Meet Fernanda Ochoa | Restorative Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Fernanda, how do you think about risk?
Risk was a huge factor in starting VIDA Cosmetic Tattoo, as I’m sure it is for all small business owners. Being that we are a small business, time and money was definitely in question because we not only put all of our spare time from the jobs we were already working into creating this, but also our savings. It really is a gamble—but so is everything else in life, and without risk there is no reward.
I also believe that reward comes to those who put in the work. So, with that being said I am so glad we decided to take this risk and create VIDA where we are able to impact peoples lives. Risk allowed us to transform people into feeling their most beautiful and confident. Risk allowed us to restore what people once had and thought they had lost forever. Risk has allowed us to go to work and absolutely love what we do and I truly think that’s the biggest reward of them all because not many people can say that truthfully.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art and creativity has always been my outlet. I have always appreciated all forms of creativity; whether it be cooking, painting, dancing, singing, etc. I was fortunate enough to have family who encouraged that and never tried to change my interests. I remember my grandpa created a whole cabinet and drawer at his house with tools and supplies for me to use whenever and whichever way I wanted—needless to say I took advantage of it daily. He would also let me cook with him and applauded my every attempt at, well, everything. I always knew I wanted a job in a creative field I just didn’t know exactly what. I thought I would end up doing makeup as I did it for many years, but I realized about 6 years in that I didn’t want to pursue that as my career. That’s when I took a break, worked at an office for a short time, and thats when I absolutely knew a creative career was necessary for my happiness.
I came across Microblading shortly after that office job and it immediately got my heart jumping.
I’m very proud of where my persistence at finding something I love to do has gotten me. I knew I didn’t want to settle for a job I disliked my entire life.
VIDA is an extension of me and that’s what makes it so unique. I am a woman of color, part of the LGBTQ+ community, an empath, and i want to make VDA Cosmetic Tat

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a resident myself there are a great deal of places I would recommend, but there are only a handful of gems.

Something i really enjoy doing is skating/biking down the beach leading us all the way to Belmont Brewing and/or Ballast Point—breweries right on the beach—have some beers and delicious appetizers and enjoy the sunset!

I would definitely recommend visiting the aquarium and walking down the pier where you can enjoy a picnic by the light house and end your night at District Wine where you can enjoy some yummy wine tasting and food!

For a night out on the weekend is would recommend going to 2nd St. or Pine St, where you can enjoy bar hopping at its best. Places like Shannons and Hamburger Marys for an entertaining drag show. Padres is also one of my favorites for dinner and dancing. Saturdays are definitely the night to go as the crowd gets really fun and the music is great!

I would definitely recommend for a fancy dinner, trying out 555 East Steakhouse or The Boathouse.

It also has a ton of cute little bars with a fun vibe such as The Bamboo Club (tiki bar), The Blind Donkey (underground), and Roxannes (speakeasy) to name a few.

Long Beach is such a fun city and is extremely rich in small businesses. At every turn you can find something worth your while!

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?
VIDA would absolutely not be what it is without the support I had! Of course, I have to thank all of the people who have trusted me to tattoo their face along the way and all the people who have supported me in one way or an other—whether it be through a share on Instagram or passing along a recommendation,
Before actually getting to the point of booking clients though, my main supporters were definitely my mom and my partner, Bianca. At the time I discovered Microblading I had just recently been let go from my office job and didn’t have much to my name. Without hesitation, my mom offered to pay for my course in order to help me get started. That one gesture is literally what led me to the career I have now.
After taking that course my partner, Bianca supported me both emotionally and financially in the rest of my journey and invested her savings in me, basically. She believed in me and my potential and I am so grateful to her and all that she does for VIDA as my now business partner as well as my partner in life.
There have most definitely been times on this journey where I just wanted to throw my hands up and quit because of how hard it got, but through the tough times I am lucky enough to say that I never had a lack of support or kind words!

Website: Vidacosmetictattoo.com

Instagram: Vida Cosmetic Tattoo