My Path is Paved

I’ve always loved the saying, “My path is paved.” Looking back at my career, I can clearly see how I was destined to become an educator and an author. We are all on a path to fulfill a purpose and for me, that purpose was always unfolding—even when I didn’t see it.

I’ve never been the one who fit in. I was the outsider, the latecomer, always struggling to find my place. I started my tattoo career out of necessity—I’ve always been an artist but I needed a job. Tattooing seemed like the perfect combination: art meets livelihood. What I didn’t realize was how hostile, abusive and unwelcoming the process would be.

As the years went by, I saw that I wasn’t alone. So many others struggled just like I did, facing rejection, gatekeeping and a lack of opportunity. I started sharing what I learned, hoping to make the road a little easier for others. But the more I shared, the more I was met with resentment and ridicule from those who wanted to keep the doors shut or felt I wasn’t doing things the “right way”.

The thing is, I never set out to create a tattoo school or write a book to guide others into the industry. I never had some grand plan to change tattoo education. I just wanted to help. I wanted to be the mentor I never had—the one who offered guidance, respect and kindness instead of secrecy and judgment.

There were many times I thought about walking away from tattooing altogether. The criticism, the pushback—it wears on you. But every time I reached that breaking point, I would see the face of someone I had helped—eyes wide, smiling, filled with excitement after mastering a technique that pushed their work to the next level. Or I’d hear from someone I helped who landed a chair at a well-known shop after wondering if they could ever be good enough.

And suddenly, I’d remember why I do this.

There is nothing more rewarding than helping someone take a step closer to their dream. It’s indescribable and it always pulls me back.

This is my path. I was meant to teach. I was meant to help anyone who needs a hand, a “Yes, you can do this,” or simply someone to listen.

This is who I am. And this is exactly what I was meant to do.