Dutchess Lattimore from Black Ink Crew – What’s She Up To Now?

Crystana "Dutchess" Lattimore, a standout figure from Black Ink Crew, has made significant moves in her career and personal life since leaving the show in 2017. Once known for her fiery personality and tumultuous relationship with Ceaser Emanuel on the VH1 series, Dutchess has since shifted her focus to building her brand and pursuing ventures that reflect her passions more authentically.

Source: VH1

One of Dutchess' most notable achievements is the establishment of her tattoo studio, Pretty-N-Ink, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Since its opening in 2015, the studio has become a staple in the local community, offering more than just tattoo services but also providing a platform for self-expression and empowerment. Dutchess remains committed to tattoo artistry but has diversified her interests significantly since her reality TV days.

Dutchess has also embraced a career in media. She hosts a weekly radio show on 92.7 The Block in Charlotte, where she enjoys the intimacy of connecting directly with her local community. For Dutchess, radio has been a refreshing change from reality television, allowing her to speak more freely and authentically without the heavily edited portrayal often seen on Black Ink Crew.

In addition to her radio career, Dutchess is actively involved in film production. In 2018, she launched her own production company and co-wrote a film titled False Advertisement, which was featured at the American Black Film Festival. Her passion for storytelling, especially stories about Black experiences, is at the core of her creative pursuits. Dutchess has been vocal about her desire to see more diversity and authenticity in media, particularly within Black narratives, a mission she believes was often compromised during her time on Black Ink Crew.

Source: VH1

Dutchess’ philanthropy work is another critical part of her life. She founded the nonprofit organization Beat Yourself Beautiful, which focuses on helping people overcome self-esteem issues and body image struggles. Through workshops, events, and community outreach, she aims to inspire confidence and positivity, particularly among young women.

Music has also been a major focus for Dutchess, though she approaches it on her own terms. Rather than following mainstream trends, she focuses on themes that resonate with both men and women without relying on overly sexualized content. Her love for music is deeply rooted in her family, with a background in gospel music through her grandfather's Southern Crusaders quartet. This grounding has influenced her non-traditional approach to music, where she seeks to uplift and inspire rather than conform to industry norms.

Dutchess continues to expand her creative horizons and remains busy with new projects. She is preparing to release her film False Advertisement on streaming platforms and is in the early stages of a new TV show that promises to highlight the experiences of people of color in ways not typically seen in mainstream media.

Overall, Dutchess Lattimore has evolved significantly since her reality TV days, carving out a path that aligns with her values, creativity, and commitment to uplifting her community. Whether through her tattoo artistry, radio presence, production work, or philanthropy, Dutchess is determined to remain true to herself while continuing to make an impact.