#NAOHOAstory: Three months after being left hanging by two artists on separate occasions (and unable to find a decent place to apprentice for), I decided to take matters into my own hands. I attended free classes and read through PDF’s on how to run a business; wrote a Business Plan; secured a loan; stocked up; found a spot and set it all up, ready to roll.
In three months. I had to.
I was unemployed and determined to continue working as an artist one way or another. Working for a company clearly didn’t suit me, so I dove into the unknown instead. Honestly, I’m surprised nobody tried to stop me lol.
1.) It shouldn’t be this ‘easy’ for an industry such as tattooing, however,
2.) I’m glad it was, because I was so done with the misogyny and ego I’d dealt with before and wanted to do things differently.
It’s absolutely important to note that I didn’t do this alone. I’ve been – and continue to be – incredibly fortunate in having support from my parents and (then) partner, who kept a roof over my head and food to eat. Everything else I did myself.
Another three months after launching, I’d broken up with said partner, after 9 years together. I guess we were both at breaking point for different things.
Being a business owner is not for the faint of heart. The highs are elevating and the lows are devastating. I’m forever grateful to have a strong support network who have kept me going over the years, and of course, wonderful clients and followers such as yourselves who make it all worthwhile. 💗
P.S. Wtf is it with my life going though major bursts of change in 3-month segments?! 😂🙈