Art has always been a massive part of my life. Whether it was sketching during class, drawing on myself and my friends during recess, or picking up a paintbrush for the very first time at the age of 10 after receiving a painting set for Christmas, I was always creating something. I spent years begging my mom to buy me sketchbooks and more pencils every time we went to Walmart or Joann’s, getting completely lost in the arts and crafts section.

I fell in love with art. It became my escape, my peace, and a place where I could truly be myself.

Ever since I was 12, I knew I wanted to become a tattoo artist. It all started when I saw a woman who was covered in tattoos from head to toe. I was absolutely mesmerized and in awe.

“Art can be permanent like that?! You can have a sick design on your body FOR LIFE?!”

Growing up in Utah in the Mormon religion, seeing someone so heavily tattooed was incredibly uncommon. Although I never knew who that woman was, I knew one thing: I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.

I just had no idea how I was going to make that dream a reality. Growing up in a Mormon household, the idea of getting tattoos, let alone becoming a tattoo artist, wasn't exactly a popular choice within my family or community.

I remember getting my very first tattoo when I turned 18, and that was it. I was obsessed!

I had to hide it from my parents for a solid four months before my mom finally caught me. (Honestly, if I could have hidden it for the rest of my life, I probably would have.)

She absolutely ripped me a new one about how my body was a temple and how what I had done was not okay. (Lol, sorry mom.)

But even as she lectured me, all I could think about was how I needed to find a way to get into the tattoo industry somehow.

It wasn't until five years later, at 23, that I finally took the leap. I was accepted as an apprentice at a shop in California while I was still living in Utah, so I packed up everything I had and moved across state lines to pursue my dream as a career once and for all.

A month after moving to California, that apprenticeship fell through. (Just my luck.)

I felt a little hopeless after that, but I knew I couldn't give up.

I was finally in the city I'd dreamed of living in for years, surrounded by some of my biggest tattoo inspirations. I had worked so hard to build a portfolio that I could show to the shops where I hoped to find an apprenticeship. I reached out to just about every artist I admired in the city, hoping someone would let me come in, shadow them, and learn from their experience.

Then I met Lyn, who is now my mentor. She so graciously offered to let me come into her studio and shadow her. And honestly, I just kept showing up at every opportunity I could, all while praying I wasn't annoying her so much that she'd ban me.

Every day off I had when she was working, I asked if I could come in.

Eventually, she started having me practice on fake skin instead of just watching her work. That's when I truly began to see the possibility of becoming her apprentice and learning under an artist I'd looked up to for so many years.

When she offered me the apprenticeship, it felt completely surreal. I was beyond grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone so talented, driven, and passionate about this industry. Even now, I don't think I can fully express how thankful I am to have been given this chance.

It's been a challenging and sometimes difficult journey, but one that has been incredibly rewarding. Getting to do something I'm so passionate about every single day makes it all worth it.

Looking back now, I know my younger self would be jumping for joy knowing that I finally achieved my dream of becoming a tattoo artist and getting to do what I love.

Today, I work as a full-time artist at Lost Boys Tattoo Studio, surrounded by so many incredibly talented artists who inspire me every single day.

I couldn't be happier with what I do. I'm proud of how far I've come, not only with my art but also with my determination, my growth, and the business I've built. I've worked incredibly hard and never given up on this crazy dream, even when things didn't go as planned.

I'm incredibly thankful and honored to have built the clientele I have today. I've had the privilege of meeting so many amazing people, many of whom I now consider friends. Being able to connect with people through my art is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

I will always feel privileged to work with a new client and create a design that they absolutely fall in love with. I can't wait to see what challenges the future holds and how much further I can grow as an artist.

I'm so grateful for everyone I've met along the way, the talented artists I've had the chance to learn from, and the incredible support system I've built around me.

Most of all, I'm incredibly thankful for YOU. Thank you for taking a chance on me, trusting me with your ideas, and allowing me to create these pieces of art for you. Every person who has supported me, trusted me, or been a part of this journey has helped make this dream a reality.

I wouldn't be where I am today without you, and I will never take that for granted.

Thank you for being a part of my story. ❤️