I have been tattooing for about 5 years and I am blessed to have a son on the way. When I discovered that I would be juggling the job of single mother and full-time artist, I started to dream of one day opening a private studio, so that I could have flexibility to spend more time with my son and still be able to focus on my art. Recently, a storefront opened up about a block from my house, and the dream started to become a more tangible reality.
Right now, I am a sub-contractor, so I am confident that I can make the transition to working for myself, but it will be a bumpy road for the next 6 months – I will be putting the work into fixing up the storefront and keeping the rent paid for the first few months when I have my child. Luckily, I have always adhered to the idea that there is no greater motivation than passion, unless you also have a child; then there is no greater motivation than passion for what you do, and passion for providing an great future for your children.