Today we’d like to introduce you to Mel Vazquez.
Hi Mel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
At the age of 17, I started visiting the local tattoo shop, where I initially delved into the art of piercing before transitioning to tattooing. With a long-standing passion for art, which I pursued as a major through my academic years, I embarked on my apprenticeship in my 20s. However, this journey was temporarily interrupted by my battle with ovarian cancer, spanning six years, followed by a four-year period of recovery. When I was in the hospital, I told myself that if I survived, I would follow my passion for art. When I fully recovered, I started apprenticing under a new mentor and seamlessly resumed my progression in the tattooing craft. In 2019, I met my now-wife, whose support encouraged me to open my own tattoo studio. In 2021, I opened my own private studio in the NoHo Arts District, Spiritual Gangsta Studio.
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?
Being a female in a male-dominated industry has been a challenge. I was also told that my style of fine-line tattooing would never be popular. Battling cancer and living with stage four endometriosis has challenged me physically.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in fine line, tiny, minimalist, dark work, whip/pepper shading, and dot work.
I’m most proud of the huge floral pieces I’m given the chance to create. I very much enjoy the motion of whip shading and putting in every dot to create the perfect shadow, shade or design.
I’d have to say what sets me apart from other artists is my attention to detail. I’m able to adapt to new trends, and my clean lines, but mostly I believe I create a unique style that people can recognize.
I’ve also created a safe space for Womxn and LGBTQAI+ to get tattooed.
Getting tattooed can be a spiritual experience, and many clients come to me for ‘tattoo therapy.’ I enjoy designing pieces for them that have deep meaning or help them heal in some way.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Opening my private studio was the biggest risk I’ve taken so far. Letting go of not being at a storefront where there’s constant traffic was a huge decision. Promoting my business in order to find more clients and having them find me was probably the biggest challenge. I’m grateful for my OG clients, who have been with me from the beginning, and all my new clients as well!
Pricing:
- $125 +
- $25 Deposit to Book
- Monthly Flash Sales
Contact Info:
- Website: Vagaro.com/spiritualgangstastudio
- Instagram: Instagram.com/spiritualgangstastudio
- Facebook: Facebook.com/spiritualgangstastudio
- Other: Tiktok.com@spiritualgangstastudio
Image Credits
@TheRamblerMedia
@CaliMiles
