We had the good fortune of connecting with Bobby Prokenpek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bobby, what is the most important factor behind your success?
When I consider success and what it means to me, I have to remember that it means different things to so many. Happiness, money, reaching goals, smashing expectations and treating people well. For myself and my brand Kiss Kiss Tattoo, I would say that “drive” has been the most important factor behind the success.

When Kiss Kiss Tattoo was created, it was April of 2021 and in the middle of Covid. I had been sober for just over a year and anything seemed possible. The attitude that anything was possible came from a inner drive to succeed and accomplish all that eluded me for nearly 20 years while I drank and partied. At 40 years old I had an urgency to my intentions, a steam that I always knew I had but had been suffocating. Being so clear minded and ready for anything allowed my drive to hit a new speed and without this I truly believe that Kiss Kiss Tattoo would not exist and therefore never would have seen the success it has.

At the end of the day, “drive” is the most important factor. It’s not only in me but in those I have surrounded myself with and chosen to represent Kiss Kiss Tattoo. All the tattoo artists at Kiss Kiss are talented, humble and most definitely driven. With drive and determination, we have collectively created an environment for so many to thrive and feel welcomed in. We stand as an inclusive tattoo shop, driven to succeed daily and this will forever keep Kiss Kiss Tattoo successful!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a photographer by trade and most recently partially retired as I now own and manage a tattoo shop full time. You can see my photography work at www.BobbyDoRight.com

Within the past year I have slowed the amount of photography work and grown my creative directing and branding for Kiss Kiss Tattoo. I have been creating a tone and vibe at Kiss Kiss that is fashion forward and invites all walks of life to participate.

The goal since day one is to exude an inclusive personality through customer service, creativity and the tattoo art itself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First stop Kiss Kiss Tattoo, duh.

Locally in Venice, I would recommended Great White, Elephante and Bells.

I’m more of a beach guy that can stay local and chill. I don’t get out of Venice too much and really just enjoy hitting the local spots I mentioned.

If you wanna workout or do yoga, I recommend Shefayoga and Paradiso!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate our shoutout to my wife Anna of Bananas & Hammocks. Without Anna, Kiss Kiss Tattoo and so much more wouldn’t be possible! Also big shoutout to the whole crew at Kiss Kiss Tattoo, you all make it so much more than we could have ever imagined!

Website: www.kisskisstattoo.com

Instagram: @kisskisstattoo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.