Diary Entry 260. "Simple is Hard" (3:3 Diary Entry with Swasthik Iyengar)

[00:00:00] Diary listeners, welcome back to the conclusion of our time with Swasthik or Swazi of Good Luck Tattoo NYC. This is a fun episode. We just give so much to each other as far as time and back and forth. But I think that the conclusion and wrap up for this particular time,

[00:00:31] would be best titled, Simple is Hard. And you all know that that's our problem. So you know what you're getting in for. Enjoy listeners and you know, thank you so much Swazi. You're a gem. Welcome to the Apprenticeship Diaries where raw meets refined. Let's be real, we're still working on refining.

[00:00:59] What it took, what it takes and the stories that are made. Join us as we learn from professionals about how their stories begin. Oh my God. But everything and that's like, you know, it's good we're talking about this because that is your podcast is like the the the the realness of it, the apprenticeship diaries. That's what it's like.

[00:01:28] I think if I, you know, if I could turn back time, I just be more kinder to myself. I would be give myself more grace. I wouldn't stress out like, you know, how I did because you do get there in the end. And because if you are determined and you care and you practice and you love and you respect the craft, you will see the light at the end of the time.

[00:01:58] Just to know that art, there isn't a right or wrong way. There's of course, there's basic principles of application and execution that must that have been taught to us for obvious reasons, because we have figured out they work out as great tattoos from, you know, they're centuries old or 50 years old. But like art has no limits. No. And and there isn't a right or wrong way to paint.

[00:02:28] OK, and that's that's that's that's that's what it comes down to. And yeah, and I think the only distinction is when you want to make money on it. Yeah. Yeah. That that does raise the ante and it again. How much money? Yes. You know, yes. How much will you need in order? And and all of that's on you. So that's a hard thing to like.

[00:02:58] Yes. Yeah. Think about because it's the last thing we want to think about. Oh, I didn't get paid for. But yes, being a countergum, I didn't get paid. I understand because what I was giving me golden advice. That was the trade I clean crap by lunches. And in return, I would be taught some one of the most sacred things in the world. But I had the privilege of living with my mom.

[00:03:24] And with that came being on a certain behavior. I had to prove not only to the lady that means the world to me, but to myself. And in doing so, I naturally became healthy because I left behind behaviors that were too much the detriment of my health, my physical health and my mental health. So I think there are definitely things that you have to, you know, like it is hard.

[00:03:54] You know what I mean? I've got to pay rent. We've got things to do. And it's so much more than art. You know, like that's the thing is that. Yeah, it can be anything you want at the end. But to your point, and you've said this multiple times, like the reps are there, the grit and the grind and the sweat and the tears and the failure. It's all there. And it's not easy. And it does.

[00:04:20] It really comes down to, you know, do you want this to be your career? Yeah. You know? Yeah. Because you can make art. And of course, there's no rules. I think we're all artists. Like you said, people are like, I couldn't draw a straight line. I'm like, you'd be amazed what you can do. I said that to people all the time. I was like. Yeah. I'm like, I didn't. I like. Yeah, I mean. I get it.

[00:04:47] Like, I'm overwhelmed by the fact, like, I'm like one used to sing, you know, and I'm doing singing. And but. But you do have a lovely voice. I can. I can. I can understand. No one. But I. Yeah. When people say that, I'm like, really, you would be surprised because it's. It's not. It's not really just about the drawing. It's so much deeper than that.

[00:05:11] And you will be if you do take this on as a career choice, your drawing is going to evolve throughout your career. Like me drawing skulls back when I started to the skulls I draw now. There's a huge damn difference. Oh, I'm sure. Like, and as I continue to draw skulls, they'll constantly be different because. Yes. I. And, you know, what's really important that I want to.

[00:05:38] It's so important for people, for apprentices to know that you have to. You have to do the study. You have to look at like I was studying Sailor Jerry Flash, Burt Grimm Flash. Like this is. It's so important to pay respect to the history and the people for they fine tune the craft. And there's a reason why our mentors make us replicate a Sailor Jerry Flash sheet. It's beautiful.

[00:06:08] It is the. It's very hard. Very hard. It's extremely. Very hard. But it's just bang right in front of your face. It's the basic principles of tattooing. And that's what my boss would say. So as you do this, you're going to be able to make like you're going to be able to do a tattoo and pay rent. They are the basic like lining, packing, shading. Yeah. You know, and it's. Yeah. That's that's so important that it's that people know that. I didn't.

[00:06:37] I'm not of a Western background. OK, I know my culture, but when I had to do roses and eagles, they would they still stress the hell out of me. I'm not going to lie to you. I really stress hard. Well, that that style. I mean, and the style you do, like I said before we record recorded. But. Any little jiggle in that line, man, it's done. That's right where your eye goes.

[00:07:06] You do very, very symmetrical, very line oriented stuff that requires such precision. And. If you see my work, you might like it, but. I'm sure I'm. Honestly, I've I've fallen into a lot of my weaknesses or not weaknesses, but I fall. I fall. No, I've fallen into my strengths. I've avoided my weaknesses and I made a career out of doing it, which you can with art like you like you implied. You you can do that. Yeah.

[00:07:35] And when I meet people like me and I see them striving for. You know, those perfect traditional, neotraditional kind of things, I'm like, look, I get it, man. Like, that's the height of tattooing. It's wicked fucking hard, though. It's so. And it's a lot of them don't have mentors. A lot of them, you know, they're coming to me because, you know, I'm accessible and I talk a lot. And anything I have, I'll share.

[00:08:05] Yeah. But like, I'll I'll tell them what I got, but I don't have very much. So what I can encourage them to do is like, look, why are you trying to do all this stuff? Yeah. I was like, do you understand that people will. Allow you to do something that's completely yours, like the lines don't have to be perfect. Like, if you do look at Lassau's work. Yeah. And you really zoom in on it. Yeah. There's a lot of sketchy lines. There's a lot of jiggled lines. Yeah. But it looks gorgeous because it looks like a sketch. You know.

[00:08:34] It looks like something phenomenal drawn. I. And I was like, why don't you just lean into that? Yeah. I agree with you. I don't. You know. Oh, like. It's not black and white. Right. To me, a beautiful tattoo has soul, man. And I'm. But you have to see the. You have to see the talent. It's. Yeah. You got. Yeah. Like it needs to like. I don't know. You know. No, but you're right. The stuff.

[00:09:03] That original stuff. Yeah. Because I think it's very easily dismissed because it's simple. Yeah. But simple doesn't mean easy. No. And people always kind of confuse that. Totally. Yeah. To live a simple life. Yeah. Is very challenging because. Yeah. And I'm. It's very challenging. So I get it when you mean like I'm a simple person. I just want to. I just want. I just want. Want to live a simple life. I like.

[00:09:33] But it's very hard. I'm kind of like. I find like. You know, I enjoy doing the dishes because I don't have to think for like. Yes. I'm like. Woo. That feels good. Of like. Yeah. People. Like. Yeah. These things. Whilst. Looks simple. There's a lot that goes into play. There's a lot of things. Yes. You have. There's a reason. There's a reason.

[00:10:01] Why Sailor Jerry gets. To everyone. Because. It's deeper than. Just that it is. An absolutely perfect tattoo. When you. But. But it looks. Fantastic. In 50 years time. At this. And. As it did. When you put it on it. When it's done. So. There's all of these things. Like. As an apprentice. Um. You just have to. You.

[00:10:31] I'm. I'm going to be honest. I didn't realize any of this stuff till later. Because it's such an initiation. It takes. I cried so many. Do you miss it? Because I miss it. I miss. I miss the beginnings. I do. Miss that time. Where. And you. You're going to be able to relate to this. Right? It's so hot. Like there's so much passion. There's so much drive. And also. You have this creative freedom. Because you're not really tattooing yet.

[00:11:02] Yeah. So you're. You can do whatever the hell you want. On that piece of paper. Yeah. You're trying on a lot of hats. You're trying on a lot of hats. And. When. That's. That's. Yeah. I. You know. I miss that part. It's so easier said than done. But I truly. You know. If there's. Like. And I'm sure you. You get a lot of lovely apprentices. That listen to your awesome podcast. And. I don't know man. I don't. I don't even. I don't. I don't know if anybody listens. Oh my god.

[00:11:32] I'm really grateful when a friend checks in. Like it happened the last time. It was a very short podcast. But. Yeah. I was. It was a call for prayer. And it was very short. But I was. I was feeling really weak. And she texted me. She's like. Dude. I'm six minutes into your podcast. And I just want you to know. I'm right there with you. That's nice. And it was. It was wonderful to hear that. She was listening to my podcast. Which. That's. That's awesome. I love it when I hear that. But I don't ever know. I.

[00:12:02] I hear about it later. And it's just such a gift. It's such a wonderful gift to know that somebody has taken the time. Yeah. Yeah. Especially if it's just me talking. Because I. Dude. I get exhausted of hearing myself. That's one critique of doing this. Is that when you have to sit and edit. Edit a podcast. You realize all your tics. How much you over talk. All of these things. We're our own worst critic. But you know.

[00:12:32] I think. If there is any. I just like to try and enjoy the process. You're right. Yeah. You do miss it. You can. You do. And. Yeah. And you go to. And I. And I. Like. But. And I. And I pray. And I hope that. You know. Anyone that does have an apprenticeship. Is in a really wonderful environment. Because that. That plays a big role. In being able to try and enjoy an apprenticeship. As much as you can. When it. With its own difficulties.

[00:13:02] Yeah. Yes. I would. I want to. Ask you this. So. I know you don't want an apprentice. Right now. Yeah. Like. I know. I know. You've made that clear. But. If you could. If you could. Imagine. The thing that would make you change your mind. The person. Yeah. What would you need that person to exhibit. To change your mind. If I had a child. And my child. Wanted to get into tattooing. I would.

