If you still think of Kat Von D as the chain-smoking, eyeliner-heavy queen of High Voltage Tattoo in West Hollywood, you’re about three years behind the curve. Seriously. The woman who once defined the LA alternative scene has basically deleted her old life. She didn't just move; she pivoted so hard it left her fanbase spinning.
Kat Von D now isn't lurking in a neon-lit studio on Sunset Boulevard. Instead, she’s living in a 35-room Victorian mansion in Vevay, Indiana—a tiny town of about 1,600 people where the biggest news is usually a bake sale or a riverboat passing by on the Ohio River.
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The transition hasn't been some quiet retirement, though. Since 2021, she has shuttered her iconic shop, sold off her shares in her multi-million dollar makeup empire, and undergone a spiritual overhaul that culminated in a very public baptism. If you’re looking for the "old Kat," you won't find her. She’s busy blacking out her old tattoos, singing in a small-town choir, and touring the world as a "disco goth" musician.
The Indiana Shift: Why Leave California?
Honestly, the move was a shock to everyone. In late 2021, Kat announced she was closing High Voltage Tattoo for good. For fourteen years, that shop was the epicenter of the tattooing world, thanks to the massive success of LA Ink. But Kat cited "terrible policies" and "tyrannical government overreach" in California as her reasons for fleeing.
She bought the historic Schenck Mansion in Vevay. It’s a literal castle. We’re talking 12,000 square feet of Second Empire architecture that she’s spent years painstakingly restoring.
Living in rural Indiana has changed her pace. No more Paparazzi. No more red carpets. She’s focused on homeschooling her son, Leafar, and building a homestead. She’s even talked about growing her own food. It sounds like a total 180, and for the most part, it is. But she hasn't entirely put down the needle; she still maintains a private studio in her home, though it's no longer a public business where you can just walk in and book a session.
Faith, Baptism, and Joining the Orthodox Church
Perhaps the most divisive part of Kat’s recent journey is her religious conversion.
It started in 2022 when she posted a video of herself throwing away her library of books on witchcraft and the occult. She said they no longer "aligned" with who she was. Then, in October 2023, she shared a video of her baptism at a small church in Vevay.
The internet, as it usually does, lost its mind.
The backlash didn't just come from her atheist or pagan fans; she actually noted that some of the "worst" critics were other Christians who judged her appearance or the sincerity of her faith.
By mid-2025, she took it a step further. Kat officially joined the Orthodox Church. During her 2025 European tour, she spent her off-days visiting ancient Orthodox parishes across the continent. She’s been pretty transparent about it, even if she’s waiting to do a full-length interview about her "why." Her priest apparently told her to wait a year before talking too much about it to let the faith sink in.
What Happened to the Makeup and Tattoos?
People still ask if she’s involved with KVD Beauty. The short answer: No.
She sold her remaining shares back in 2020. The brand is now owned by Windsong Global (after being sold by Kendo in late 2025). It’s going through a massive rebrand right now, heading into Q2 2026, trying to claw back that "alternative" vibe that Kat originally created. But Kat herself doesn't see a dime from those sales anymore. She’s completely detached from the industry that made her a household name.
Then there are the tattoos.
If you’ve seen recent photos, her arms and legs look like solid black silhouettes. She’s been in the middle of a massive "blackout" project. She’s spent over 40 hours under the needle just to cover up old pieces that she says "don't represent her anymore." It’s a polarizing aesthetic, but for her, it’s a clean slate. It’s about moving forward without the literal baggage of her past inked into her skin.
Music: The New Main Character
If you think she’s just sitting in a mansion knitting, you’re wrong. Music is her primary focus now.
She released her second album, My Side of the Mountain, in late 2024. It’s a weird, beautiful mix of synthwave and goth-pop—she calls it "disco goth." She’s been touring heavily, hitting cities from Los Angeles to Warsaw.
Recent Tour Highlights (2025-2026):
- The Aesthetic: The shows are theatrical. She leans into the macabre, but with a refined, orchestral edge.
- The Setlist: Songs like "Illusion" and "Truth In Reverse" have become staples. She even does a haunting cover of "All By Myself."
- The Band: She often tours with her husband, Rafael Reyes (Leafar Seyer), and his band Prayers. It’s a family affair.
Is This the "Real" Kat Von D?
There’s always a debate about whether this is a "phase" or a genuine evolution. Some critics claim the Indiana-living, church-going persona is just another layer of performance. But when you look at the 18 years of sobriety she celebrated in 2023, and the fact that she’s stayed in Vevay far longer than most "celebrity moves" last, it feels permanent.
She seems content with closing the Hollywood chapter. She’s not chasing the spotlight; she’s using it to highlight her music while keeping her private life behind the gates of a 19th-century mansion.
How to Follow Kat Von D’s Current Journey
If you’re interested in keeping up with her evolution without the filter of tabloid rumors, here are the most direct ways to see what she’s doing:
- Check her official website for "My Side of the Mountain" vinyl and tour merch. She often releases limited edition cassettes and marble vinyl variants that sell out instantly.
- Follow her music on streaming platforms to hear the transition from her debut Love Made Me Do It to her more recent synth-heavy tracks.
- Visit Vevay, Indiana if you’re a fan of history. While you can't go inside her home, the town itself is a fascinating look at the "hidden" Indiana that drew her in. Just don't expect to see her at a local bar—she’s been sober for nearly two decades.
The lesson in Kat’s story isn't just about religion or moving states. It’s about the fact that you’re allowed to completely outgrow your past, even if the whole world is watching you do it.