Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Celli Villarreal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Celli, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I am extremely grateful that I earn a full-time living from my creative work, as a tattoo artist and now as a yoga teacher. I actually saved up a decent amount of money first from serving and bartending. I fully stepped away from the service industry in November 2021. I must say wish I would have been a little more patient and saved up more before I fully transitioned into working self-employed as an artist. I definitely experienced the “starving artist” chapters. Being worried about finances can take a hefty emotional toll on any person, but especially as an artist, which can directly affect our ability to create. Now it’s one of my top priorities to stay on top of financial awareness and literacy.
I actually first began my career as a permanent makeup artist and slowly overtime transitioned into body art. I had no idea that I was even going to pursue body art however, I truly believe body art chose me. I am constantly inspired to continue my education challenging myself to learn how to draw new subjects and styles. That’s what I love most about this trade, there is quite literally always something new to learn from drawing skills to tattoo techniques. My ability to keep progressing my skills as an artist directly correlates with my ability to monetize. I often say “if my only job is to continually get better at drawing in order to be more successful as a tattoo artist, that’s not a bad gig.”
Becoming a yoga teacher was a long time coming. I have been practicing yoga for 14 years. I have been taking my time with allowing the art of teaching this practice to not have a financial outcome attached. Currently, the in person classes I teach are community classes, where no donations are required are expected. I’m also in a chapter of creating a digital community teaching yoga through my TattedYogi YouTube channel. Yoga is a very synergistic practice with tattooing, and I am super excited to explore connecting with more tattooers around the world; educating artists how we can heal our bodies and tattoo with much less chronic pain. Teaching community yoga classes has brought me deep fulfillment to give back to my community and opens my mind for more creativity. I firmly believe teaching yoga is a passion project where money will follow as it is meant to.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My journey into tattooing was a long and windy journey. I have a background as a licensed aesthetician, I then pursued permanent makeup, which then entered me into the world of body art. Over the years, I have slowly transitioned to pursuing body art full-time. I offer a tattoo experience that’s rooted in mindfulness. I always want to ensure that my client and I feel safe and seen. I prioritize healthy communication with all clients so that we can create the best possible outcome. I am constantly learning how to draw new subjects, reading books, or watching seminars that help me deepen my knowledge to be a well-rounded artist. During our tattoo appointment, I try my best to always remember to offer the client a moment of self reflection while their stencil dries. This could be pulling an affirmation card, an Oracle card or a tarot card.
Having a background as a licensed aesthetician has provided me a deep layer of credibility with the simple fact that I have gone to school to study skin. Understanding skin physiology, which is the canvas I am using to tattoo, is imperative so that I know how to tattoo a skin type accordingly. The truth of the matter is no two clients will ever have the exact same skin, and there is never going to be a technique that works for everyone. It is always up to us as an artist to have that knowledge and adjust our technique accordingly for the best results. I have a deep understanding of cosmetic chemistry as well, which is very helpful in educating my clients on how to choose products that will promote their best healed results.
My brand is CELLiDUBZ, a representation of inclusivity, mindfulness, and creativity. It’s an umbrella that covers the many offerings I provide as a multi-disciplined artist. For now, this is mostly through tattooing and teaching yoga. However, I have several other endeavors that are up my sleeve. I am a one-man show that wears many hats so I do have to give myself from grace and patience, often reminding myself Rome was not built in one day. Eventually, as my brand grows, I do hope to bring on assistance and growing a team.
I am a small business owner and independent artist who is learning to navigate this journey as neurodivergent with diagnosed ADHD. I also have a previous diagnosis of PTSD. I believe learning how to work with ADHD rather than allowing it to work against me, and being a trauma informed artist provides value in the sense of being quite relatable and deeply empathetic. Once a month, I volunteer and work with Fresh Start, a local nonprofit in downtown Phoenix. My role is to provide support as a keynote speaker to share what has helped me create self-sufficiency pursuing self employment as an artist and advocate financial literacy.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal with my brand is to empower others through lifelong self expression, and through the power of Asana. Asana refers to the physical postures of yoga. I hope that as I continue sharing my journey and my growth, that I can be a source of light to people of all backgrounds, but especially those of minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. We truly have the power within us to make a choice in the reality we live in. All I can do is relentlessly pursue my dreams and see where the journey takes me. I often say this to my students in my yoga classes, especially when I cue a pose that may seem a bit daunting or challenging, “you will never know unless you try.” This is a lesson that I am constantly being reminded off the mat as well. We may not be able to control the cards we were dealt, or the traumas we have faced. However, we always have a choice in how we move forward in life. I hope to inspire others with my brand, that we are only as limited as the limits we place on ourselves; the power of thought is so strong. The more time that we can dedicate and devote to love ourselves in a healthy manner and view self-love as a daily practice, the more we can show up to love others and the world around us.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
The Creative act written by Rick Rubin was one of the most impactful reads for me as an artist. It made me feel so much less alone in the similarities many artists experience while we are navigating our journey pursuing art. It’s all about repetition leading to mastery. To continuously show up even on the days you feel most resistant to do so. It reminded me how important it truly is to practice patience on a much deeper level, especially with my art and the time it takes to learn new skills. Currently, the Owaken podcast hosted by Hella Omega and Lukis Mac have been the most impactful words to listen to. Every single episode that has been released from them has truly resonated so deeply. They offer such a beautiful perspective on blending practical spirituality with modern living.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cellidubz.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cellidubzink
- Facebook: instagram.com/cellidubz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celli-villarreal-733373155
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tattedyogi
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/gCsNpMbnGttfkcFN5B
Image Credits
Dancer Yoga Pose: Kaylee DiCamillo
All other photos: Celli Villarreal