[00:13:31] Probably be an apprentice. I would have. Yeah. I was an apprentice. That would be. That's it. That's probably the line. That's the line. Cool. Flesh and blood. If. If that's in the cards for me. Yeah. Supportive partner. A really supportive partner. I. Didn't get raised in a very stable household. You know. Yeah. Yeah. And I would want. If I was to have a kid. I would like my kid to feel safe. And free to be. Whatever. Whoever.

[00:14:00] They want to be. And if they turned around and said. Mom. I love. This thing called tattooing. And what you do. I'm pretty. I would. I would be pretty hot ass. Like my mom. And I'd be like. When the time is right. You prove to me. Then yes. I will. I will mentor you. That would be. I love that. Yeah. Yeah. What about you? I love that. For me. It was just simply. I. I don't know. Like for. Well.

[00:14:30] I can only speak for the one that I have. So. She was an artist. I respected her art. Yeah. I bought her art. We went to the same high school. The different generations. She's eight years younger than me. So. We shared a lot of that in common. She got tattooed by me. So. There was already that. You know. She was already in my chair. And. And I don't know. I was. I think I was eight. Eight or nine years old. As a tattoo artist. And.

[00:15:00] You know. It was a little young. It was a little preemptive. I do feel like 10 years in. Yeah. Is. Probably about the time that most people. You know. There's a reason why. There's tenured professors. And stuff like that. Like it's just. You know enough at that point. And you're grounded enough. That I think you are kind of stable. I was a little young. But my. My apprentice was. A teacher herself. And. She.

[00:15:31] Taught. Middle school. And. You know. I just felt like. We had enough of a connection. And I saw enough hunger in her. Yeah. And drive on her own. Yeah. Um. That I knew that. Whatever I couldn't give her. She would make up for. For herself. Yeah. And because she was a teacher. Yeah. Though I. I quickly learned that. Teachers really make the worst students. It's kind of like anything. Like.

[00:16:00] The cobbler's kids walk around barefoot. And the nurse makes the worst patient. You know. Like. Yeah. The test. The worst clients. We win. And you really don't want to mess around with a service provider. Like if you give them horrible service. That is a nightmare walking. Like. Like. For you. Yeah. Totally. Totally. So. I learned that lesson very quickly. Um. But yeah. She. Uh. I. I just. I just. I knew I wanted to teach somebody.

[00:16:29] I knew I didn't want to have kids. I. I. I knew I wanted to create legacy. Because. My family. My. My dad taught me his craft. Um. You know. He was a barber. So. I. I followed that family legacy. Yeah. Um. Yeah. You know. I think it would have been easy. If I had. Become a barber. And assumed his salon. That wasn't what my heart wanted. So. I. You know. I left. And. Um. But. That.

[00:16:58] That legacy was put in me. And. You know. If you have. If you have. This thing. And you recognize it. I don't know. I. I've always wanted. I really love sharing that space with people. I love it. When artists are together. And we're just. Turning it up for each other. And. I don't know. Like. That's something I wanted to. And tattooing. Is such a blessing. To artists. You know. There's. You.

[00:17:26] You remind me of a really wonderful. Lady. I worked with. Who. Is your age. And. She actually. I. I'm so grateful. She added the dots. In my chin. And she's a straight edge. Hardcore. Uh. Girl. Called Layla. Who has been tattooing. For a very long time. Who has a six year old daughter. Aw. Layla. Absolutely. Is. Not internet famous. But she. Is.

[00:17:56] A phenomenal artist. With. Such an incredible reputation. In Australia. Oh wow. And she is. Just. Such. A nerd. Like. When she talks about tattooing. It's so deep. Man. And. It's like. She just loves teaching. She loves that space. She will. She. She's so well aversed. Yeah. So well aversed. And needles. Machines. Everything. But. I kind of feel that energy from you. I feel like.

[00:18:25] When you're really in that space. And there's someone who's just. Like. Hey. What do you think about my drawing? Or how do you make this line? Like. How do you push or pull lines? Like. I can just see that you're really like. Well if I don't know the answer. I'll find it. Yeah. Or I'll put you in a line. With somebody who does. Because I might not have the answer. But I. I know a lot of people. Yeah. It's amazing. Oh yeah. It's amazing. No. I believe in community. I believe in all those things. And I. I think we're all made beautifully different.

[00:18:55] For those reasons. So that we're. Made to come together. To ask questions. And to bond. I love the tattoo community. Yeah. In that sense. Yeah. Coming here. And it's. It's a buzz man. It's like. It's like a little high for me. You know. When you. Yeah. I'm stepping into more of like a. Wanting to teach art. My parents gave me the building. That was the salon. So they said I could assume it. If I wanted to teach art. Out of it. Nice to see tattoos. I really like.

[00:19:25] Seeing. Tattoos. Piss you. Other things. Yeah. Like I love. Like. Um. When they. They're in. When I know tattoos. Who. Are obsessed with music. And play in show. Yes. Or Kelly Bylan. Started doing all those carvings. Yeah. All. You know. Like just incredible thing. You're like. Dude. This is amazing. You're amazing at that too. Yes. There's amazing tattooist here. Tamara. That owns flower. Tattoo.

[00:19:56] They. Are doing like a PhD. And they do so many art residencies. And it's just like. Oh God. It just. It just. It sort of. It's just like. Yeah. That's why you're here. Yeah. This is why you're here. Because. You're inspired by these people. And this is. I don't know. I don't think. But I want it to be accessible. You know. That's the thing about tattooing. Is that. I know a lot of my friends. Wouldn't have tattoos. If they didn't. If they weren't friends with me. Yeah. I'm.

[00:20:25] Actually all my best friends. Don't have tattoos. I. A lot of my friends. That I know. Are just. From the punk scene. And. Are queer. And. All this. All. Are quite religious. And. I'm the only one. That's like. Like tattooed. Let alone. Tattooed. You know what I mean. That's pretty cool. Yeah. That's pretty cool. I like that. Yeah. Me too. I. I love hanging out with tattoos. But I also. I'm like having boundaries. With. Yeah. Because. I like.

[00:20:54] Professional relationships. And. When it gets the same. Yeah. It's just so the same. Yeah. You just don't want to. Yeah. Like. Because we're all into the same stuff. So it's kind of like. You. When I love. I really hope that I can do something where. I can give art to other people. Because that's honestly what I love about tattooing. Is. When you bring them in. Yeah. Yeah. And like with you. You give them a bit of their. Your culture. You guys kind of go through this ritualistic pain together.

[00:21:24] There's this experience. They're left with this beautiful mark from this very rare person. It's very unique. Yeah. But they're brought into a space. That they wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. And. What I love is. You know. Kind of sharing with people. You know. Things they probably didn't recognize about themselves. About their own eye. And. They're. What they're attracted to. And. Yeah. There's something even within seeing. Like. You might not think you're an artist. But if you got a good. Like.

[00:21:54] If you're able to put a good outfit together. And. You know. That's correct. I say you can. You know what I mean? Have a buy style. You either got it or you don't. Yes. Yes. A buy style. Yeah. Yeah. Yes. And I think a lot of people just don't. I mean. I hate to put it this way. Because it sounds hack. But they. They don't give themselves permission. Yeah. You know. To even enter that space. They've been. Trying to put down. And be like. Oh. I'm not an artist. Because somebody said something nasty about it. Totally. You know.

[00:22:23] A teacher took a pen out of their hand. Yes. You know. Totally. Whatever. And so. I just love. Like. Giving people. Like. A space. To be like. Listen. It can be anything. Anything. It can be anything. I found. Happiness. In. Legends here. That did similar. Kind of. Like. Who were immersed in spirituality. And I was just like. Wow. Like. I finally can talk to these people. And get help. And they actually like my stuff.

[00:22:52] Think about the people we do know. And how. So rad. The community. Is. Like. And. Like. Everyone I've met here in America. I'm just like. Whoa. You're so cool. Can I be your. Well. You're very awesome. Like. I will say that. Like. You know. You. You tend to get back. What you give out. So. Yes. That's true. The energy that you. That you. You want. That's just. And you're very respectful. Thank you. And it doesn't sound like.

[00:23:21] You're trying to take up too much space. In fact. You're like. I kind of wanted to stay in my apartment. You're not really bugging too many people man. Yeah. It's funny. I'm like. I'm always like. Yeah. Dude. I'm going to come visit you in your shop. And then it's like a year later. I'm like. Man. I'm sorry. That's very. That's very. That's. That's just what we are. Yeah. Yeah. We forget time. Like. Time man.

[00:23:49] A year can fly by man. Like. It's crazy. Since I've been here literally to this date. I have been here like this date. I entered the country on this date. So this is. Wow. This is the anniversary of when you came. Dude. That's awesome. Yeah. It's been a year. That's really fortuitous. I love that. It's cool doing this. Well. Happy anniversary. Thank you so much. Thank you. I'm. Yeah. I. Oh. I love it. I love New York. I love.

[00:24:18] The people that I meet. I love the authenticity. I love that people are real. I love. Yeah. I haven't actually encountered any. Unkindness or. Mean. People. Or. Harshness. I've only. Just. Been embraced. With. Loving. Open hands. And arms. And hugs. That's wonderful. Awesome man. I couldn't. That is wonderful. So scary. And. I.

[00:24:48] Yeah. I. If you get on social media. On the news. Yeah. That'll. That'll definitely paint a different picture. Totally. Yeah. Yeah. I felt the same way when I lived in Baltimore. You know. They're just. There was a report that came out recently. That Baltimore is the dirtiest city. In. In this country. Oh really? And. As much as I can see that. Yeah. But. You know. When you live in it. There's just a charm.

[00:25:18] You know. Like there's a charm to the grit. There's a charm to the authenticity. Like you said. Yes. People are real. And. Yeah. I love everything about it. You know. It was so cool. One of my clients. He. They. Them. Works for a beautiful fashion company. And we were talking about. It was a London based fashion company. That. And. And they were saying how different. Different. Like. That. London needs to understand. That the fashion in Brooklyn is different. It's. It's grittier.

