NAMPA, Idaho (CBS2) — Lupita Garcia is a tattoo artist in Nampa. She started tattooing professionally two years ago after drawing her entire life.
"I got a machine for my 21st birthday and it just went off from there," said Garcia.
Garcia is not only a talented tattoo artist. She manages Black & Gray Studios in Nampa.
"I make sure the shop stays clean and everything is organized," said Garcia.
She recently started working with the Idaho Women's Business Center. Garcia says working with executive director Diane Bevan has been inspiring
"She's been a really great mentor to me and seeing how they work makes me want to be more of a professional especially as a tattoo artist," Garcia said. "People just see tattoo artists as like bikers or you know street people but yeah slowly trying to change that and show people that we can be as professional as well."
They've been helping her improve the business like teaching her how to make their website and social media more user-friendly and showing her how to use software to make managing easier. They've also made her think about what could come next.
"Hopefully I can be my own boss one day you know maybe open up my own shop and help people you know like how they helped me come up in the tattoo industry," said Garcia "It's a lot of men. You know hopefully I can help out girls that want to do it as well."
Garcia says helping others is extremely important to her and before she goes onto inspire other women, she's working to give back to her community.
On Friday, Dec. 13, she has planned a special event at Black & Gray studios to help local kids in need during the holidays. If you bring in a new toy valued at at least $10 you can get certain tattoos for just $31.
You can find more information on that event here.
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