Today we’d like to introduce you to Maegan Benipayo.
Maegan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a tattoo artist based in Downtown Los Angeles. I took interest in tattooing after getting my first tattoo. My tattoo artist was telling me his story of how his best decision in life was starting his career out of his own studio. I was already struggling with my career choices. However, there I thought to myself, “maybe tattooing is a good idea.” I grew up in a traditional Filipino household. So becoming a nurse or something in the medical field was supposed to be the goal. I always knew I was going to fail at that. Plus, school wasn’t for me. I had to think of something cause being in your late 20’s with no money wasn’t a good look. Fast forward to today, I now have my own brand and tattoo studio in DTLA.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To get an apprenticeship being a woman in a male-dominated industry is actually pretty hard and intimidating. I walked into at least five shops trying to land an apprenticeship and I had got denied from all of them. One of them even told me to stop trying. Yeah, ok. Anyway, I saw there was a shop that was doing a workshop and hands on training. I signed up for it and had an amazing experience at the workshop. Then afterwards, they spoke to us about signing up for an apprenticeship. The only catch to it was that I’d have to pay a tuition fee. I thought about the times I got the door slammed in my face, I also thought, what else am I going to do.
So I pulled out a loan, and I did it. Paid a portion upfront and handled the rest over time. The upside of it was that I skipped the scrubbing-the-toilet deeds and went straight into tattooing. I loved it.
Then the pandemic hit, we had to close the shop. I wasn’t making money with my 9-5. So with all the money I saved. I took a risk and bought all the supplies I needed and a private studio. Now, by word of mouth, my business is picking up, I paid off the loan, created a brand, and I’m just hoping to collect more wins.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Aside from tattooing, I’ve done commissioned paintings, murals, digital illustrations, and animations. However, out of all the art mediums, I enjoy tattooing the most and I’m most proud of that. Being able to start my own business during a pandemic was the greatest risk and best reward of all. I’ve created a brand that showcases art as a whole. I’ve met so many people that all have something different to share. I’ve met fashion designers, chefs, painters, photographers, poets and they all have their own way of showing they are an artist. Meeting these people inspired me to create my brand.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Consistency and patience helped me with my success. I started off “late” in the game with so many roadblocks, but sometimes it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.
Pricing:
- $80 small tattoos
Contact Info:
- Email: maegan_530@yahoo.com
- Website: www.maeganstudios.com
- Instagram: MgnStudios
Image Credits:
Elvon Images
