We recently connected with Kristina Mills and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristina, thanks for joining us today. Are you 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?

I’ve been extremely fortunate to earn a full-time living from cosmetic tattooing, and I owe my entire journey for that. The steps leading to my current career began in 2007 when I attended cosmetology school at Paul Mitchell in San Diego. From there, I worked in various salons—front desk, assistant, and occasionally offering every service under the sun when my mentors only saw me as a way to make money (grateful that was a lesson I learned in my early 20s!).

In 2011, I started working at Van Michael Salons, which ultimately helped me discover where I wanted to focus my attention—more on makeup and less on hair. During my seven years with them, I wore many different hats, but each one brought me closer to what I’m capable of today: being my own boss! Although I didn’t have this goal starting out, as my career evolved and permanent makeup began to gain momentum, I saw a new opportunity for my talent and potential.

The clients and coworkers I developed relationships with at Van Michael really helped me smoothly and successfully transition into this new era of my career. I knew this was the right path for me because the stars aligned, and doors opened so easily. Everything was in flow! I began working at Liberty Tattoo in 2018 and have been there since. Being patient with yourself as you learn and discover what truly lights you up is essential. It’s okay if your vision and desires change along the way. Trust yourself, follow what makes you happy. It may not be the easiest way, but it’s the most rewarding!

Kristina, 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?

I am a Southern California native, but I’ve been in Atlanta since 2008. I have five (yes FIVE) fur babies. When I’m not at work I’m probably traveling or sipping a margarita on an ATL patio. I have been honing my beauty skills for seventeen years, earning my cosmetology license and working in salons, on film sets, and photoshoots, as well as participating in countless weddings. Now, I am proud to be a part of one of the most prominent tattoo shops in Atlanta, Liberty Tattoo!

I offer cosmetic tattoo services including brows, lips, and areola restoration. Additionally, I provide lash lifts, brow lamination, brow shaping, and brow & lash tinting. I love helping my clients feel more beautiful and confident, whether it’s a little pick-me-up with a lash lift or a truly transformative and life-changing experience with areola restoration.

I also enjoy introducing clients to a tattoo shop environment who might not have considered stepping foot in one before. It’s gratifying to eliminate stereotypes and stigmas, and see them enjoy the artistic atmosphere and family dynamic we have in the shop.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

In my industry, and many others, social media is a slippery slope. I appreciate it as a means to advertise and reach new clients. However, it seems that the measure of our talent and worth is often weighed by the number of followers or the quality of content. There are countless artists who don’t have the time or desire to invest their energy into social media, and that does not make them any less skilled! In fact, wouldn’t you prefer they invest that time and energy into their art and clients?

My best advice for building your platforms is to invest as much or as little energy as you like – your worth is not determined by social media metrics. Stay true to yourself; don’t let floods of information sway your knowledge or shake your confidence. Remember, you are not for everyone, and everyone is not for you. Embrace what you uniquely have to offer, you don’t have to conform to social media standards.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe nothing is more powerful than a personal referral! Spread the word about the service providers and artists you love!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.devilinthedetailshmua.com
• Instagram: devilinthedetails_beauty