Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanice Barajas.
Hi Shanice, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It all began on June 18th, 2020 in my mother-in-law’s living room. That day I tattooed my first human being, my loving and supportive husband (Leo). Leo eagerly and gladly volunteered. Our good friend Gor (an experienced tattoo artist) helped us out and bought all of the tattoo supplies I needed to get started (thank you Gor).
I tattooed about five tattoos on Leo’s thigh that day, I posted them on Instagram, and after that my tattooing journey took off surprisingly well (thank goodness).
I set up a little tattooing station in our garage. I started practicing on family and friends. Those family and friends started referring other people and next thing you know, I was getting booked up constantly. Thanks to everyone that supported my tattooing journey, I wouldn’t be where I am today without you.
Fast forward to October 2020, my husband and I were working on opening a second Ace of Fades Barbershop. I was thinking about starting to look for openings at local tattoo shops. However, Leo said to me, “why do you want to work at another tattoo shop when you can open up your own tattoo shop here?” I was mind blown, excited, and terrified at the same time. I felt as if I was getting thrown into the shark tank. I remind myself constantly to not live in fear. We only have one life and one chance to take risk. That being said, I took the risk and jumped into opening our tattoo shop.
The Barbershop/tattoo shop is located where I am today (1610 Palm Ave. Ste. C, San Diego, CA 92154).
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I’ve come across many challenges. I like challenges though it keeps me on my toes.
The challenges I’ve encountered consist of me not being able to please everyone and accepting that fact, being too self-critical, difficult designs, difficult customers, and some days feeling unmotivated.
The fact that I am capable of overcoming challenges daily is rewarding for me.
Everyday I learn something new about myself and the tattoo industry.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in linework tattoos, I am known for my great customer rapport, light handwork, and being a toxic perfectionist when it comes to tattooing. I am proud of myself for not quitting and how fast I’ve advanced in such a short time.
Even though I am a self-taught tattoo artist. I call tattoo artists when I’m stuck or in need of help once in a while (shout out to Gor and Blinks).
Fortunately, now I have a tattoo artist (Azalie) that works with me at Ace of Fades Barbershop.
We feed off of each other. We share tips and tricks about tattooing. It helps a lot to work with others.
TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’m lucky to have amazing people in my team, supportive clients, and a successful shop.
Pricing:
- Minimum starting shop price is $100
Contact Info:
- Email: Shanicetattnice@gmail.com
- Instagram: @tattnice
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCNHmVw3YMoiKGo-1DAdTY6w
Image Credits
@photoxluna @polocutzsd @thatbarbercheapy @johana86cut
