Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Rodriguez.
Hi Nikki, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my tattoo journey back in 2019 with an apprenticeship at Clandestine Rabbit Tattoo Studio in Tarzana, CA. Since then, it’s been a wild ride—working my way through Hollywood and eventually landing in Northridge, where I now run my own studio, Aesthetic Ink by Nikki Rodriguez. I specialize in tattoos and permanent brow makeup, and I absolutely love what I do.
Before all of this, I studied art at NC State University, then moved to LA to chase a dream of working as a makeup artist in the film industry. That career was short-lived, but it opened the door to the beauty world, and I stuck with it—eventually working my way up the corporate ladder and running the e-commerce site for a skincare brand.
All those experiences—from makeup to the business side of beauty—have really shaped how I approach my work today. They’ve helped me build a business I’m proud of and given me a unique perspective as both a tattoo and brow artist. Everything I do is rooted in creativity, attention to detail, and making people feel confident in their skin.
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?
Honestly, the journey hasn’t been easy—it’s been a lot of trial and error and figuring things out as I go. But thanks to my background in both the beauty industry and the corporate world, I’ve had some valuable insight that’s helped me pick things up faster when it comes to running a business and marketing myself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a tattoo and permanent makeup artist, specializing in black and grey fine line tattoos. I’m especially known for my pet micro-portraits—one of my favorite things to create because I’m a huge animal lover. On the PMU side, I specialize in the nano brow technique, which is a hyper-realistic style of brow tattooing that uses an ultra-fine needle to mimic the look of real hair strokes. It’s perfect for achieving soft, natural-looking brows with precise detail.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Building genuine relationships with my clients has been one of the biggest factors in my success. Tattooing and permanent makeup are deeply personal, and earning someone’s trust is everything. That trust often turns into word-of-mouth referrals, which has helped my client base grow in such an organic way. People can tell that I truly care about the work I’m doing and the experience I’m giving them—and that makes all the difference.
Pricing:
- Nano, powder, or combo brow initial appointment – $350
- Brow touch up – $180
- Tattooing hourly rate – $180/hour
- Tattoo minimum – $180
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nikkirodstudio.as.me/
- Instagram: @nikkirodtattoos