[00:25:47] It's industrial. It's like. Worker jacket style. Because that's where the culture comes from. Shows. Yeah. And I was just like. I love everything about it. Like street style here. Is. It's swagger. Do you know what I mean? Yeah. Yes. Yes. Like just. Telling random people like. Girl. I love your earrings. Like. Your shoes are cool. Like. I walk around doing that. Like all the time. I love your outfit. Like. I'm so good. Yes. Yes.

[00:26:17] Absolutely. No. 100%. And. I don't know. It. When you. There's something wonderful. About coming home. And having your own space. And having the predictability. I think every person needs that. But I. I do like going into the cities. Because. There's. There's something that's beautiful. That comes out. When people have to live. Amongst each other. You find the love. Or. Or you get destroyed. You have. Or you do get destroyed.

[00:26:47] You have. You have to be able. Yeah. To. We have a group chat. Our neighbors. Because we look out for each other. We. Yeah. Something's up. Yeah. Shop manager. Uh. Not my shop. The shop that I work at. The shop manager. Joe. Who is. Awesome. Was like a big brother to me. Ryan. He lives in the street. Next to me. When my. Shit hit the fan. With my dog. When my eyes got puffy. I didn't know about it. Walk-in clinic.

[00:27:16] He was right there. He's. Oh. God bless him. God bless him. True. You know. And he's like. And he knows how close I am to mom. And like. I called him up crying. When Rudy ate the stand. And he's like. I need you to speak to your mom. And I did. And I messaged him. He's like. It's just like. The little thing. Oh. Yes. You have to have it. Otherwise it can destroy you. You're right. Yes. You know. Yeah. This mutual challenge. Totally. Together. You know. Totally. It's true. It's like.

[00:27:46] And it's a different thing. Yeah. There's still a lot of love. It feels way harsher. Because it is harsher. Yeah. But there's still the love. There is still love. But you are. It's cold. You have to figure it. You gotta. Yeah. Just gotta. You gotta. Because. If we're in this together. We're in this together. And also. We all got each other. We kind of have to. That's really cool. You know. That's really cool. I love that. Yeah. It's. I think. I think it's important to have community. And. You know. And then.

[00:28:16] It's like. People. All my friends here. They've got dogs. They're all my age. They're all our age. And so. If I'm going to a convention. They're like. Yeah. We've got. We'll have Rudy. Because. Because my dog needs to socialize. And. Aw. On an anniversary. To the. To the mountains. And I'm like. I got your dog. Rudy needs a friend. That's cool. You know what I mean? Or we. I love it. Yeah. We trade. I love it. Rudy's vets. Bad ass. Boss bitches. It's all. Women's run. Brooklyn vets clinic.

[00:28:46] So. Oh. How cool. And so. I'm trading. I'm doing. A chess piece. With a beautiful. Lady that looked after my dog. I'm doing her chess piece. Because she looked after Rudy. The whole time I was in India. Oh. That's awesome. I love that. Culture man. If I can trade. And I love trading. Trading is great. Trading is a good thing man. You know. Well that's what I. I mean. You're getting back. That's why I loved. That's why I love Pagoda.

[00:29:15] That's why I like the old heads. You know. That's what the product of time. Gives you. Is that you don't burn bridges. No. You don't step on toes. You know. You do trade. You know. You find community. Yes. That's what you find in those spaces. And. And I didn't really get that. At first. I'm so glad you said that. Because. Yeah. I look at the old heads. And I'm like. Oh. They've known each other for 30 years. Of course they're best friends.

[00:29:45] Sometimes. I'm like. Why don't I have best friends in tattooing? And it's like. Oh. Relationships take time. Mentioned. There's so many freaking tattoo artists now. Like. It's like. We're. We're everywhere. Like. I feel that way. Yeah. You know. You get on social media. And there's like. I'm. I'm amazed at just the people that are in my area. I'm like. Wow. You're right here. Yeah. Why didn't I know about you? Yeah. Yeah. That's what happens when you go to places like Pagoda too. I'm like. Oh my God. You're like. Right. You're like. Just.

[00:30:15] Like an hour away. I. You know. That's terrible. I had no idea. Oh. Well. That's what it takes when you and I are nannas. You know. We're old people living in our apartment. But I don't. It's not a bad thing. It's cool. I work with a really great guy called McNoddy. And he said something awesome about. He was like. You know. You miss out. He's like. I'm. I. When you're on Instagram so much. You don't. You miss out on the real. And he's like.

[00:30:44] It's sometimes it's really nice bumping into an old friend in a grocery store. And they're like. Yo. I had a kid. And you can talk about it. But when you're on Instagram. You see things all the time. There's nothing to talk about in the real world. No. Isn't that beautiful? It's like. Yeah. It's like. When you see someone. You're like. Dude. I didn't know you got married. Like. Yeah. Cute. Yeah. A few people. I got married recently. And we kept it very small. It was very low key. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you.

[00:31:14] I never thought. I never saw it coming. Let me tell you. Yeah. But yeah. We. We didn't make too much of a dude about it. And. I mean. Like a lot of things. I didn't. I didn't see myself. You know. Being. Being all about Jesus. Or. Any of these things. I didn't see any of them coming. And when they came. It was just kind of. Crazy. And. And all these things happen. So now. Like. You know. It's nice that there are things. Like. I got baptized. And things. And we've recorded it.

[00:31:44] I haven't put it up. On social media. And it's weird. Because. I don't want to. Like. I just. You know. It's kind of like. One of those things. Where it's like. The people who know. Know. And the people who don't. They don't have to. And if they. If they care. They. But I. I have some people. That are like. Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't know you were married. How did I not know? Oh. And I'm like. It's all good. It's fine. It's all good. Yeah. Totally. It's quite all right. Like. You know. Me. Like.

[00:32:13] If I post anything personal. It's. It's. I try to do storytelling. Because it gives context. To my work. Yeah. Of sharing my culture. Because I love. Yeah. Other cultures. Yeah. Love going to different countries. But. You sound like. My. My. Like. My. My life outside of tattooing. Who I'm with. My part. Like. It's very. I keep that sacred. And private. Well. I should keep it more private. To be honest with you. Oh. I mean. Everyone's different.

[00:32:43] You know. I. And I don't judge people. That do have it out there. I think that's cool. I. I'm very opinionated. It takes. But I think that. That's a great thing. Because I don't want people. To sit for hours. If. That's going to be a make or break. For them with me. You know what I mean? No. I. My husband's always like. You should shut up. About your opinions. You know. Keep your. Your. Shit to yourself. And I'm like. I can't though dude. Like. But that's also like. It's just like. That's like. I had a great conversation. With my neighbor.

[00:33:13] About like. Just in general. Women. And like. The. Like. We've got to be like. You know. If there's a lot going on. My neighbors recently died. Is diagnosed with autism. And she. Later. In life. She's my age. And she was like. You know. I'm happy for her. That's a good. That's a good revelation. Yeah. And she was like. You know. I learned so much. Like. As a kid. Like. Girls are meant to be quiet. Whereas. Boys have room.

[00:33:42] To just be loud. And you know. And it's like. That kind of. I. It's awesome. That you have your opinions. And you come with conviction. And. I might be autistic too. I. I. I'm definitely on the spectrum. We all got something. I think. You know. I mean. For me. It's just like. I. I just want people. To understand. What they're going to be sitting with. You know. I feel like it's a courtesy to them. Yeah. Because I don't. I don't. And that's the thing.

[00:34:12] It's more than the art. Yeah. We're going to share a moment together. For hours. And I don't want to add insult to injury. It's already here. My next book. Okay. Listeners. I've got something to share with you. That I'm already in love with. I don't know about you. But I'm a total book nerd. I have so many books. A lot I haven't read. I admit. There's just something about having bookshelves. Full of possibilities.

[00:34:42] That calms my soul. So when I attended the Bogota City Tattoo Fest. This past August. For the first time. I was delighted to run into my friend. Ina Vigilato. We've actually had her on our show. So go check that out. Straight away. It was like God used Ina. To guide me over to Black Dagger Books. There I met Travis Lawrence and Josh Rowan. The creators of this enterprise. And got hooked as soon as I saw their product. It's these beautiful little books. Just full of art. Amazing art. From amazing tattoo artists.

[00:35:12] From here. I'm just going to read what their site says. Black Dagger Books is an ongoing collection. Of artists defining modern tattooing. Published monthly. One artist per book. One book per month. A subscription. Is $25 a month. You get inside of these beautiful books. These custom stickers. Each one is filled with the most gorgeous artwork. And it always concentrates on these awesome tattoo artists. And I try to follow each one. As soon as I open the book.

[00:35:42] I'm just like oh my god. So it's really worth it. Do yourself a favor. Go over to BlackDaggerBooks.com. Or if you're on IG. Black Dagger Books. It's all one word. And check out their product. Like I said. The subscription is awesome. And I'm really happy. This quells everything about. You know. The book nerd in you. The art collector. It also cures any guilt. That you might have. About having books just laying around.

[00:36:10] Because this gives back to the artist community. It's a win-win. And just so everyone knows. I'm not being paid to shout these guys out. I just genuinely love their product. And also I really love them. You know. The creators. Travis and Josh. Were amazing. They were so kind to me. They gave me so much of their time. At the tattoo festival. So if you ever have the chance to meet them. Talk to them. They're great guys. I just can't say enough things. So do yourselves a really big favor. Go check it out. Thanks so much listeners.

[00:36:40] Let's get back to our podcast. If I can mitigate that kind of fallout. And give people a transparency about me. In that way. If that's a make or break. I'd rather you not get tattooed by me man. Like you know. Keep going. Yeah. Yeah. I have these about hands. Because. Yeah. Just clear in my conviction. Because. Because. Or cover ups. Or like. I've had people wanting. Me to continue. Some works of legends. And I will say. I will not do it.

