Meet Twiggy Salinas of Whittier, California

Today we’d like to introduce you to Twiggy Salinas

Hi Twiggy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never grew up in a fairytale “Dream Life”. I watched my mom become a single, hard-working mother, by the time I was about age 5. From very early on to, as far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be an Artist. I was that kid in school, that would sit way in the back and just draw. I have to be honest I never really liked school. Once, I graduated high school, finished and made my mom proud! I decided I was gonna pursue what I always wanted to do. Of course, it didn’t start off like that! HAHA Fresh out of High School, I got this job at a little mom and pop Dry Cleaners. It was in a little nice pocket area in Long Beach, called “Bixby Knolls”. They paid me $200 a WEEK, under the table. Of course, it wasn’t my favorite job scrubbing stains off clothes working during summer, no AC! Luckily, that job only lasted a couple of month’s. Mind you, while I was working at this place, I never stopped creating. I always found myself drawing, sketching or painting. Fast forward to how I got here today. Two cousins of mine approached me at a family gathering and asked if I would be interested in getting into a tattoo apprenticeship. I’ll be Forever Grateful for taking them up on that offer. I started my apprenticeship at a shop called Body Art Tattoo located in Whittier, California. My mentors name was Ray Vasquez, he taught me the in’s and out’s of tattooing. Since 2015, I continue on the path of creating.

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?
I tend to find that many of us who go after the things we want in this life, it’s never EASY. If it’s too easy, it’s probably not worth it! So about a year after I finished my tattoo, apprenticeship my mom and I were living in the city of Paramount. At the time, my mother and her boyfriend owned a home together. I lived with them. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out between them and our home went into FORECLOSURE! My mom and I had to live separately for a while. At first, we had no idea where we were going to go. Everything happened so fast. I had trash bags full of clothes in my car, barely had any money. I moved to Compton for a while with my aunt and her wife. I crashed on their couch many times! Until this day, they’ve always been kind enough to keep their doors open for me.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a TATTOOER and ARTIST at FOR THE SINNERS tattoo shop in Whittier, California. I wouldn’t say I “SPECIALIZE” in a certain style specifically, but many people who contact me to work with them, usually are interested in my Fine-Line, Color and Lettering Styles of work. I think what I have to be the most proudest about in my life is that, No matter how many setbacks and struggles I have in my daily life I don’t give up I keep going. I believe, what sets me apart from others as in my work, is that a lot of my pieces are created through REAL life experiences, my Cultural background, and being a PROUD Mexican American. Staying true to myself and focusing on my own path, that God has set out for me.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
You can Lose everything in an instant! You can lose a Loved One, Job or even your home if you can’t pay it. Cherish, everything you have in the moment, don’t complain about the small thing’s. It’s a Blessing and a Fortune just to wake up and see each day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://WWW.FORTHESINNERS.COM
• Instagram: sheistwiggy
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Photo of Myself, Taken by (Dat Nguyen)