We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sammy Guzman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sammy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?
Looking back, my journey into tattooing didn’t start in a shop—it started with a pencil. I’ve always been able to draw, even as a kid, but I never had the confidence to see it as anything more than a hobby. For a long time, I felt lost, like I wasn’t good at anything and that something was missing in my life. I spent years stuck in a painful place, until two years ago, I made the decision to get sober and start building a life that felt meaningful.
About six months into my sobriety, I picked up a pencil again—and I couldn’t stop. Drawing became a lifeline, a form of expression and healing. Then, everything shifted when I got tattooed by the woman who is now my mentor. I showed her my sketches, and she saw something in me that I hadn’t fully seen in myself yet. She gave me the encouragement—and the nudge—I needed to pursue tattooing seriously. I’m thankful for kiwi noticing me and taking a chance on me.
My wife Kaiti is honestly the main person to thank on my journey she’s seen something in me that I never could. I’m forever grateful for her bringing out the best in me. Her love, Her soul and her faith in me is my constant never ending fire in my life.
These moments taught me a huge lesson about leadership and mentorship: sometimes all someone needs is for another person to believe in them. Now, as I grow in this craft, I carry that lesson with me. Whether I’m working with a client or connecting with someone just starting their own journey, I try to be a kind and supportive presence.
There’s been a lot of laughs and a lot of tears up until now but I am so glad I went through with it. I am looking to open my own studio soon -Stay Tuned.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I specialize in creating tattoos that are not just beautiful, but meaningful. I work closely with my clients to design pieces that reflect their stories, emotions, or identity—whether it’s a tribute, a milestone, or simply something that makes them feel powerful in their own skin. I focus on custom work, and I take a lot of pride in making sure every design feels personal and intentional.
What I like to focus on is empathy and care. I know what it’s like to feel unseen, or like your voice doesn’t matter. That’s why I create a space where my clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Tattooing, for me, isn’t just about ink on skin—it’s about transformation, connection, and reclaiming your story
I’m most proud of the fact that I didn’t give up on myself and that now, I get to use my craft to help others express who they are and what they’ve been through. For anyone out there who’s ever felt like they weren’t good enough or like it was too late to start over, I want my story—and my work—to show that it’s never too late to choose yourself, follow your passion, and build a life you’re proud of.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
The main book I have read that encouraged me and got me to move towards my tattoo journey is “You are a magnet” By Amber Lyon. A key stepping stone into believing in myself. It shifted my mindset with myself and gave me the courage I needed to pursue my dream. I would recommend this book to everyone – it has changed my life for the better.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One story that truly illustrates my resilience is simply the journey of how I got here. I grew up in a household where money was always tight and trauma was just piling on. From a young age, I learned how to survive—how to stay quiet, keep my head down, and push through whatever was thrown at me. But surviving and living are two very different things, and for a long time, I didn’t know the difference. With my family sometimes there was no real destination in sight. There were nights we slept in cars, nights we made due with what we had, and years spent just trying to stay afloat in an unstable world.
Becoming a tattoo apprentice was never just about the art. It’s about rewriting the story I was given. It’s about turning pain into something powerful and healing. It’s about showing people that where you come from doesn’t have to define where you’re going. Resilience, for me, is choosing to rise—even when your past tries to convince you that you can’t.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: samwise.g_tattoo
Image Credits
@cassiejohnsonphoto
@ftpradaa