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

Luna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Growing up as a young adolescent, it often feels like everyone is constantly asking, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Family members, peers, teachers—everyone seems to expect you to have a clear answer, as if life’s path is supposed to be straightforward. But when you are at that age, everything feels uncertain, and the truth is, there’s no simple answer. You are still figuring out who you are, what you like, and what you want to do with your life.

I wanted to be different, and I wanted to stand out, but I knew I wanted to dive into a career that involved my passion: Art.

When I told my high school teacher that I wanted to become a tattoo artist, he told me that I would make more money offering services that did laser tattoo removal. Okay.

When I told my brother that I wanted to become a tattoo artist, he told me that, “the world did not need more artists,” that instead doctors or scientists were much more contributing and needed in today’s society. Ouch.

For me, at that time, there did not seem to be one thing that stood out. So, when it came time to make decisions about my future, I took the practical route. I went into school with the idea of pursuing veterinary medicine and majoring in biomedical sciences. It was not that I had a deep, burning passion for becoming a veterinarian—more so, it seemed like a stable, respectable field with good job prospects and earning the status of doctorate would please others around me, especially my family. And honestly, academics felt like the safest option. If I was not sure about anything else, I figured focusing on school was at least something concrete I could do.

But life has a way of throwing unexpected opportunities in your path.

While I was still in school, I stumbled upon the world of tattooing. At first, it felt like a risk—a huge one. I was already balancing living on my own, my studies, my full-time job at the time, and maintaining a rigorous gym lifestyle, but the more I explored tattooing, the more I felt drawn to it. There was something about the artistry, the personal connection with clients, the expressive nature of art forever implemented into the skin and the way that tattoos do storytelling that intrigued me. So, I took a leap and started apprenticing to become a tattoo artist, all while still pursuing my academic path.

It turned out to be a risk worth taking. What I thought was just a side hustle became a true passion and a fulfilling career. Tattooing was no longer just a creative outlet; it became a part of me. The thrill of learning a new craft, the joy of creating permanent works of art, and the sense of community I found in the modern tattoo world changed everything. I realized that I did not have to have my whole life figured out in one go. Taking that risk, following my curiosity, and embracing the unknown opened up a door to a future I never expected.

In the end, I discovered that sometimes the path to knowing what you truly love is not a straight line—it’s a journey full of risks, unexpected turns, and a lot of self-discovery. It is okay not to have everything figured out. Sometimes, the things you are most passionate about find you when you least expect them.

Luna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My Story: A Journey To Tattooing

I was born in San Bernardino, California, and raised in the small, quiet town of Wenatchee, Washington. Wenatchee is mainly known for being the Apple Capital of the World and its apple orchards, but there is also a saying that if you grow up there, you end up staying there—almost like a curse. For me, this was not just a myth of folklore, but a reflection of a feeling that there was something more I needed to discover. Growing up, the town did not offer much in terms of cultural diversity; the community was mainly made up of White and Latino people, and as an Asian-American with Vietnamese roots, I often felt out of place. There was a constant sense of something missing, a void that made life feel like an unfamiliar road I was not sure I could navigate.

In many ways, I felt small.

The world outside Wenatchee seemed vast and intimidating. Yet, deep down, I knew I had to push beyond the limitations of my surroundings to find what truly spoke to me. This drive led me to Seattle, Washington—a place where the diversity and culture is rich and inspiring. Each weekend visit opened my eyes to new perspectives, and I began to immerse myself in not only the city’s vibrancy but also its thriving tattoo scene. This is where my journey towards tattooing expanded more than before.

In 2021, I began my tattooing career first as an apprentice when I still lived in Wenatchee. I have been living in Seattle, Washington, since 2023, and am now a co-owner of two studio locations with a dear friend.

My background in both academics and art was the foundation for my transition into tattooing. I have always had a passion for creative expression, but it was not until I discovered the intricate nature of tattoos that everything simply – clicked.

Not only was I inspired by the way an art piece could make someone feel complete, but the art of tattooing captivated me. Tattooing was not just about creating beautiful art—it was about making people feel whole, about providing them with something that they could carry with them forever.

I specialize in illustrative tattoos, black and grey work, and fine line tattoos, but my heart especially beats for ornamental, realism, and anime-inspired styles. Each design is an opportunity for me to tell a story, to create something unique and meaningful. My aim is not only to perfect the craft but to approach tattooing with a mindset of constant learning and improvement. I take great pride in my work ethic, constantly refining my skills, while also dedicating myself to educating others and reshaping the perception of tattooing in a positive light. To me, tattoos are more than just ink on skin—they are an art form, a means of personal expression, and a way to empower those who wear them.

Tattooing is not just my profession; it is a passion that ignites me. From the initial consultation to the final touch, I approach every tattoo with the utmost care, precision, and respect for the client’s vision. Whether the tattoo is big or small, minimal or maximal, my goal is always the same: to create something that is unique to the individual, something that helps them feel closer to who they are or who they want to be.

