“How did you get started in tattoo?"

I constantly get asked this question. No, I did not always want to tattoo. I actually wanted to be a college professor. I worked hard and received my undergraduate degree in sculpture at Rhode Island College. I then went on to receive my masters at the University of Iowa where I student taught for two years. My degree was in sculpture with a minor in drawing. After teaching I realized pretty quickly that there was no way in hell I wanted to teach! NOW WHAT? Well I went on to work for Automart Magazine where I became a manager. One of my employees applied to a tattoo shop for an apprenticeship and gave my name as a reference. The Owner of the shop called me and we struck up a conversation and he asked me to come in for the job. I promptly said NO! He called me for the next four days asking me to come in … each time I said NO! (I know I was such a dummy). On the last day he called he said if I changed my mind, I could come into the shop over the weekend and we would look at my portfolio. Well I went home and told my then boyfriend and he convinced me to at least give it a try … so I did. It was seriously the best decision I’ve ever made! I went in with my work and got hired on the spot and the next week began my apprenticeship! If I had to do it all over again, I would have started much … much sooner!