[00:37:10] Unless you get. Like physically. And send that person an email. And ask for their permission. Because I respect and lord their work a lot. That's really cool. I always say that. I'm like. Where I stand with it. I'm not doing it. This person is a guru to me. I just have too much integrity. To like. I'm not. Like. Yeah. What else is what? I just can't. I can't do it. Because I'm an emo. And I. I'm just like. Oh. Why would you want to do that? I'm not gonna.

[00:37:40] You know. Like I. I don't necessarily do that. What I will do. Is I will refer them to that person first. If they tell me something like. Oh. But I just want to go to you. And usually what I'll do is. I'll do the tattoo. I'll play a poor man's whoever. Yeah. And then I'll just tag the person and say. Listen. You are my inspiration for this. I pay. I pay this tattoo an homage to you. You were my inspiration. Which I feel like if you come off of it. And you say.

[00:38:10] Listen. You inspired this. Because I don't copy. You know. It is different. If you straight up copy. And in that case. Yes. For sure. That's right. I always pay respect. If I get. People wanting a flash. By someone else. I'll be like. No. It is different like that. Yes. Totally. To pay credit. Yes. Because. Because that person did the work. Do you know what I mean? No. No. I agree about that. For sure. 100%. And.

[00:38:40] But like. And I won't cover those pieces either. Like if they come to me. Like I want this covered. I'm like. No. Yeah. No. I say that too. I'm like. No you don't. No you don't. I'm like. I don't want no bad juju. And I don't need the money that bad. Like. That is a collector's item. My friend. No you don't. Yeah. I'm just like. I'm not covered. Yeah. But if it's. It's a. If it's something that's super offensive. That. Oh yeah. For sure. Oh yeah. You know. If someone's like.

[00:39:10] I was so embarrassed. I got this tattoo. This isn't me anymore. Can you. I would. I will. Yeah. No. That's different. Do something which. Like. Brings love. Into that area. Space of that mark. And just. Gets rid of whatever. Was underneath that. Had a negative. Meaning to it. Yeah. Of course. Yeah. That I will. But you know. If it's like. You know. If it marks a time. And it's just old. And they're like. Oh it's just old. It's just faded. And it's not really my style anymore. I'm like.

[00:39:40] Yeah. But that was a legend. Yeah. Who put that on you. Like. Like you don't even understand. What you got. Man. Like. Dude. Can we frame it. With something that is you. Can I like. Put a frame around it. Or like. I'm like. I just. I'm scared. Like dude. You know. Like if I could get tattooed. By that person. Like. I fly across the country. I just. My god. Like. But yeah. You know. In saying so. As well. Like. Um. I sometimes get too passionate. And. And that's fine.

[00:40:09] But also. I gotta remember. I am just. I am in the service industry. I am providing a service. To the best of my. Best of my ability. And I do have to understand. I can stand with my conviction. In these beliefs. And I will. Um. Because of integrity. But. I'm also kind of like. Um. You know. Your body. Your choice. For sure. Like. I'm not doing it. But. I'm sure there's some other people. I can recognize. Oh. That's respectable. Yeah. You know. Um. Yeah. It's just boundaries.

[00:40:40] It's just good. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And. And you know. You have the right to refuse. Yes. Yes. Totally. No means no. Yeah. Totally. Your body. Your choice. But no. Does mean no. Means. And I don't owe you an explanation. As to why it's no either. It's just no. Exactly. I'll probably give you an explanation. If you want one. Yeah. But I'm. I'm. You know. Yeah. No means no. Yeah. Totally. That's exactly it. I try to.

[00:41:09] I try to see the best in people. Like. And I try to love the best of them. And I. I really try to ferret out what I. What I can expect. And what I can't expect. And. Um. And not. Give them room to disappoint me. Yeah. Um. You know. I'll probably push those boundaries once. You know. Yeah. Give you an opportunity to let me down. Yeah. And if you don't. Then you keep getting opportunities. Opportunities. But if you do let me down. Then I know exactly. Where I stand. Where we are.

[00:41:39] Yeah. Yeah. And I just don't put you in a position anymore. To. To let me down. Totally. And that way we maintain a good working relationship. But my opinions and my thoughts are. Really just to self-regulate. Yeah. Um. And I. I do know where I stand in life. You know. Like it. The one place that I have authority. Is your tattoo. When you commission me to design it. And do it. That's it. Yes. Yeah. That's it. The rest. Yeah. True.

[00:42:09] I'm just another fool. Yeah. You know. With lots of opinions who doesn't know a lot. Yeah. You know. Trying to know a lot. But I don't know a lot. Yeah. Lots of seeking. And. Yeah. Yeah. We're just trying out. Trying the best we can to be. Human. In. In a. In this world. At this time. Yeah. There's a big thing in. Um. In Christianity. That I think people think is a lot of hack. Because they see a lot of judgment. But it is to hate the sin.

[00:42:39] Not the sinner. And. Oh. Okay. I. I believe in that. You know. Like. Um. You know. I. I. I don't like bad action. Because bad action. Is something that isn't good for you. And isn't good for everybody. Yeah. But I don't hate you. No. Yeah. And we all. Yeah. Fall into bad action. Yep. I would hate myself. If I. If I hated that. I. I can make a lot of it. You know.

[00:43:09] I can see a lot of reason. Why people do those things. And it's normal. And it's natural. And most people fall into that. Yeah. But. But. Recognizing that. Is the key to growth. You know. When you. When you see. You know. Like your mom. Like. These are the rules. These are the boundaries. And you don't need to know why. You just got to listen. Because I know what's good for you. Yes. Because she's wiser. She's. Right. I mean. She's. Yeah. And we can be. I always. I always feel like.

[00:43:40] I'm an over. I think a lot. And. I don't. I can tell. But that's awesome. I do too. Yeah. I feel like I don't learn the lessons. Or these things come up later in life. When I'm like. Now I get it. I get it now. And it could be like. Like the whole apprenticeship thing man. Like we were talking about it. When you're in it. You're like. Just going through a lot. And when someone's like. You need to slow down. I only. I get what you're saying now. After 10 years. Is. When you had said.

[00:44:10] You seek inspiration. You like to be inspired. But that's a beautiful thing. And that's something that. This podcast really aims for. Because you know. This is a timeline. It's just a diary entry. So there'll be 10 years from now. Yeah. Where you'll be able to look back. At what you are here. Yeah. And that's what's an amazing point of this too. Is because sometimes you lose your way. And you have to retouch. You do. And. I think that. What I learned in therapy.

[00:44:40] Was a lot of my issues came down to bad communication skills. So communication became a very pointed thing for me to tackle. And also. As you do. Challenging your environment. And exposing yourself to other people. And getting outside of toxic behavior. You kind of got to remove yourself. So you can see it. And analyze it. So. You know. A lot of the times. You have to just change the paradigm. So that.

[00:45:09] You're kind of rewiring. And one of the things that I thought to do. Was to. Give myself fears. You know. Walk into fears. That. That. Really. I mean. You know. They're neurotic stuff. It's like not something. You should be afraid of. But one of them was public speaking. So what I did was. I challenged myself. To be a part of Toastmasters. Which. Is an international organization. For communication and leadership. And they.

[00:45:38] They do all these talks. And they teach you how to public speak. Okay. I was terrified of public speaking. And so that led into podcasting. And all these different things. But. One of the. They have you do these foundational speeches. That you have to give. And the last one. Is. You have to write an inspirational speech. Okay. So when I heard you say. I love to be inspired. I love. You know. That's. I identify with that a lot. I'm very hungry for that.

[00:46:08] Yeah. And when I. Had to do this inspirational speech. I was daunted. You know. Because. I'm the one who likes to seek inspiration. I consider other people inspiring. I don't identify with that myself. So when you. Go back in time. You look at who you are now. There you find that you have. You are inspiring. And so that's what I ended up encountering. In that speech. My boss actually at the time. My mentor. Yeah. He was amazed. He's like.

[00:46:38] Get the hell out of here man. You can't write an inspirational speech. And I said. No dude. I'm. I don't. I don't consider myself inspiring. And he rolled his eyes. He's like. Do a timeline. Of five years. Just. In the past. And just look at it. Look at everything you've done. Over the past five years. And if you can't find. An inspirational speech there. I don't know what to tell you. And. It was right. Like when you sit.

[00:47:07] And you really look at what you've done. Because you're just in it. You're in it. You're just. Yeah. When you're doing it. We never get that time. Yeah. To reflect. And I have a newfound love and respect for therapy. And I think everyone could use. If you have the privilege. Seriously. Because. Yes. Because. Through therapy. Is that time. Where you. You bring up things like this. Because. Your friends are always going to be there for you. They're going to empathize with you. When times are tough. You know. They're going to.

[00:47:37] Stand by your side. If. You had a bad breakup. Whatever. You know. But. It's like. You. You. When you really sit down. And if I'm like. Yeah. You know what. I. Like. I mean. Look at the mountains you climbed. Yeah. Yeah. And it's not even like. That I. It's just that I climbed that mountain. I got there in the end. I. I made the.

[00:48:07] I'm doing it. You know. It's not. Because when you're a baby. And you're little. These things are really hard. So. Yeah. It wasn't easy. Yeah. I made mistakes. Yeah. I. You know. To my detriment. Sometimes. You know. But. You. You do love yourself for that second. That's. That goes a long way. Because. You. It was an. An exchange. Like. Mentor to mentee. But also. To be inspired. You kind of have to be inspiring.

[00:48:37] And. It's funny that you brought up skulls. Because I keep thinking about Jeff Gogway. Who. Is somebody who's like a. Oh. Person for me. I've. I've met him. And everything. And I've. I've sat through his. Seminars and stuff. But I've never actually had him on the podcast. I'd love to. He would be. A crowning gem. I mean. I don't know if I'll get him. I don't know. He's. I don't know. I don't know. But. He painted a skull. Every day. For a year.

