:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(665x0:667x2)/kat-von-d-tout-2000-e0024ead48e74b4da959edf0dde4ff6d.jpeg)
When you think of Kat Von D, your mind probably jumps to heavy black eyeliner, intricate tattoos, and that high-octane Los Angeles lifestyle. But lately, the conversation has shifted. If you’ve been following her journey, you know she’s traded the Sunset Strip for the quiet streets of Vevay, Indiana. At the center of this massive life pivot is one person: her son.
Leafar Von D Reyes was born in late 2018, and honestly, his arrival changed everything for the former LA Ink star. While most celebrities lean into the Hollywood machine after having kids, Kat did the opposite. She sold her famous mansion, closed her legendary High Voltage Tattoo shop, and headed for the Midwest. Why? Because she wanted a "real" life for her kid.
Who is Leafar Von D Reyes?
The name "Leafar" is actually a tribute to his father, Rafael Reyes (better known by his stage name Leafar Seyer from the band Prayers). It’s "Rafael" spelled backward—a clever, gothic-leaning nod that fits the family’s aesthetic perfectly. Born on November 29, 2018, Leafar is now seven years old.
In a world where celebrity kids are often curated for Instagram, Kat has been surprisingly protective but also candid about her parenting struggles. Remember the early days? She was super open about the "fourth trimester," the difficulty of breastfeeding, and even the controversy surrounding her initial stance on vaccinations—though she later clarified that she is not "anti-vax" but rather a first-time mother who was hesitant and overwhelmed.
👉 See also: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr: What Most People Get Wrong About Prince
Growing Up Goth-Lite in Indiana
You might wonder what life looks like for a kid whose parents are the king and queen of "Cholo Goth." Well, it’s less about dark rituals and more about homeschooling and nature. Kat has mentioned in recent interviews that Leafar is being raised bilingual, with Spanish as his first language. This keeps him connected to his father’s Mexican heritage and Kat’s own roots (she was born in Mexico, after all).
The family lives in the Schenck Mansion, a massive, 35-room Victorian estate that looks like something out of a Tim Burton movie. To Leafar, it’s just home. Kat has joked that he loves movies like Hotel Transylvania because the castle in the film actually looks like the house he grows up in.
The Education of Leafar
One of the most interesting things about Kat Von D son is his education. Kat and Rafael decided early on that traditional schooling wasn’t for them. They are big proponents of homeschooling, but not the "sit at a desk for six hours" kind. It’s more of an immersive, artistic education.
✨ Don't miss: Emma Thompson and Family: What Most People Get Wrong About Her Modern Tribe
- Artistic Exposure: He’s surrounded by music. His first flamenco guitar was a gift from the legendary Charo.
- Nature-Based Learning: Moving to Indiana was largely about getting away from the "tyrannical" (Kat's words) feel of California. In Vevay, Leafar has 10+ acres to run around on.
- Faith Integration: As Kat has transitioned from her occult-leaning past to Christianity—and more recently, Eastern Orthodoxy—Leafar has been right there with her. She often shares clips of them visiting historic cathedrals, focusing on the beauty and tradition of their new faith.
Why the Midwest Move Actually Matters
People were shocked when she left L.A., but if you look at it through the lens of motherhood, it makes total sense. Kat wanted to "plant roots in a small town where there is nature, where my son can be free to play." There are no Ubers in Vevay. No billboards. Just a single traffic light and a lot of grass.
It’s a stark contrast to the way most celebrity children are raised. There’s no paparazzi hiding in the bushes in rural Indiana. For Leafar, this means a level of privacy that simply doesn’t exist in Southern California.
Parenting Style: Real, Not Refined
Kat isn't trying to be a "mummy blogger." Her parenting style is a mix of old-school discipline and extreme creative freedom. She’s been vocal about wanting him to see his parents working. Even though she "retired" from tattooing, she still paints, writes music, and records albums. She wants him to understand that "mom and dad make things."
🔗 Read more: How Old Is Breanna Nix? What the American Idol Star Is Doing Now
It’s not all sunshine and black roses, though. Moving to a small town as a heavily tattooed, former-occultist-turned-Christian mother brings its own set of challenges. But the community in Vevay has reportedly been incredibly welcoming, proving that you don't have to look "normal" to fit into a small-town family dynamic.
Actionable Insights for Parents
If you're looking at Kat’s journey and wondering how to apply some of that "rebel parent" energy to your own life, here are a few takeaways:
- Prioritize Environment: If your current city doesn't align with the values you want to instill in your kids, don't be afraid to look elsewhere. You don't have to move to Indiana, but finding your "Vevay" can change your family's stress levels.
- Language as Heritage: Teaching a child a second language (especially one from your family’s history) is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. It builds a bridge to grandparents and culture that would otherwise be lost.
- Lead by Example: Show your kids your passions. Whether you're a mechanic, a coder, or an artist, let them see the "work" part of your life. It builds respect for the process, not just the result.
- Embrace the Pivot: Your life doesn't have to look the same at 40 as it did at 20. Kat Von D’s evolution shows that it’s okay to change your mind—about where you live, what you believe, and how you want to raise your family.
Leafar Von D Reyes is growing up in a world that is a unique blend of high art, deep faith, and rural simplicity. While he might have a "cool" name and famous parents, his life in Indiana seems surprisingly grounded. Kat’s shift from tattoo mogul to Indiana homesteader might be the most "punk rock" thing she’s ever done.