Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chaehee Lee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chaehee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

Of course, I take vacations. Even though I’m a freelancer, if I take too long of a break, I might lose clients who seek me out, or if I don’t post regularly on my main business platform, Instagram, the exposure of my account could decrease. That’s why I usually take vacations for no longer than three days, often going to places outside the city like the beach or the mountains. Personally, I prefer the mountains over the beach. In those settings, I often find new inspiration for my work, taking lots of photos to gather ideas for my designs. To anyone who, like me, can only take short breaks due to business, I want to say: make sure to take at least one day off. Even if it’s just for a day, stepping away from the hustle of the city and work to focus on yourself can give you the strength to move forward. It might sound cliché, but from my own experience, it’s all true. So, I hope everyone takes a day to step away from work and discover new inspiration.

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 name is Ovenlee, and I’m a tattoo artist with a passion for creating unique and meaningful designs. I got into the tattoo industry because I’ve always been drawn to the idea of art being a permanent, personal part of someone’s life. After years of studying fine arts and honing my craft, I realized that tattoos are an incredibly powerful way to connect with people and tell their stories through art.

I started tattooing in the summer of 2018 in Seoul, South Korea, and I moved to Los Angeles in January 2023. When I first started, there weren’t many tattoo artists around me who shared my style—small, intricate, and colorful designs. To improve my tattoo skills, I practiced a lot on myself and spent time visiting many art galleries, researching other artists, and gathering sources of inspiration. I put in a lot of effort to find what truly inspired me and to grow as an artist.

I mainly draw inspiration from nature and people’s memories, using vibrant colors and intricate, detailed elements to create my designs. Most of my clients seek custom tattoos that are deeply connected to their personal experiences and emotions. I believe that what sets me apart from others is my attention to detail and my ability to create tattoos that not only look beautiful but also capture the true emotions of the person wearing them.

One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing the joy and satisfaction my clients feel when they see the final result of a tattoo that captures their story or essence. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work can have such a lasting impact on someone’s life.

For potential clients or followers, I want them to know that my work is all about collaboration. I listen closely to their ideas and emotions, and together, we create a design that they can cherish forever. My goal is always to push creative boundaries while making sure that each piece feels as personal and special as possible.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I primarily use Instagram as my main business platform. To build my audience, I put a lot of effort into understanding my target demographic. This understanding shapes the time and type of content I upload. Instagram provides great insight tools, and by using them, I discovered that my account resonates most with women in their 20s.

To increase the visibility of my account, I focused on interacting with Instagram accounts that are popular among women in their 20s. I followed, liked, and engaged with their content, utilizing the platform’s algorithm to increase my presence. For those just starting to build their social media presence, I recommend investing time in understanding your target audience and actively engaging with similar accounts to expand your reach.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I maintain regular contact with my clients and fans primarily through Instagram. I make sure to respond to comments and direct messages promptly to keep the conversation going. I also share updates about my work, upcoming projects, and flash designs on my Instagram stories to keep my audience engaged. In addition, I occasionally hold Q&A sessions on my stories to interact directly with followers and answer their questions. This not only helps build a community but also creates a more personal connection with my clients and fans.