful impact, prioritizing mentorship and mental health advocacy. Her ability to reinvent herself—through teaching, acting, and business—sets a new standard for tattoo artists.
For more on her journey, visit her Wikipedia page, Pretty-N-Ink’s website, or follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
