In 1972, a young Seattle woman began learning tattooing from shop owner C.J. (Danny) Denzl. Adopting the name Vyvyn Lazonga, she and Denzl became known for their original designs. At a time when men dominated both the trade and its clientele—and standard stencils were more common than custom artwork—Lazonga drew increasing attention for her own tattoos and her work with clients. In 1978, the North American Tattoo Club named her “Most Beautiful Tattooed Female” at its annual convention.

Here, Vyvyn Lazonga poses for the photographer after her return from the convention. Lazonga opened her own shop in 1979, becoming one of the first tattoo artists working on her own. As of 2026, her shop on Seattle’s Western Avenue, Madame Lazonga's Tattoo, is still in operation. One of her specialties since 1985 has been reconstructive post-mastectomy tattooing for women who have had breast cancer.

Caption information source: “On Her Shoulder Rests a National Distinction”, by George Foster, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, February 8, 1978, pages A1, A11.
Caption information source: “History of Madame Lazonga Tattoo”, www.madamelazongastattoo.com/history. Retrieved August 28, 2026.