Meet Teas One | Tattoo/ Cosmetic Tattoo Artist , Graffiti Artist, Muralist

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

Hi Teas, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is something I felt I was drawn to since birth. As an artist, my work stems from being inspired by graffiti. Graffiti is more than an art form it’s a life style. It’s about taking risks always and hoping for the best outcome. As a self employed artist and running my own business, I am faced to make decisions. Especially because I don’t have anyone telling me what to do. For example , when I first started my business I knew I had a vision of where I wanted to be, I had the opportunity work in a space that fit almost everything I had wanted. When it came time to signing my contract something didn’t feel right and I didn’t see myself as working with a collective. So I took a risk and did it on my own. It was scary and I lost friendships along the way but I built new ones. I never gave up on myself and I always allow myself to continue to chase whatever dreams and goal I desire. If you’re too comfortable , it’s time to take a risk for growth.

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 full time tattoo artist and cosmetic tattoo artist. I work hard to create my own clientele while promoting safe spaces for brown , women, and queer identifying folx. I was extremely discouraged when I was 18 and tried to persue tattooing. I was sexualized as a women and turned away from tattooing. I perused a career in permanent makeup with is a cosmetic tattoo artist while obtaining my esthetician license. In that process I left an abusive relationship where I was left with nothing but my car and my supplies. I had all my equipment and during the pandemic I was able to chase my dreams and get back up in my feet. In the midst of my career as a cosmetic tattoo artist, I began to shift my vision and pursue tattooing again. I saw myself fusing both tattoo and beauty culture together. It allowed me creative control and I was able to do more than just one service. Being self employed isn’t easy but social media is a huge help. It can be a lot managing things on your own. I think being hungry and also operating in survival mode I was able to push myself in ways I never knew I was capable of. It does get hard dealing with mental health days and knowing that you can’t just quit or take a sick day. I am a one woman show , from my website to managing inventory, creating merch, branding myself, etc. I hope to create my own space for tattoo artist and clients to feel safe and comfortable especially, identifying woman. Nothing has been easy , and I don’t think anything in life is, the only easy times are when I’m able to check out of life and get lost in a tattoo or painting.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Little Tokyo – walk around , picture booth, daiso, k bbq , arcade Mrs. Fish for dinner – aquarium restaurant , then perch rooftop bar for drinks
Sunken City picnic
Kayaking in Long Beach canals
Huntington Library botanical gardens
Ballace Point Brewery
Poncho Lopez- best Mexican hole in the wall restaurant
Lock and Key – speak easyoutdoor club with a good dj! 420 friendly ! Good food

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I appreciate all the older people in the community who encouraged me to never stop painting, and gave me tips to use. It’s easy to gatekeeper things , of course out of respect for the culture, but I’ve been blessed with crossing paths with some dope people who inspired me along the way. I’d like to thank Lalo at Pieces in Venice. He was a mentor and introduced me to the business side of the art world. He also encouraged me to try new mediums and helped me during a very lost time in my life. I was able to have my first solo art show under his non profit. Programs in the community are so important for young adults and children. It is so common to hear things like “artists don’t make it” or it’s not a “real” career. I even thought so myself. If it wasn’t for the community and people rooting for me along the way , I would never have had the courage to do this on my own. I’m appreciative of my partner who is one of my favorite artists, for encouraging me to push myself even when it’s uncomfortable. I thank my partner for giving me a space and remodeling a private studio for me just to work out of and chase my dreams. I am grateful for the beautiful souls and women who inspire me on the daily to create.

Website: Teasone.com

Instagram: @_green.teas