For two incredible years, I lived a life most people only dream of. As a personal assistant, I traveled the globe, experiencing luxury hotels, exquisite dining, and high-end fashion, all expenses paid. It felt surreal, a world away from anything I had ever imagined. Yet, despite the opulence, a sense of fulfillment was missing. Something deeper was calling me.
Everything changed in 2009 when I attended a tattoo convention in Puerto Rico. It wasn’t just an event; it was an awakening. I went with the idea of getting inked, but I left with tattoo equipment and a burning conviction: “I can do this!” Puerto Rico became the birthplace of my tattoo journey. I dove headfirst into the art, practicing on friends, initially with less-than-stellar results. Those early years were a humbling learning curve, far removed from the luxury I had known.
In 2011, I embraced the grind, partnering with the respected Angel Villanueva. Forget fancy hotels; it was budget travel and chasing knowledge at every US tattoo convention. This was my new reality – absorbing every piece of wisdom I could, traveling relentlessly, driven by a hunger to improve my craft. Puerto Rico and its vibrant tattoo scene had ignited a fire in me that luxury never could.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2013 when I had the privilege to work alongside Juan “Papito” Lopez, a renowned tattoo artist on the island of Puerto Rico. Under Papito’s mentorship, fueled by countless nights of drawing and dedication, I found my artistic voice in Neo Traditional tattoos. This style, deeply influenced by artists like Papito and the rich artistic heritage of Puerto Rico, resonated with me profoundly. Even today, it remains my signature. Mastering this skill transformed my life, both artistically and financially.
Puerto Rico not only shaped my career but also my personal life. It was during this transformative period that I met Zaimina. She was initially going to be a client, but from the moment I saw her, I knew our connection was something extraordinary. The tattoo never happened, but a beautiful life together began. My journey, sparked in a Puerto Rico Tattoo convention, had led me to passion, purpose, and love.
