I started tattooing in 1992 when I was 18. I opened my first shop in 1995 at the age of 21. There was an old tattooist named Sailor Barney that used to come into the shop. His stories really interested me. Back then we reused needles, had to make our own needles as there were no tattoo suppliers that made them, we mixed our own inks, and smoked while tattooing. (Later obtaining a licenses in the medical field, sterilization, the importance of not cross contaminating sterile fields and instruments, has become a must with my business practices.) His stories taught me to build and fix my tattoo machines, build and repair my power units, mix inks, solder my own tattoo needles, and also taught me the importance of the history of tattoos.

I have studied the cultures behind many styles of tattooing, and their tattoo meanings. Leaving ego behind allows me to focus on the meaningful side of tattooing. Choosing not to partake in mind altering substances of any kind ensures that I will be able to focus on what is important during the process of tattooing. I am honored when someone trusts me enough with their health and their body image to be able to decorate their skin to their liking.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me through this bio.