[00:49:08] And. That was just his practice. And. And he got a lot of attention for that. For doing that. Yeah. And. He found a lot of himself. And he found a practice in it. And he. Um. He. He. He gave the kind of. Seminars. That were not technical. And I had. There was a lot of people who didn't like them. They're like. He doesn't tell you how he tattoos. I'm like. Yeah. Well no.

[00:49:35] He tells you how to stay being a tattoo artist. Yeah. And what I love about his seminars. Were always that. You only had to pay for it once. Because it gave you all you needed. To validate that you were. In the right space. Yeah. Doing you. You just had to grit. And like you. Keep your integrity there. Do what only you can do. Hustle hard. Yeah. You know. And. And. You're fine. Yeah. You're fine. Yeah. Just like. Keep.

[00:50:05] Keep going. But he said. You know. I found that in order to be inspired. I had to be inspiring. And I just had to. Dedicate myself. Diligently. And. And. You have to. You have to cultivate. You have to put in the grit. And then when you find that. You know. You find the inspiration. You find the drive. And you also. Become this thing. That other people. Look at. And he's like. I don't even get it.

[00:50:34] I don't even get what people see in me. But here I am. I don't even know. In the chat. No. It's like. That's really true. I didn't think about. He. Like. I don't. I. I actually don't find myself inspiring. But. You're pretty inspiring. Oh no. I. I. I know you can just think I'm. I'm laying on thick. But when I started looking at your work. I was like. My. God. Oh. This is gorgeous. Like.

[00:51:03] You're inspiring as hell girl. Oh man. Yeah. I know. Thank you. Yeah. Yeah. It's pretty. Pretty awesome. You're right. It's hard to do. It's hard to. To. Like. What he. Had the best advice. Keep the hustle. Have your integrity. Keep at it. But. Um. These things. Aren't. You know. It's the main. It's what. All the old heads say. Actually. You got to keep hustling.

[00:51:33] The hustle never stops. Yes. And that's. And know. Know your connections. Yes. You know. Truth. That is the truth. You know. Don't work with people. You don't. You know. That don't share the values. Yeah. Because that. That can go sideways. That can go sideways. Yeah. Yeah. Really. Yeah. I think. I mean. You touched on it a little bit. And I'm. I'm so happy for you. For where you are now. It seems like. Oh. Thank you. It's been a journey.

[00:52:02] It's been very humbling. But I'm happy for it too. Yeah. It's good. I've finally. I don't know if I've grown up. But I'm definitely mature. Yeah. Yeah. Sometimes. Through some of the darkest things. And rising above him. That's awesome man. That's inspiring. Thank you. I appreciate that. I. I. I give it all to God. Because honestly. That's it. Yeah. It really is. Yeah. You have to too. Because when you find out that. It's not you. Yeah. You're like.

[00:52:32] Oh no. Yeah. But you. You're like that too. Like. I see that. And you're like. Oh yeah. I'm just trying man. Like. That's great. Yeah. I think. That's awesome. That's what we. We. I just. That's. That's. That's it. Trying for everything. You know. Trying and tattooing. Trying to. Be a good person. Be a good mom to Rudy. Like. I just. Yeah. Rudy's a very lucky man. He's so cute. He's just been listening on in the conversation.

[00:53:02] He's chilling. I love it. He's so cute. I feel like. Um. Yeah. I think. Um. Um. I think that's just. Yeah. I. I feel like. Like I was saying to you. As I've gotten older now. Like. I'm more. Deeper into. To. Consciously thinking about these things. Yeah. Consciously. Uh. Like. I'm getting close. You're approaching 40. 40 is very palpable. It is. Yeah.

[00:53:33] Yeah. Because you know you don't have time to mess around. And people are not going to give you the excuses that they used to. No way. That's what I felt. Yeah. No way. You. You were definitely a grown person. Do you know what. Yeah. Like. Yeah. It was definitely like. You better stop messing around kid. And make something of your life. And it wasn't even like I wasn't. Making something in my life. But I really felt. An acute responsibility. To get clear. And so I see that about what you're saying. Yeah. Totally.

[00:54:03] No. Really. It is. It's. And it's also like. Um. Yeah. You can really feel it. You know. It's like. Very existential. I think that's why you are doing a lot of skulls too. Yeah. You're kind of confronting mortality. Yeah. It is super existential. Honestly. I don't know if it's smooth. Or. But I'm just finding like. It's awesome. A lot. Yeah. It's a good place to be. Because. Yeah. Because. You know. Like. Like.

[00:54:33] Like. Of course. The material world is important. By material world. I'm not talking about. Like. New Nikes and stuff. Yeah. Yeah. Our family. The people we're close to. Our house. The four walls. That give us safety. Roof. Yeah. But. Just going existential a little bit. Is really. You know. Not only is it in my culture. And I have always been that person. I just have found a real difference. Um. Recently. And it is the fact that. Um. I'm getting older. And.

[00:55:03] Um. I. Will always. Love tattooing. Just like you. I will always do tattooing. But I'm figuring out. A nice balance. To bring in. Other interests. Into my life. And to try and. Yeah. Everything. Because I think. I think people like us. That seek inspiration. And like. You know. Like. Meeting people. And meeting. And understanding. Different cultures. And processes. You know.

[00:55:32] I can't just stop. It just being like. That's what I do. I'm just a tattooist. I. I want to. Envelop everything. That embodies. I want to. Yeah. Push my art. I want to. Yeah. I want to. I see that. All of that for you. You know. I. I really do. Um. I mean. You could do a lot of things. Girl. You got. You got the gift of gab. Um. You know. You've got a great voice. Grace. Presence. Passion. A lot of love. To share. I. I see all of that. And I.

[00:56:02] I love that. That's a message. That you're giving to younger people. Who are getting into this. That are kind of starry eyed about it. Is that. You have to find balance. You have to. It. It'll wreck your body. If you don't. It'll. It'll. You will get burnt out. If you don't. You will. I. Yeah. Recently got asked that question too. What would you tell an apprentice? And I said. You know. Don't forget who you are. And it's not always. It's all. It is about tattooing.

[00:56:31] But you have to. Find. Whether you do rock climbing. Or tennis. Or play video games. You've got to intertwine. Yes. Because you will. You don't want to lose yourself. And the beauty of tattooing. Is that you can be yourself. Because there is no limits. So you've got to bring that in. Because you will burn out. And. Yes. You will. It's very easy to find your identity there. Totally. Yes.

[00:57:01] Because it is. Honestly. It's the. The only thing that makes me cool. Like I'm just. I'm being real with you. No. I am not cool in any other way. Except for the fact that I tattoo. And that somehow gives me some cool brownie points. I'm telling you. Oh, you're cool. So it does. It's hard to not have this identity. About being a tattoo artist. Or even an artist. You know, like. Yes. That too. You know, you spoke to the material world.

[00:57:32] We won't have our eyesight forever. No. We won't have our bodies in this shape forever. And if you make that be what you are. Yes. You know, it's really important to diversify. And to find other connections to people. So a lot of this has been about spirituality. Community. Balance. All of that. Yes. And that is something you should keep in mind. Even in the beginning. Is that like, listen, man. Like, if you make this an identity.

[00:58:03] It'll take you out. Like. And either your heart will break. Or it will take you out. Like. It is a fear. It's not an identity. No, it's not. No. It's not an identity. It's. You know. When. You got it. When you get there. And you get there in the end. It's very provocative. It is. Very provocative. Yeah. You got to be proud of yourself. Because you. You sat the initiation of like. You know. Going through the tests.

[00:58:33] And the trials. And you got there in the end. But you got to. You know. It's. It isn't. It's hard. It's not. It's not a. If you're doing it for a cool kid thing. Then don't do it. Because. It's so much more deeper and sacred. And. There's going to be times. Where. Paying rent. Is actually hard. Because. Yes. Tattooing. You know. It's a feast and famine thing. It really is. Saw it with the pandemic. You know.

[00:59:02] We all. We're in it together as a community. Yes. Feel the. Like. You know. When any of my friends sold a painting. I would celebrate. And once I did. That'd be like. Dude. You can pay rent this week. I was like. Yeah. Like. It's a real thing. It is. Rock and roll. Because. The truth of tattooing. The sacredness. The connection. That is rock and roll. To me. Rock and roll. Well. And also. You know.

[00:59:31] Part of it is too. You know. I had a. I had a. Partner. Who. He'd get very jealous with me. Because you know. We're kind of like. When you go to a party. Yeah. No. No. It's probably different in New York. Because everybody's cool in New York. Like. Everybody's like an actor. Or like. Doing some cool shit. You know what I mean. Like. They're probably not going to be like. The highlight. Because you're a tattoo artist. So. It's probably different. It's probably a great place. To be a tattoo artist. Because they're like. Oh. You're one of those. But like.

[01:00:01] If you're in. You know. You're in Maryland. And you're a big fish. In a small pond. You go to a party. And it comes out. That you're a tattoo artist. It's like. Bees on honey. Like it's just like. You get swarmed with people. Like. Oh. And you gotta. And you kind of gotta. Hear everybody's. Tattoo story. Tattoo stories in one. And you're like. Dude. I'm trying to get fucked up tonight. Like. What is this? I'm not working. Yeah. And I had.

[01:00:31] An ex-partner. Who would get really upset about it. Because. He was like. You know. Everybody is interested in what you do. And I was like. You want to know why? And he was like. Well why? And I was like. Because it's stupid. It's because you don't have to be. Nobody needs any kind of. Real knowledge. To have an emotional response to art. Yeah. It's either you like it. Or you don't like it.

