Meet Erin Sakakibara | Cosmetic Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Erin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I feel like starting my own business was a no-brainer for me—I’ve always craved the freedom to be my own boss and carve out my own path. With Covid shaking things up in the corporate world, it felt like the perfect time to explore my creative side and dive into entrepreneurship. I’ve also never been one to shy away from a challenge, and I thrive on diving into the nitty-gritty details to make things happen. Whether it’s perfecting a craft or learning a new trade, I’m all about getting things done.

But what really drives me is the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing that my work can put a smile on someone’s face or make their day a little brighter. So, starting my own PMU business felt like a natural fit—it’s a chance to do things my way, while also making a difference in the lives of the people I service. It’s a journey that’s has been both exhausting and rewarding, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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 take immense pride in my ability to create natural-looking results. In a field saturated with various techniques and styles, I’ve really honed my craft over the past couple years and developed a signature style that I believe sets me apart. But getting to this point definitely had its challenges. Tattooing, particularly on the face, demands not only skill but also patience, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of skin dynamics, pigments, healing processes, and design principles. Some of these lessons can only be learned through hands-on experience, and yes, there were moments when I panicked during an appointment or kicked myself for not performing at the level I like to hold myself to. Overcoming these challenges required perseverance, countless hours practicing, taking detailed notes after each appointment, and relentlessly pursuing further education to refine my techniques.

Today, I can confidently say that I’ve cultivated a style that resonates with my clients—a style characterized by its subtleness, softness, and ability to enhance natural beauty. What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that behind every stroke of my art lies a commitment to excellence and a genuine passion for helping my clients feel confident and empowered. My journey has been one of growth, resilience, and dedication to my craft, and I’m excited to continue creating transformative experiences for years to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being born and raised in LA, my go to’s are a bit different than your average person. I’d take them to my favorite local mom and pop food spots (El Dorado and Pepe’s if they like Mexican food). We’d have to do an obligatory trip to Hollywood/WeHo for some of the more trendy restaurants and bars, a trip down Melrose Ave and 3rd Street Promenade, and Griffith Observatory or Runyon if they’re interested! But honestly, most of our time would probably be spent at the beach and eating good food in not so well known places!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband has been my number one supporter from the beginning. He encouraged me to blaze my own trail, he was more than supportive when I told him my business wouldn’t turn a profit for a while, he’s picked me back up when I felt like I was verge of quitting everything. I just want to take a moment and thank him for being my rock during the tough times of being a new business owner.

Website: https://www.etchedinklab.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchedinklab/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-sakakibara/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etchedinklab/