Today we’d like to introduce you to Maru Tatu.
Hi Maru, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began tattooing in my hometown of Monterrey,Mexico,at just 14 years old practicing on my neighborhood friends who believed in me before i had any formal training. By 2000,i was tattooing professionally and in 2004,I moved to Los Angeles drawn by the depth,Tattoo culture diversity and black and grey “Chicano” tattoo style that had inspired me since I first learned about it.
For me Tattoooing is more than a lifestyle,its a sacred practice.It carries cultural roots and centuries of human history.I aproach every tattooo with that in mind,treating it as both a personal expression and a meaningful connection.
In 2015,I opened Colibri Tattoo Studio in the city of Maywood,Ca..This community welcomed me,and over time,I’ve grown to feel deeply connected to it .As a migrant worker and artist,i take pride in representing our shared stories and tattoos into identity,struggle,and pride.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a migrant woman of color stepping into the tattoo industry a space historically dominated by men,I’ve face lots of obstacles.
Coming to a new country,i arrived alone hoping to build a better future.Adapting to a new language,culture wasn’t easy.
The tattoo industry was no exception. In shops where male voices dominated,I often felt like a had to prove myself twice as hard once as an artist,and again as a woman of color.
There were times when my ideas were dismissed my skills questioned or my presence overlooked.
But i kept going,
I learned to trust my voice,sharpen my craft,and build a space where my culture,my experiences,and my identity could shine through my art.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Tattoo artist/business owner operator
Every tattoo i create is not just ink- it’s a piece of resilience,a story of survival,and a symbol of empowerment for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
I started tattooing at walk-in shops ,where I learned to handle everything,from script name tattoos to bold outline trad tattoos.
I am still growing,still learning,but I’ve claimed my place in this industry,not just for my self,but for others who come after me.
Outside of tattooing,i am also passionate about drawing and painting. I work with charcoal,graphite,and oil paints,always exploring new ways to express what i carry inside. I also enjoy making jewelry and small 3D objects,combining art and craftsmanship in diferent forms.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am a certified yoga instructor, often host donation based classes at community centers and parks. Big advocate for safer streets for cyclists ,I ride my bicycle through the city to commute ,pedestrians and users of micro mobility(scooters ,skateboard ).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Marutatuart.com
- Instagram: IG/colibritattoostudio
- Facebook: FB/colibristudiodetatuajes
