Yevheniia Neff shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Yevheniia, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Over this time, I’ve grown a lot. I’ve learned so much about myself — my boundaries, what I want, what I’m okay with.
For a long time, I was honestly afraid to just be myself. I didn’t want to upset anyone, I didn’t want to be “too much,” so I kept putting myself second.
But eventually I realized something really important: the most valuable person you have in your life is you. And when you try so hard not to hurt others, but end up hurting yourself instead — that’s the real problem.
Now I’m learning to live differently. To be honest with myself, to respect my own feelings, to show up as who I really am. It’s not about being selfish — it’s about being healthy. And the funny thing is, the more you accept yourself, the easier it becomes to connect with others.
So my biggest growth has definitely been learning to be myself — without apologizing for it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure! My name is Yevheniia, and I’m the artist behind Yevheniia.ink. First and foremost, I’m a tattoo artist. I work directly with people’s bodies, creating pieces that reflect their personality, their stories, and the way they want to see themselves.
For me, tattooing isn’t just about the design — it’s about connection. It’s about understanding someone’s idea, their emotions, their energy, and translating all of that into something they’ll carry with them every day.
Right now, I’m focusing on growing as an artist, developing educational materials, sharing more of my process, and helping people feel confident — both in their skin and in the art they choose to wear. My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s real, and that’s what matters to me.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks bonds between people?
Bonds usually break when trust is gone—like when someone lies, misunderstands, or doesn’t support the other. Even little issues can build up over time.
What restores them?
They get back when people talk honestly, take responsibility, and show they care. Sometimes just a real conversation and meeting each other halfway can fix things—and even make the relationship stronger.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up, during the period of immigration. Everything hit at once—whether I came by choice or not—and it just felt too much. Sometimes I felt like packing my bags and going back, even to a place that might not have been safe. But what helped me push through was focusing on small steps, leaning on the people who supported me, and reminding myself why I made this move in the first place
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One truth I rarely articulate is how fragile stability can feel in life. Growing up or moving to a new country showed me that things can change in an instant, and that shapes how I approach everything—from relationships to work. It’s a quiet truth I carry with me: being resilient, careful, and thoughtful matters more than I often say out loud
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as someone who taught and inspired others, showing them new perspectives or possibilities. I want them to take away that you should never give up, even if no one believes in you, and that pursuing big dreams takes small steps and patience—it always takes time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yevheniia.ink/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yevheniia.ink/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yevheniia.ink/
- Other: https://share.google/OKMJr17jNTO2IGXbI
Image Credits
All images by Yevheniia Neff
