Kat Von D Snags a 2018 Latino Spirit Award

Entrepreneur, artist, and animal-right activist Kat Von D recently received a 2018 Latino Spirit Award for Achievement in Business and Entertainment. The awards, created by the California Latino Legislative Caucus, recognize influential role models in a variety of categories for their positive contributions to the Latino community. Von D, who is currently pregnant and was born in Mexico of Argentine descent, is famous for her Los-Angeles-based tattoo shop, High Voltage Tattoo, her vegan makeup collection, Kat Von D Beauty, and her three bestselling books, High Voltage Tattoo, The Tattoo Chronicles, and Go Big Or Go Home. As an animal-rights activist, Von D uses her brand to raise funds for organizations such as Project Chimps, Farm Sanctuary, Mercy For Animals, and the California Wildlife Center. “It’s always exciting for me personally to be acknowledged as a Latina, just because I think most people assume that I am a white girl, so it is nice,” Von D said. “I think being a Latina can transcend what skin color you are. And I think a lot of people forget that. They forget the empathy card.” Later this year, Von D—who recently wed musician Leafar Seyer in a goth-themed vegan wedding and announced that she will raise her baby vegan—will soon release her debut album and her vegan shoe line, Von D Shoes.