Young Bae’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and art. Born in Seoul, Korea, her childhood was starkly different from the glitz and glamour now associated with her name, especially as the owner of the renowned Diamond Tattoos shop in the heart of New York City’s Times Square. Overcoming years of poverty, homelessness, and abuse, Young’s journey is as captivating as the intricate tattoo art she creates. Her narrative is not just about personal triumph but also a powerful commentary on societal perceptions and the unwavering strength of the human spirit.
Early Hardships and the Spark of Art
Growing up in Korea, Young faced unimaginable hardships. She describes her childhood as akin to a painful chapter from “Oliver Twist,” marked by poverty, instability, and abuse. Witnessing her mother and sister suffer alongside her at the hands of her father, Young learned early on about the harsh realities of life. Despite her mother being an artist herself, the family struggled immensely, and societal support was nonexistent. Young vividly recalls the materialistic nature of Korean society at the time, where poverty was seen as an inescapable trap, and the less fortunate were often ostracized. This environment forced Young to conceal her struggles, even from close friends, creating a sense of isolation and secrecy during her formative years.
However, amidst these dark times, Young discovered a beacon of hope: her natural artistic talent. Art became her refuge, a way to process her experiences and dream of a different future. Even as her family moved from church basements to abandoned houses and even a shipping container, Young clung to her art and a determination to rise above her circumstances.
Finding Fashion and Dignity Amidst Homelessness
Despite the instability of her living situation, Young was determined not to be defined by her poverty. “I may have been homeless with no money, but I was always clean and fashionable,” she asserts. This self-awareness and pride are striking. Even without consistent access to basic amenities, Young found ways to maintain her dignity. She recalls using public restrooms to keep clean and creatively repurposing hand-me-down clothes from church to craft her own style. While teachers suspected her poverty due to unpaid school fees, Young largely managed to blend in with her more privileged peers, a testament to her resilience and resourcefulness.
More than just blending in, Young’s artistic talent began to shine. Her sketches, drawings, and paintings garnered increasing recognition from teachers and classmates. Winning prizes and awards for her artwork not only boosted her confidence but also provided a small income through the sale of her pieces, helping to cover basic necessities. This early success fueled her ambition and solidified her path forward: art was not just a passion; it was her lifeline.
New York City: The Promised Land for a Diamond in the Rough
Young’s artistic talent eventually earned her a partial scholarship to art university in Korea. This was a crucial step, allowing her to hone her skills and set her sights on a bigger stage: New York City. For Young, New York represented the ultimate artist’s haven, a place where she believed she could truly thrive. “New York is an artist’s city,” she explains, “so it just made sense.”
In 2007, armed with just $80 and a student visa to study English, the 22-year-old Young arrived in New York City. She immediately headed to Korea Town in Manhattan and began her hustle. Despite the language barrier, Young’s determination was unwavering. She secured a job at a nail salon the very next day by scanning Korean newspapers for opportunities. This was just the beginning. Young juggled multiple jobs – working in restaurants, jewelry shops, and even street vending her art in Union Square – all to afford rent in Jersey, where she shared a small space with roommates.
From Nail Salon to Diamond Tattoos: A Tattoo Artist is Born
The turning point came when Young stumbled upon a tattoo shop in New York City. Having no prior experience with tattooing due to its illegality in South Korea, Young was intrigued. Looking at the tattoo sketches on the walls, she had a pivotal thought: “Hey, I could do this.” This moment of intuition was the start of her journey into the world of tattoo artistry.
Characteristically bold, Young offered the shop owners a barter: free shop cleaning in exchange for an apprenticeship. They agreed, recognizing her raw talent and eagerness. Young’s apprenticeship began, and she quickly absorbed the craft. Her artistic background translated seamlessly into tattoo design and application. Confident in her rapidly developing skills, Young soon moved to another shop where she could earn a tattoo artist’s wage. Her talent and dedication made her a sought-after artist, laying the foundation for her entrepreneurial aspirations.
Building Diamond Tattoos in Times Square
Driven by ambition and a desire for independence, Young decided to open her own business. She rented a small, less-than-ideal space on 46th Street in Times Square – “literally a storage room in the back of an eyebrow threading shop.” With limited resources, Young bootstrapped her way to opening Diamond Tattoos. She secured licenses, worked additional jobs to cover the $1000 monthly rent, and scavenged for furniture and décor. She even upholstered her first tattoo chairs with fake leather found on the street.
To attract clients, Young became her own walking advertisement, holding a human-sized sign to promote her shop daily. Miraculously, people started coming. Word-of-mouth spread, and Diamond Tattoos quickly outgrew its humble beginnings. Young’s reputation for quality work and her compelling personal story began to resonate within the tattoo community and beyond.
Reality TV and Beyond: Shining Bright
Young’s growing success and unique story caught the attention of reality TV producers. She joined VH1’s popular show “Black Ink Crew: New York” in its 5th season, becoming an instant fan favorite. Her charisma, talent, and personal journey made her a compelling and relatable figure on the show. “Black Ink Crew” amplified her visibility, further solidifying Diamond Tattoos as a must-visit destination for tattoo enthusiasts.
Today, Young Bae stands as a successful entrepreneur and a celebrated tattoo artist. From a childhood marked by adversity to owning a thriving business in Times Square, her story is a powerful example of how talent, perseverance, and faith can transform lives. Young attributes her success to her unwavering faith, believing that her past hardships were stepping stones to a brighter future, enabling her to help others facing similar challenges. Young Bae’s journey embodies the resilience and brilliance of a diamond, forged under pressure and shining brightly in the heart of New York City.
