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

Courtnie, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success doesn’t happen overnight; achieving significant goals takes time and effort. It takes hard work, discipline, and to stay motivated throughout the journey. The path to success is rarely smooth. Success requires continuous learning and adapting to new ideas and strategies.
Success is subjective, and what it takes can vary depending on personal goals and values.
Ultimately, success is a blend of hard work, mindset, and strategy, but’s important to define what success means to someone personally.

Success, for me, is all about putting in the hard work, staying focused, and doing whatever it takes to grow. When I started my career, I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was ready to do the work. I prioritized my foundation and put in countless hours, practicing and learning everything I could. There were days that felt like endless grind, where I had to push myself far beyond my comfort zone, but every step was a building block toward something greater. The support of mentors and peers was huge—they helped guide me, not just through the technical side of things, but also in understanding the bigger picture of business. And let’s be real, there were plenty of tough moments where I doubted myself and felt afraid, but pushing through that fear was part of the journey. It was about showing up even when I didn’t feel like it. I also leaned on a small but mighty group of people who shared the same drive and passion, and we pushed each other to be better. Thanks to all that hard work, my business has grown in a short amount of time. Clients have increased, and I’m constantly taking on new adventures, challenging myself to take things to the next level. Success didn’t come easy—it took long days, sacrifices, and moments of uncertainty—but it was worth it because, through it all, I was building something meaningful. And at the end of the day, the real success is knowing I’m on a path that feels true to me and makes me genuinely happy. That’s the kind of success that matters most.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hey, I’m Courtnie Heller, a tattoo artist here in Atlanta, Georgia, and I’m lucky to call JP Alfonso Studios my home. As a military brat, I’ve lived in many places and took a path that was familiar, but it wasn’t the path I truly wanted. In my late 20s, I decided to take a leap and challenge myself to follow my own dreams and pursue tattooing. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s been one of the best ones I’ve ever made. I’ve always been an artist, and now I specialize in black and gray realism, watercolor, and color realism tattoos, creating stylized portraits, dark high-contrast concepts, and colorful florals. What sets me, and all the artists at JP Alfonso Studios, apart is the experience and the craft—we’re committed to creating tattoos that are not only beautiful but deeply meaningful. We offer a luxury tattoo experience where everyone feels welcomed and valued from the moment they walk in. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me and my boyfriend binge-watching *Grey’s Anatomy* or *The Great British Bake Off*. I’m all about those cozy dinner dates and spending time with my dog and two cats. At the end of the day, I’m just a person chasing her dreams and doing what I love, just like anyone else!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative for me is the simple act of creating something—especially when it’s meaningful, not just for me, but for my clients as well. There’s something truly special about being able to tell someone’s story through art, whether it’s designing a tattoo that holds a beautiful memory or simply creating something that just looks cool. Knowing that my work becomes a part of their journey, something they wear and carry with them, is an incredible feeling. It’s also so rewarding to be a part of building a community around tattoos, where people connect over their love for the art. And on a personal level, it’s fulfilling to make a name for myself and see my brand grow. It’s the kind of success that comes from doing what I love and sharing it with others.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Honestly, just like everyone else, I’m working hard to support myself and my family, but I’ve got bigger dreams in mind. I’m all about building something that’s not just for me, but for my clients and other tattoo lovers out there. I want to create art that people can enjoy and connect with, and eventually, I hope to give back to the community that’s given me so much. It’s all about growing together—building a brand, making beautiful tattoos, and creating a space where people can feel like they belong. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me and to keep sharing my passion with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jpalfonsostudios.com/courtnie
• Instagram: @odd.devotion