Rising Stars: Meet Nora Grace Stahl

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nora Grace Stahl.

Hi Nora Grace, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started working in the makeup industry in 2012, focusing on special effects makeup for film and TV. I worked mostly behind the scenes, and after a while I started to search for a more direct way to connect with people. That’s when I pivoted to Cosmetic Tattooing. I love being able to have meaningful interactions with my clients, and my background in realism and color theory has always been the backbone of my work. In 2019, I partnered with my dear friend Kahli Gibson to help open Fiction Cosmetic Tattooing, a private studio located in Echo Park.

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?
While I try to always focus on the good/fun times, starting a new career certainly came with obstacles! LA is a city that’s very saturated with so many great artists and options for beauty services, so I needed to set myself apart and stand out in a crowd. Building a loyal clientele base is something that takes time, and I think I was able to do that by cultivating a welcoming environment and being authentically myself. It can be scary to be vulnerable and share more of my personal life. But I do think clients like to know the person behind the art. When I stopped trying to fit into a typical ~professional~ box and let my personality and work speak for itself, clients really started to respond to that energy and my momentum started to grow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in Cosmetic and Restorative tattooing. Cosmetic tattoos (aka permanent makeup) are services like Nano Brows, Lip Blush, Eyeliner, and Freckle tattoos. These services are meant to enhance a client’s natural features, and each service is fully customized for the individual. Some clients prefer an undetectable result, while others are going for the drama, and I love being able to create something unique for every person that sits in my chair. I think out of all the services I offer, I’m mostly known for my Lip Blush technique. It’s the perfect enhancement that can really help to define and amplify the lips while still keeping them natural.

Restorative tattooing is an area of my work that I am incredibly proud of. I specialize in 3D areola tattoos for Trans folks and breast cancer survivors. With this type of service, I am able to recreate a realistic portrait of a nipple that may have been fully or partially removed during Top Surgery or Mastectomy. I also offer scar camouflage services, which can be paired with areola tattooing. These tattoos can be a meaningful step in the client’s journey, and I’m incredibly grateful to each client that entrusts me with the process. I make sure these appointments are safe, private, and in tune with each individual’s goals.

Any big plans?
My plans for the future are always focused on continued education! My industry is constantly evolving with improved techniques, better pigments, higher-quality machines, etc. I think it’s really important to continue learning from as many masters & artists as I can so that I can provide the most modern techniques to my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: noragracetattoo.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/nora_grace_tattoo

Image Credits
Kara Perry Photography