I believe that every tattoo should be a reflection of their identity, their experiences, and their dreams. And as an artist, it is a privilege and an honor to help bring those dreams to life.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Yes, yes, and yes!

There is an overwhelming amount of resources—books, videos, essays, and more—that have shaped my thinking about management and entrepreneurship. And the best part? Many of these resources are accessible for free! We live in an era where knowledge is abundant, and for anyone willing to dive into the vast pool of information, the opportunities to learn are endless.

However, one of the challenges that come with this abundance is knowing how to sift through the noise and verify the authenticity of the information we consume. In an age where anyone can publish content online, it is crucial to be discerning, and to fact-check the sources to ensure credibility. But more importantly, I have learned to relate what I read or watch to real-world experiences. Concepts and advice are most valuable when they come from someone with lived experience—someone who has been through the grind and can speak to the nuances of what actually works.

In my experience, the most valuable lessons and insights have often come from connecting with others—whether they are fellow artists, business owners, or entrepreneurs in entirely different fields. Networking and building relationships with others who share similar passions, challenges, or goals is, in my opinion, the best way to gather knowledge. Personal connections are a wealth of wisdom. When you have open, honest conversations with people who are genuinely passionate about what they do, you not only learn from their successes but also from their mistakes and failures. These experiences are often more powerful than any book or article because they are grounded in reality and can be applied directly to your own journey.

The best knowledge out there, to me, is not just in theories or online articles—it is in personal experience and word of mouth. It is in the stories shared by others, the advice given by those who have walked the path before you, and the insights gained through collaboration. Entrepreneurship is not a solitary endeavor, and the more you can learn from those around you, the stronger your own foundation will be.

I have always lived by the philosophy of being true to myself, staying grounded in honesty, and maintaining genuine connections with others. This has been crucial not only in my work but also in how I approach business. Honesty and authenticity keeps you aligned with your purpose and values, helping you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship without losing sight of what matters most. When people lose their sense of self or become disconnected from their own truth, they can become tone-deaf or ignorant to the needs of others and the realities of their industry. Staying humble and grounded is key to maintaining perspective and continuing to grow, both personally and professionally.

In my business, I am fortunate to have a co-owner who is also my friend. Together, we share the responsibilities of running the business, but we have each carved out our own ways of managing certain aspects. For example, when it comes to booking and scheduling, we each have our own methods and systems that work for us. This individualized approach allows us to stay in control of our own time while still managing the business effectively as a team.

What has helped me stay on top of everything is ensuring that I’m consistent with deadlines and diligent about updating my calendar. It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the tasks that come with running a business, so keeping my schedule up to date is crucial for staying organized and avoiding more unnecessary stress.

Knowledge is power, but the ability to apply that knowledge and connect with others, that is truly what drives success.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Yes, of course, a thousand times yes!

Looking back, there are so many things I wish I had known earlier in my creative journey—resources, insights, and tools that could have saved me time, confusion, and heartache. At the time, during some of my toughest moments, I wished I had a clearer sense of who was truly there for me, both in personal relationships and in the professional world. It is incredibly difficult to navigate a creative path when you do not have a solid support system or when you are unsure who you can trust.

One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was understanding the difference between genuine friendships and relationships that were built on manipulation or self-interest. I wish I had not had to go through the painful experience of recognizing mind games, toxic dynamics, or the harsh reality of people who did not have my best interests at heart. It is disheartening when you realize that some people you thought you could count on might not be as supportive or honest as you had believed. The emotional toll of this kind of discovery, especially when you are focused on your craft and trying to push forward, can be overwhelming.

But as much as I wish I could have avoided some of those painful experiences, they taught me invaluable lessons that shaped who I am today—both as a person and as a creative professional. I have learned to be much more discerning about the people I allow into my life and inner circle. Now, I know what to look for in a true friend, collaborator, or mentor—someone who is not just offering support when it is convenient but who genuinely has your back and is invested in your growth.

Today, I place a strong emphasis on creating honest, open relationships with those I work with. I try to surround myself with people who are positive, reliable, and transparent. I have come to realize how important it is to protect my peace, and part of that is choosing the right people to share my time and energy with.

Because of everything I have been through, I now find myself in a position where I can share my experiences with others. I can offer guidance to those who might be walking the same difficult road I once did. I can help them recognize red flags, avoid pitfalls, and build healthier, more supportive relationships. In a way, I have turned my past hardships into an opportunity to serve as a friend, a mentor, or just a source of support for others who may need someone to lean on. It is empowering to know that, through my experiences, I can provide others with insights that help them navigate their own journeys without having to face the same struggles I did.

While I wish I had these realizations earlier, I am grateful for the wisdom and strength I have gained. It’s made me a better person and a better artist. I now understand the importance of building relationships based on authenticity, mutual respect, and care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studioeunoia.com/portfolio/lunasporfolio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunafterdark.tattoos/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/lunafterdark.tattoos

Image Credits

All the images provided were personally taken by myself and are art portfolios of my tattooing work~