[01:01:01] And people who do it. They have this mystique about them. Because they're just like. Yeah. But it's. It's silly. You know. Like. It doesn't require. I said. And this was a. He was an audio engineer. And I was like. You're a freaking engineer. Yeah. Dude. Yeah. What you do. Actually requires. Certain knowledge. That. That. That. It's behind the scenes. That people use. The stuff that. You know. Phones. Yeah. Chords.

[01:01:30] They participate. All the time. And stuff that you create for them. But they have no freaking clue. How to do it. And the second you start talking about it. You've lost them. Because it's so technical. Yes. Yes. Yeah. And you actually have to be smart. To get you man. Like. So you should actually feel really good about yourself. Yeah. That. That you're the type of person that. I'm sure it's frustrating. Because you're walking around.

[01:01:59] And you have to deal with a lot of idiots all the time. Yeah. I'm sure I'm part of that. But like. I said. That's the thing. Is that like. You don't have to be a rocket scientist. To be an art. You know. To have an appreciation for art. Yeah. Like it's an instant cool card. I said. And it is kind of annoying. Honestly. Because you know that it's really not. You know. It's. It's something we do. It's something we love to do. But. We don't deserve all that kind of. We are not. You know who the.

[01:02:30] Yeah. Are the nurses. Yeah. Social workers. I am so inspired by my clients. Yes. I do for work. I. Sometimes I'm in tears. I have. I can tell you all my clients' names. Because I. And what they do. Like I'm. I miss some of. I miss this Indian. Yeah. Works. Teaches sign language to. To children that are deaf in India. Not for. I have. Not one in India.

[01:03:00] But I do have an ASL. She does therapy. Yeah. With. With deaf and blind people. It's. It's. Pretty cool. It's so cool to me. You know. Like. I. You know. When I have. An amazing client. Who works in the jail system. Like. Wow. Yeah. I have one too. You know. It's. You're the dentist. Yeah. For the jail. Kind of like. I know. It's incredible.

[01:03:29] The things that they do. That's so cool. I. It's really cool. My. Uh. Ex partner. Had no tattoos. Yeah. You know. But. That's pretty cool. Yeah. Was never. Never. Like. Never did. Did this person judge me. Or I judge them. Because. You know. It's. Simply. Just. Uh. You know.

[01:03:58] We are. People. Deeper than our skin. Do you know what. Yes. No. Totally. And I think it's a better partnership that way. So. For instance. My dad's married to a woman. He's a hairstylist. Right. Like. His whole. It's the beauty industry. And he also does. Massage. My mom is a person who. Doesn't really like. You know. She's not a big. She's not a big. Like. Massaged person. Yeah. She doesn't want to be massaged.

[01:04:29] Yeah. She really doesn't want to be. Any of that. Yeah. And. She's. Not a makeup person. She. Like. Her favorite thing to wear is like. Overalls. And. Like. Things like that. And the most that she gets done. Is her hair trimmed. And dyed now. But that's it. And she's. That's it. That's it. So I think that that's a great balance. And my husband. He wouldn't be tattooed. If. Not for me. He really. He's a. He. Trained strong man. Yeah. And he's like. Honestly.

[01:04:59] I wish I didn't have tattoos. Because it gets in the way of my beautiful body. He's very humble. Oh. But he does. He works on his body quite a bit. And I appreciate. You know. The physique. As it is. And he's right. You know. Like it. It is something you see before you see the body. And he has a beautiful body. Yeah. But now he gets tattooed by me. One. Because I've covered up a few things that he would rather have my artwork. But it's. He's like. I really love you.

[01:05:29] And I love your art. And I'd love to be a walking advertisement for you. So cute. I know. Yeah. But that's it. He wouldn't. He's like. Honestly. I wouldn't be tattooed. He's just like. We're nuts about it. We're a must. Yeah. And he loves it. He loves being around tattoo artists. He's like. You guys are so relaxing. He finds us very. He's like. Man. Being around a bunch of creatives. It's so nice. Like. Because we are. We're. We. We geek out. It's fun. But you.

[01:05:59] And he loves that he's valued. Because. But I'm like. As much as I love being around tattoo artists. I like. Love. Like. When I'm with my friends. That have nothing to do with that. Well that's what I was just going to say. He loves the fact that he's valued. Because he's built trusses. He lifts weights. He likes to garden. And it's all the other stuff. He'll drink with you. Yeah. He's that guy. Oh. You know. So they love him. He's like. You people love me. And I'm like. We do.

[01:06:28] We do actually. We find you very refreshing. We do. Yeah. I'm just like. This is great. Yeah. I know. There's a reason why we're together. Yeah. It's just. It's nice. I also think it's nice. Because. Each other. That's cool. That's amazing. When that happens. Like when my sister's partner. Also a doctor. You know. They understand what. That's awesome. The time. Like.

[01:06:58] There's a beauty in that too. Because they know. Like. Oh. Like the workload. The process. The time. So. I love it when people. I just love love. So. Yeah. Same. Same. It's really. It's an amazing thing. When you see. Yeah. You know. Because both of us. My parents are still together. But their relationship. Has always been stressed. And. Yeah. I love. I. I said it the other day. I love seeing couples. That. Love each other. That.

[01:07:28] It just works. And there's this. Beautiful respect. Yes. I really love being in the presence. Of those things. And I've. I've met a few. Relationships like that. That are. Just. Just. Phenomenal. To be around. You know. It's really cool. I'm so lucky. I. I don't know why this happens to me. But I always. Get couples. That come in. To get tattooed by me. Husband. Oh. That's awesome. Or like siblings. It's like an experience. It's beautiful. It's like.

[01:07:57] That is beautiful. It's so nice. You know. It's so nice. To know. Like they. They're looking forward to this. They've taken the day. To come to New York. They take each other on a date. And it's. An anniversary tattoo. Or a matching. I don't know. It's just really nice. You know. And. I. That's really cool. It's so cool. Yeah. It's really cool. I do a lot of husband and wives. You know. Wow. That's awesome. Or. Or a lot of. Simple. Like they. It's like. It's like a day. You know.

[01:08:27] And it's just great. I have a great time. It's like an event for me. I'm like. Yeah. Well. It adds to the specialness of it. It's like more than a tattoo. Like this is something that connects. Yeah. Sometimes. To people. Yeah. And sometimes we'll go and have like. After the tattoo's done. We'll grab dinner. And then. Aw. It's like really nice. Because it's like. That's really cool. And they're loving me in ways that. They don't know. You know. That makes me happy. And. They've made my day.

[01:08:56] And it's like. Yeah. I just. I'm a big fan of like. You know. Just being with. And. And it's cool when. When people in industries. Don't. Like you. You date. You're with someone that. Is into totally different things. Because sometimes you don't want to come home. And talk about. Gossip. Or tat shop stuff. For tattooing. You know. I want to put. When I come home. I'm tired. Tattooing takes it out of me. Yeah.

[01:09:26] I want to put that to bed. I want to be home swallows. Yeah. You know. I want to be like. Oh. Didn't. I love it when my husband gets mad for me. Like if I have a challenging client. He gets so mad for me. Yeah. He's like. You need to tell them. And I'm like. No. But I appreciate the fact. That you're. Very. Very mad. For me. That's so cute. Yeah. I was like. I cannot tell them that. You know. I was saying to people.

[01:09:56] Like being a tattooist. Is like. Being. Having an assignment. Every night. You know. We. We're basically. Back in high school. Like. But we have. Yes. Deadlines the next day. It's like seven. It's like. Five assignments a week. Yes. Oh. It's very odd. Have you ever. Gone into. Because I'm taking. You mentioned. How awesome your clients are. And I feel the same way. I'm taking an accounting course. Right now. Oh wow. And all of the. Other students are ladies.

[01:10:25] And they're all incredible ladies. Yeah. And one of them. Is a small. Small scale speaker. And she's a mom. And she's from. Uh. Kyrgyzstan. There's a. And. And like. Half the class. Is taking. Um. The course. In their second language. So. It's not even. You know. Which is. Just blows my mind. Um. There's a. A girl from Ethiopia. Uh. She's also a mom. There's. And so like. I.

[01:10:55] I. It's interesting for me. When I. And I had this with. Uh. Toastmasters as well. When you apply. The kind of intensity. That you have in tattooing. To other things. Yeah. It gives. It gives you a really great. Understanding of where you're at. In regards to. Other people. Because. I mean. With these women. They're. They're moms. They're doing it in a second language. So I. They already are blowing my mind. Yes.

[01:11:25] But they kind of look to me. A lot. Because. Uh. One. I'm. I'm American. And I. You know. I'm. I might have more of an ability. To like. Help them. From a student level. I think. You know. Communicate the certain things. And we. We pair up. But. Um. I mean. You know. You kind of see. That. That. You put an intensity. To the things that you do. Like. When you put it to other things. Yes. They all were like. What's your story. Man. And I was like. What do you mean? And they're like. You're just like. Really happy.

[01:11:55] Like. Yeah. And I was like. What are you. And they're like. We're learning. Like accounting. Yeah. I'm like. Oh. Yeah. But like. I. I don't think you understand. How refreshing. Accounting is. You'll get. Built by meeting. Powerful. Women. Just doing it. And that makes you happy. I think. Yeah. Exactly. That too. That too. Yeah. It's interesting you say that. Because you know. Earlier I was talking about. Like this newfound love.

[01:12:25] With cooking. And I'm putting the intensity. As I do. On a painting. Or a tattoo. To cooking. And I'm like. Hi. Yes. I'm like. It's really cool. It's simply. Cooking. A recipe. And I'm just like. I'm like. How did God create an onion? Why is this so amazing? What is with. I think you need an onion tattoo. I'm like. It has so many layers. Like I'm trying to find the spirit. I'm just like. Buzzing on this.

