Life & Work with Hannah Greene of Ojai, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Greene.

Hi Hannah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a tattoo artist and opened up the FIRST ever tattoo studio in Ojai, CA. A female owned and operated studio based in one of Ojai’s historic buildings, the original ice house (before refrigeration, this building was the cold storage facility that housed the cities ice and cold items).
I grew up in Ojai, as did my mom in the 70s and over the years I’ve seen Ojai grow in so many different ways, whether that be with tourism booming or lots of new businesses opening.
It’s honor to be able to keep the spirit of Ojai alive and open up a small business here and be part of the growth the town has seen. It also brings me so much to provide a safe space that everyone feel comfortable and welcome in, it’s grown into something beyond my expectations and I couldn’t more proud and excited for the future.

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?
Yes and no. I don’t think any road is smooth, no matter how perfect or planned we try to make it.
Being that there had never been a licensed tattoo studio in Ojai before, there were a lot of hoops to jump through and back and forth ensuring all the ts were crossed.
But I think the biggest challenge has been being a small business owner and what that means. Not only am i a tattoo artist that operates all that comes with being self employed. I now run a business that others are part of. So learning boundaries and setting firm standards and expectations, but following through with those. It’s been rough and such a learning experience, but something I’m grateful for. To fail and grow from that failure.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I started as an illustration artist, creating all kinds of art along with custom pieces and logo packages. I loved it but it was always more back burner and didn’t fully dive in.
I’d always tattooed on the side, for fun and never serious. But once COVID hit, I was pregnant and a manager at Starbucks, my views on career totally changed. My daughter was born and she inspired me to be a mom not only she’d be proud of but that I’d be proud of too. So I decided to do everything I needed to get there. It was a long road but looking back on it, it happened so fast and I continue to grow every year into the artist that my kids and family are stoked of.
I specialize in illustrative tattoos, but also love anything from bold ornamental to full color florals. I think my art is always evolving and I’m so grateful to have clients who grow with me and put their trust in me to make their body art dreams come to life.
I think what sets me apart from others is the atmosphere I’ve created. Very real and very genuine. The tattoo is for the client, the appointment is for the client. I do my best to ensure everyone has a great experience, regardless if it’s a 15 minute tattoo or a multiple session tattoo. I want people to find a friend they’ve always needed in me and trust I have their back.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I thinks it’s so important for you to feel connected to them, and have a mutual respect established. Don’t bother following a dream with someone who doesn’t align with you or makes your path bumpier.
And put yourself out there and ask, the worst that will happen is a ‘no’ or they can’t take on an apprentice. But don’t let it stop you.
Even artists you may not live near or you like their style, ask them how they started, pick their brain.
I still reach out to the artists, sharing styles and info, asking what needles they might use or how they achieved a certain effect, etc.
there is not end to learning.

Pricing:

• Group tattoos (3+ people) start at $75-100 per tattoo
• Small tattoos $150+
• Medium Tattoos $300+
• Large Tattoos $500+
• Always happy to work with a budget and still create something special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hanman.ink
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanmanink?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Image Credits
Stonemonkeyart on Instagram took the photo of me — the rest are all taken by me.