We were lucky to catch up with Maya Arguelles recently and have shared our conversation below.
Maya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
My mother was a single mother, but she was an independent ambition women and seeing her work hard for what she wanted inspired me to be who and where I am today. She worked at Sony for 20+ years and she would work 12+ hours to provide. She taught me you can achieve any goals if you put your mind into it. When she was 47 she enrolled herself to school to achieve her dream of being a teacher, she was working a full time job and was going to school full time. She ended up accomplishing her goal and was a teacher for 10+ years. Seeing her achieve her goals regardless of her age was such an inspiration me to I ended up pursuing my own goals in 2018. October 2021 I got my very own studio in Escondido Ca. My mom didn’t have the opportunity to see that milestone. She unfortunately passed away September 2021, but she made an incredible impact on my journey and I hope to continue her legacy, and make her proud.
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?
Growing up I always been creative since I can remember, I love to write , especially in cursive , I also liked doing graffiti and learning the culture behind it, and anything beauty related. Growing up I always wanted to be a tattoo artist I just didn’t know where to start or how. During my mid 20s I didn’t know what path to take career wise, I made a list and narrowed down few ideas and PMU and tattoo artist was on top of my list, I did research and ran across a academy that was willing to teach PMU and specialized on Microblading, and Ombré Brows, it’s a semi permanent tattoo that involves either shading done with a tattoo pen or handheld tool, once I started that journey, I felt in love with it instantly. I enjoyed making my clients feel good. I was blessed with my 3rd baby on June 2021, same year my mom passed away. I was lost I didn’t want to pursue my career no more, more, I kinda just sat there in disbelief, I knew my mom wouldn’t want that so I found the courage to do something I always wanted to do…tattoos. So I began doing research looking at youtube videos, did a lot of self taught, practiced on so many fake skins I eventually took a course by Angie that taught me the basics of tattooing and I absolutely loved that course I kept practicing from there on. I remember when I was 14 years old I would do tattoos on my friends and neighbors, I ended up getting pregnant at a young age and didn’t have time to pursue my goals. I want my kids to know and anyone who feels lost or discouraged, know sky’s the limit and you can do anything that you set your mind to. I have a beautiful private studio located in Escondido my goal is to make my clients feel comfortable as possible and give them the best experience whether it’s their first tattoo or not I want them to feel safe and comfortable.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
When I first started my social media business account it was a bit intimidating for me. I started my social media platform organically from zero followers, it was difficult for me to get me first few followers I would follow other artist or “influencers” and get ideas what to post to engage with my clients. Just know everything is content! you can record yourself setting up the tray or organizing products , video yourself working on client etc. I would also pass out business cards and stickers with my QR code to help promote my business or to get people to look at work on social media. Be yourself be original, and the right followers will follow you that can lead to potential clients . Don’t get discouraged.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
I was working a full time job and ended up getting a part time so I can set money Into my savings. When I would get these little bonuses from my job it went straight to savings. Once I was able to reached my goal. I was able to take a training course. I took a few courses throughout my journey my last instructor offered Apprenticeship Program and had opportunity to work at a beautiful shop in Escondido with Danica , she helped me get my permit, insurance, etc. that was the best investment I ever made.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Inksbymaya
- Other: https://form.jotform.com/232206815909155