[01:12:55] It's just crazy. And it's just as simple as cooking. But I'm obsessed. You know. You're like donkey. Like. Dude. I'm like. Looking at. Like. I'm like. Whoa. Man. I gotta. They're. They are really cool. Onions are really cool. They're so cool. They're just. Medicinal values. Of onions. It's immense. It's immense. They draw out. Infections. And things like that. They're really incredible. It's incredible. I also just think the same thing about chili. Yes.

[01:13:24] They're incredible. I've been putting. Cayenne pepper in my coffee regularly. And it's been amazing. Really? Yes. Yes. Just a hint of it. And I don't know. It like. It's like. I mean. It's like Indian food. You know. Like it sparks the belly. You know. Like. Yeah. It gets blood flow going. It's really nice. I don't know why. It just adds. And it adds a beautiful flavor to the coffee. It's awesome. I love that. I. Unfortunately. As I've gotten older.

[01:13:53] Which is just what the human body does. I can't have a lot of spice. Like I used to as a kid. I miss it. I'll bet. I'll bet. I miss it hard. But. I. I am. Ugh. It runs roughshod on you. It does. Yeah. Yeah. It does. Yeah. Yeah. I. But I. I love it. I love. You know. I. So. Queens. I love going to Queens. Because the Jamaican shops there. And the.

[01:14:22] Jamaican curry powder. I don't know. I just like. That's a good thing about. Being in a. In a. A place that's culturally diverse. Is just. The food. Dude. Do you know what I mean? Trinidad. Yes. Oh. Yes. Like. I'm like. Where have you been all my life? And it's. We take this stuff for granted. And. Yeah. Ethiopian food. Oh my God. Caribbean food. Yes. Yes. This is so good. Incredible beef.

[01:14:52] And I love the pairings of like. Fruit with like. Salty and. You know. Sweet and savory. Fountain. Pain. Yes. Amazing. So. I feel you with that. Like intensity. That you. That we put in tattooing. When you. Yeah. When you. It can be frustrating too. Like. You might feel like. You're a delinquent at times. Like. I know sometimes. I feel that way. Because. You know. You get. You get seen that way. Or treated that way. And you're like. Am I. Am I like.

[01:15:21] A responsible person. Because you feel like you're playing. Your whole life. You know. Like. Yeah. I make art for a living. You know. It's silly. Yeah. Like. I don't feed anyone. I don't house anyone. Yeah. I don't clothe anyone. How did we forget? I think that. And someone really awesome in my life. Well. Said to me. The world needs art right now. You. Yes. Make people smile. Well. It's the reason why people want to live. And I. I do believe that. Yeah. So when you put a painting.

[01:15:51] Sometimes I'm like. I'm not. I am not doing. I'm not saving lives. I'm not housing. But. A part of my soul. Is in this piece of art. That I hope that maybe. One person smiles. I don't know. I mean. You know. It's doing something. But. But also. Like. I feel like. When I expose myself. To. Things that are more normal. Like with Toastmasters. When I went into that space. And I applied myself to that. I saw like.

[01:16:21] Have you seen the show. The office. Yes. Okay. I know it's supposed to be funny. Yes. And it is in moments. But it makes me very sad. I'm very upset. That. That. Show. And I think to myself. I'm like. Why the hell. Are people doing this? Yeah. And I saw that. When I. Because I did Toastmasters. In an international. Insurance. Building. And with. With a group of people. That was an open. Meeting.

[01:16:50] That you could join. But it was mostly the people. Who worked at the company. Was sponsoring the. The meetings. And the Toastmasters group. And it was just. It was like pulling teeth. To get people. There. Impassioned. Answering emails. About it. And I. I was like. The hell is going on here. And. Yeah. And I had. My. My. The president. At one point. He was a sweet guy. I still have a lot of these connections. With the lead. The leadership.

[01:17:20] Of Toastmasters. But they were like. Amy. What you need to understand. Is these people are volunteering. Their time. And I'm like. Wow. Yeah. They're not getting paid. Well. And I was like. Dude. Every bit. Of my life. Is volunteer. Do you think that I do things. That I don't want to do. You're out of your mind. Like. I don't. That doesn't compute to me. Yeah. I was like. Do you understand that I leave my job. Which I love. Yes. To drive here. Midday on a Wednesday. Yes.

[01:17:50] To be here. Because I want to be. I don't understand. Totally. Doing anything. That I don't want to do. Yes. You mean that there are people who do that? Yeah. It's true. Yeah. And it made my soul hurt. And but if I think about. It's true though. Like. When my parents moved. My mom didn't want to have five different jobs. But she wanted to put me in sweater in school. Yeah. And people do that. And we. And it's like. That comes down to like privilege.

[01:18:20] And what. You know. And it's a real thing. Like. We're just. I mean. I think people feel like they. They have to do that. In some regards. You know. Like. For instance. Whenever I think about a job. Yeah. Even if it's not where I want to be. Yeah. I think about what I would love. Like. I love books. Why not a bookstore? I love coffee. Yeah. Why not a coffee shop? You know. Like. Totally. Yes. Yes. You know what I'm saying? Like. Yeah. If you're going to do a work. And you're going to do a job.

[01:18:49] Do a job at least that you. You know. At least you enjoy the atmosphere. You're going to get down with the people. You're going to have great conversations. You're going to be impassioned about the same thing. No. Yeah. And that. That's the truth about. This whole thing. Apprenticeship. Yeah. Yeah. Like. You gotta. You do it. It's about a pursuit of passion. It makes my heart hurt. Yes. When people don't give themselves the permission to do that. And anybody can do it. Everyone has. Yes. With our feelings.

[01:19:19] And who we want to be. And what we want to do. Is valid. And there is. Yeah. Like. It's. It's important. It's so important. Well. And this. Conversation that we have around God. That's what really. I just met with a client of mine. She's amazing. She's. In recovery. She's an addict. And she's very transparent about it. And we talked about a tattoo that she wants. And she said. You know. I'm thinking about a key. Yeah. And it didn't fit the tattoo she was getting. But.

[01:19:48] It was very symbolic. And she said. You know. I read. I read about the keys to the kingdom. And I was like. That's how I feel about this. You know. The key to the kingdom. We all possess. Because we all have access to God. If we choose that. Beautifully said. Beautiful. You know what I mean. A very good friend of mine. Who plays in the band. Robert Ryan. His name is Kevin Craig. An incredible tattooist. And human being. I.

[01:20:17] He's like a. He's a guru. And a friend. And he said. You know. The divinity is inside you. It's inside all of us. You know. Yes. It's within us. And so. To. That's why. I love all faith. Honestly. Because. The stories are basically the same. It's just different cultures. Yes. Different traditions. Yes. Well. And there's a. It came into my mind.

[01:20:47] There's a. A good. Book. I haven't read it. But I've heard interviews of it. And it seems like a short read. From what I've heard. But I've heard like a. A cliff notes about it. And. They pretty much gave up the whole bag. Yeah. I want to read it. But it's called. The death of Ivan Ehrlich. And it's a Russian. It's a Russian book. And it literally is about. The internal dialogue. Of an average person. Who.

[01:21:16] Finds out he's dying. Oh. And he lives such a mediocre life. That by the end. Once you realize he was dying. You're hearing about everything. That he's thinking. And he's so angry. And. It. I feel like that's a very. Important. Thing to embrace. About. And that's why you keep death close. Yeah. That's why you think about those things. Because if you're not. Thinking about those things. Then you're squandering your time.

[01:21:46] In your life. Yeah. That breaks my heart. Yeah. You know. And that's why I think COVID was really good. Because I think. Well needed it. Yeah. Everybody needed to be confronted with that. Universe. That was very important. There was dolphins back in the ocean. We need. Yeah. Well. Besides the reclamation. Mother nature. The environment. But I think. I think something needed to die. For everybody. And I think something really did. For everyone in that time period. Which was really good. Truly. And.

[01:22:16] I think it made the tattooing community closer. If you. Yeah. Because. It definitely helped it. Be what it needed to be. Yeah. Like you said. Everybody has their own niche now. And I'm really happy about it. Like. There's a lot of tattoo shops. That take on. You know. Roles. And things that. That they fight for. That I don't. I don't really identify with. But I'm glad that somebody does. And I'm glad that somebody has a place to go to. For that. Like that's awesome. Yeah. Yeah. You know. That's great. Yeah. And that's what it should be.

[01:22:45] And I think that's the roots of what. At least I find America to be. Is that it's supposed to be. You know. This country is huge man. Like. Dude. Yeah. Huge. Yeah. So there's enough space for everybody. Yeah. Yeah. Totally. Truly. And. I want to. I want to. Be in a place where I'm like. I did my best. I'm out of place of peace. I have a good relationship with the people. I deeply care about.

[01:23:16] I've done my best to function as a decent human being. And. I have a relationship with God. And that's what I mean by like a simple life. You know. Yeah. It's very challenging though. But it's very challenging. Yeah. Because. Sitting. Sitting with the Bible. You know. I haven't read the full Bible yet. It's crazy. I've had enough time. But it's. You know.

[01:23:42] It's very challenging to sit and integrally read that. Totally. And be present. Yes. Yeah. Absolutely agree with you. Yeah. I absolutely agree with you. I. Same. You know. When I. You know. I try to do my best to chant every day. Um. And some days. I'm so distracted. That I can't really get through more than five rounds. But.

[01:24:12] I consciously make sure. That. I take that time. Of the 24 hours we're given. Of the day. To reflect. And have that me time. Through meditation. Because. It chills me out. It's very good. It's very good. But it's very disciplined. Yeah. That's awesome. Yeah. I mean. I don't. I'm not. A saint man. I'm not doing it. No.

[01:24:42] None of us are. But. But. When the rubber meets the road. Yes. You're not talking about anything that anybody couldn't do. No. But it's not easy. It's not easy. It's very hard. Yes. Yes. But those are the things that. The small thing. Like. How do you move a mountain? One rock at a time. Totally. That's it. You know. Yeah. Pretty sad. You know. I wish I could claim. I. Many have said it. Yeah. Many have said it before.

