Life & Work with Kristine Tran, Emily Paul and Lauren Skinker of North Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Tran, Emily Paul and Lauren Skinker.

Hi Kristine, Emily and Lauren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The three of us met while working at the same shop and quickly realized how much we enjoyed collaborating together. We knew we could create a space that we were truly proud of—one that reflected our identities as Queer, women, and POC tattoo artists (respectively), while providing a welcoming space for the community. In 2024, we made that vision a reality by opening Lucky Cat Tattoo. Opening our own shop was an intimidating process, but we pushed through and knew we could make it happen. We built the interior of the shop from the floors up and are incredibly proud of what we’ve created. Above all, we wanted to build an environment where clients could have fun, feel safe, and leave with amazing tattoos. It’s a great feeling looking back at all of the work we put in and seeing it culminate into the shop today.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It wasn’t a smooth road, but having each other to depend on made it a lot smoother than it could have been. As first time shop owners we had to learn how to navigate the complexities of licensing, zoning regulations, and all the red tape involved in setting up a shop. Fortunately, with three of us working side by side, we were able to tackle all of the hurdles together. Having the ability to lean on one another made everything more manageable, and collectively, we were able to overcome each obstacle that came our way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We each bring our own unique specialties and styles to the table, allowing us to offer a diverse range of tattoo work. Lauren is known for her vibrant, color traditional tattoos—bold, clean designs with a classic feel. Kristine is celebrated for her cute, kawaii illustrative tattoos, bringing a playful and whimsical style to life. Em specializes in geometric, black and grey realism, and ornamental pieces, often incorporating fine lines and intricate details to create visually stunning tattoos. We cover a broad spectrum of styles, making sure there’s something for everyone who walks through our doors.

What sets us apart is the combination of our individual styles and the way we work together as a team to continually improve and push each other. We also represent different aspects of communities that are not widely represented in tattooing, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. We understand the importance of inclusivity in an industry that has historically lacked diversity, and that’s part of why we opened Lucky Cat Tattoo—to create a space where people can feel seen and respected.

We’re most proud of the environment we’ve built at the shop and the strong, supportive community we’ve cultivated. Our goal is to not only provide amazing tattoos but also be a resource for our community, creating a space where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves. At Lucky Cat Tattoo, we’re dedicated to making a positive impact, building lasting relationships, and shaping a more inclusive tattoo industry.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
We’re all about doing great work and paying attention to the little things, whether it’s in our art or how we connect with clients on a personal level. It’s important to us that every interaction is genuine and thoughtful. The vibe in our shop is super important too — we want it to feel positive and welcoming, so creativity can flow and everyone is comfortable. It’s this mix of skill, care, and a great atmosphere that we believe makes us successful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.luckycatsandiego.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckycatsandiego?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568069190899&mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
The photos of all three of us were taken by Brian Forman. His website is www.brianforman.com or Instagram @brian_forman_media