Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joanna Armijo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Joanna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Before I was a tattoo artist, I was jumping around from job to job just trying to find something that made me happy. I was a vet tech, a hostess, a call center agent, and lastly worked in marketing. The idea of tattooing was such a random thought in my mind and I was honestly scared to pursue it. I dropped a pretty penny on a beginner’s tiny tattoo class and it all escalated from there. About five or six months into tattooing, I was able to quit my marketing job and have a financially stable career in tattooing. I’m almost a year in and I am now hired in a tattoo shop instead of being in a private suite by myself! It’s the best decision I ever made.
Joanna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Joanna and I am a 29-year-old Filipino-American tattoo artist in Arizona. I got into the tattoo industry as a spontaneous decision, mainly realizing that I didn’t want to work a corporate job anymore. My brand is Mayari Ink, LLC and I work under an amazing tattoo shop in Mesa, AZ with other amazing artists! I am most proud of my journey because I started from knowing absolutely nothing, to being able to grow my own clientele and book myself up almost every day. I never would have guessed I’d be in a respected tattoo shop with other well-known artists. I definitely have imposter syndrome some days. I am always willing to work with clients and the biggest thing that I want to do for my clients that was never done for me when I was a client, was letting them know that it’s okay to take your time. If you don’t like the placement of the stencil, or feel nauseous, I want the client to know they are safe with me, and within the shop. Also, the funniest thing to everyone is that I only have a few tiny tattoos on me, but hey, it’s a personal preference! LOL.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Since I was in marketing before this, I already had an idea of how to gain followers and views. Instagram and TikTok have been my best platforms, but I also utilize Facebook groups. For Arizona, there is a group called “az small business” and I post there at least once a month. I get a bunch of followers from there, but not so many appointments booked. Word of mouth has to be my biggest source of growing my clientele!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The best feeling is when the client and I go from just texting in my DMs to seeing the tattoo design and their face lights up. When they see their design for the first time during the appointment, it makes me so happy that I hit the mark. Sometimes there are changes made but that’s just part of the process in creating the perfect tattoo. Then the final sight of their tattoo when it’s completed and they check it out in the mirror. The feeling is amazing to see their smile and then getting tagged in a story or post from my clients always are the highlights of my day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayari.inkk
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jjmmrrrr