[01:25:11] I just repeat a lot of stuff I hear. But it's beautiful words though. It's true. It's not. Well. If it lands on somebody's heart. And it helps them. Great. Yeah. It's a seed. What grows. That's what they do with it. But. That's all I want to do. Plant seeds. Yeah. It's beautiful. I think what you're doing is amazing. And I've thought. Oh. Thanks. We have spoken for like four hours. I think. You know. I know. You're amazing. You're amazing.

[01:25:41] You should have a podcast. My God. No. No. As if you have enough things to do. You get a whole cooking podcast. Oh my God. No. But I literally had such a great time. You know. Seriously dude. You're wonderful. So. I think. We've said a lot of things. Yeah. Well. What would you like to wrap with? Because we have been talking for almost four hours. And I don't want to keep you any longer. No. You're good. I feel like it's. It's so comfortable. I really could talk to you forever. And I'm surprised.

[01:26:11] I haven't had to go to the bathroom. I just. I think. I wanted to wrap by saying. I think you're an awesome person. And I think what you're doing. And the things that you have shared about your life. And your outlook in life. And about tattooing. Deeply resonates with me. And I have nothing but the utmost respect for you. And I think that.

[01:26:39] Your podcast is awesome. And I wish you. It's going to. It is successful. And it's so nice for. People who are coming into tattooing. To get little snippets of the reality that it is. And at the end of the day. You know. We're doing it because we have such a deep love for the craft. And that's what it's about. You know. So I just. Yeah.

[01:27:05] I wanted to thank you for the opportunity of having me on your podcast. It was an honor. It was really an honor to have you. And I really appreciate that. You've given me so much of your time. So. What you're going to leave people with is immense. So I really. I mean. I've been struggling to not tear up this whole time. Really? Really. Oh. Yeah. You've been really amazing, dude. I was. Thank you. I was also struggling not to. I am so happy that.

[01:27:35] I. I think. I think. It was so real. It was so. Yeah. And it. And we can do it again. That's what's amazing. I mean, God willing. We'll still be around. But. Yeah. We can do it again. Yeah. We can. And I'm going to hug you. I'm. I don't know if I'm going to be able to exhibit at Pagoda. Because, you know. You should reach out. I. I have talked to Justin and all of them. But like. You know. I. I don't know. But I. I will. I'm going. And I'm going to give you a big hug.

[01:28:05] If you're there. I am going to be there. I am there. And I would be so sad. If you didn't. Like. Who knows. Maybe I'll get a tattoo this time. That. I really should do that this time. Yeah. I could find a tattoo. We can get a little food. We can. We can actually really. Be awesome. It's such a great. It's such a great convention. I love it. It's amazing. It's a good vibe. I'm very lucky. I. I've. I'm very blessed with the people that I work with. And just for their. Ability to just.

[01:28:34] Be unapologetically themselves. And include me. And accept me. It's just. Makes the move. And. Just. We all get it. Dude. We're all artists. I thought about. You know. One last thing I wanted to say. You know. Was that. For a person to choose. To get a permanent marking. That you cannot remove. On their body. Forever. There's a. To an extent.

[01:29:04] We're all very passionate. Emotional people. Do you know what I mean? Like. Whether it's a band name. A rose. A memorial tattoo. A hilarious tattoo. A tribe. Whatever it is. It's like. Yeah. What connects us. Is that we are. Passionate. Emotional people. Mm-hmm. Yes. And I want to celebrate that. Because that's. Hell yeah dude. It came up to me. Like. The last few. Few weeks. I was like. What really connects people. That are tattooed. And it's like. To a certain degree.

[01:29:33] When you choose to put a marking. That you can never erase. You know. Never erase. Even if you. Are not into that anymore. To some level. To some degree. You could have a lot of conviction. And passion. And empathy. Yes. Yes. You know what I'm saying. Yeah. Totally. It is. Punk rock as hell. Punk rock as hell. Man. Yeah man. It's intense. And. And it's. It's awesome. It's amazing. You're right. Yeah. You're right.

[01:30:03] It's amazing. And yeah. I just. I'm so excited to meet you in the real. And I thank you for your. Yes. I thank you for. Providing such a comfortable. And safe space. Where I could be myself. And. Yeah. You're just divine. You know. Oh. Same. I. I. I. Really appreciate you lady. Um. I'm so privileged to have met you. And. And. Praise God. For our connection. Of Travis and Josh.

[01:30:32] Thank you guys. Yeah. Shout out to you. Yeah. Totally. Black dagger books. Yeah. Check it out. Black. They're awesome. They're. Doing. Incredible. Things. So. Yeah. Check them out. And. Yeah. So my show is on June. Yes. Please. Yes. June 21st. The wonderful devout gallery run by Taylor. Um. It's in LA. And. Um. Yeah.

[01:31:01] Everyone is welcome to come. And. So June 2nd. June 21st. Oh sorry. I cut you off. June 21st. You could. No. Yeah. I'd love. I'd love for you to come. You know. Are you guys going to do anything. Remotely. Or is it just in person. All this. I'm just asking. Cause. Yeah. Oh yeah. If I don't make it there. Oh yeah. Of course. I know. I. I. I would love to go too. I don't know if I will be able to. I have the. The problem is. Yeah. It's not a problem.

[01:31:31] It's an excuse. But. Um. I have to help my family liquidate a salon. Oh. So that's. That's my summer workings. But if. If there is anything like that. Definitely. Say. You know. Shout that out too. Because. Whoever can't make it in person. I'm sure they'd love to stream in and check it out. Yeah. Thank you. I. So. It's. I don't. I'm not posting any of the paintings on my Instagram. Because they're. Yeah.

[01:32:01] You gotta see them. Yeah. Specific. So. I've just been working. But. I do. They will be for sale. Um. And they will be at the gallery for a little while. Um. Nice. And then. I. I don't know. I think I. I gotta speak to Taylor about. Like. If they come back to me. And if I can post them. I'm not sure. But. But. Um. Yeah. I. It. Devout. I would love to like. Help you. Like. Put out. The.

[01:32:29] The feelers for that too. You know. Because if. You know. They can't show up there. But we could still like. Shout out the paintings. And they're up for sale. And all that stuff. I appreciate you. That's. That'll be wonderful. Yeah. That'd be really cool. I would love to help with that. And. You know. You'll. Lovely. That's the beautiful thing about the internet too. Like. You reach people. That's. Everywhere. I'm in it right now. That's been the. Yeah. On my mind. I just. I'm like the artist in it. I'm just like. In my pajamas. Painting. Going through the emotions.

[01:33:00] And then. You're inspiring the hell out of me. I love it. Oh. You inspire me. I love. I love. That's awesome. That's awesome. And. What are. We never touched on this. Yeah. Ganga Ma. What is that? So. That is. When I'm. Ganga Ma. Is the mother ganges. The day. Okay. Decided to be a tattooist. I was. Sitting. Crying. And praying. In front of the river. Asking for her blessings. And I said. Everything I do. Is in service to you. Oh. You slip.

[01:33:30] That's wonderful. Yeah. So please let me harness. The skill. Make people happy. And. All of these tattoos. Are in service to you. So that's. Oh. That's wonderful. Yeah. So that's. I love that about you. I really do want to. Integrate a lot more of my. Spiritual connection into it. So I love that you've done that. Just so everybody knows. That. That is your Instagram handle. And. Yeah. All of that. Where they can find you. And follow you. And I hope they do. I pray they do. Thank you. And.

[01:34:00] Yeah. You're stunning. You're beautiful. You're beautiful. It takes one to know one. I. Oh. Truly can't wait to meet you in Pagoda. And. Seriously. I. Yeah. It was great. Great conversations. And. Definitely. Well. I don't want to keep you from Rudy too much. Because I'm sure he needs you now. He's passing out. I'm like. I better feed him. And yeah. I gotta go. Because I got a draw for my. For my. Yeah. Tos. But. Oh my God. Yes. Thank you again. And I hope. God bless you hon.

[01:34:29] And always. Yes. God bless you too. Bye darling. Listeners. Real quick. I just wanted to. Apologize. For the weird. Cuts. And I even. I even put my voice. In. In place of Swazi's. At one point. That was simply because we. Mistakingly got the date of her showcase wrong. Please forgive us. There's a lot going on always.

[01:35:00] I'm not good enough of an audio engineer to. Make that kind of transition smooth. So I. I hope you'll give us some grace. But we do want to misdirect you. So. Just wanted to put that out there. As a quick aside. All of you are so graceful anyway. So. Hopefully this will. Direct all of you to the right date. Make sure to check it out. Make sure to follow her. Okay. That's it. Thanks listeners.

[01:35:38] Again. Listeners. Real quick. Because I've certainly talked enough. June 21st. At the devout gallery. In LA. Swazi is having. Her showcase. Her art show. So. If you are in the local area. Or if you really want to catch her work. I wish I could go. I really do. But from what we hear. She's going to be selling. Painting. Paintings afterwards. And that's exciting too.

[01:36:08] But check it out. Definitely follow her. It's Ganga Ma. So go to IG. It's Ganga. Underscore Ma. That way you can find her. Swazi. Again. You're a gem. Girl. Girl. I really appreciate all this time. That you've given this show. I'm grateful for the fact. That you're willing to give more time. In the future. And I'm really looking forward to that hug. Listeners. Definitely check out Black Dagger Books.

[01:36:38] Pagoda. Tattoo Festival. And just all the gems that come out of there. Make it a powerful week. Everyone. God bless. Thanks for listening. You can find The Apprenticeship Diaries on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Our IG is the underscore apprenticeship underscore diaries. If you would like to offer constructive criticism or an interview. Drop us an email at theapprenticeshipdiaries at gmail.com.

[01:37:07] We look forward to hearing from our listeners.