Meet Gabriella Evaro: Hand Poke Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Gabriella, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Believing in myself and true dedication to my craft. Believing in myself was one of the hardest steps to taking this path. There is such real fear to failure or never being enough or never making enough money to survive. I have learned that I must get out of my own way and push myself to work hard, do what I love and all my dreams will, can and are coming true.

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 an artist through and through and I have always known this about myself sense I was a little girl. I do many different art forms and tattooing was something I always wanted to pursue one day. Once I saw hand poke coming around 5 years ago, I knew at that moment I would love it completely. To me tattooing is a skill you will never stop learning from. Everyone’s skin is so different, every part of the body is so different and with each piece I truly feel myself grow. It is so sacred and such a deep energy exchange. Being a self employed artist is not easy. I have always done music and art but had a stable job in retail and serving to make sure I never didn’t have money to survive. Once finally leaving retail and serving to possibly having clients to sometimes not having any at all as I build a name for myself was scary and hard work. To make that first initial jump was very hard but I am so grateful I didn’t let fear rule my decisions. I am blessed enough to work in a perfect little studio that I get to build clientele and truly be in a space that is gorgeous, relaxing and most importantly a safe place for everyone. I absolutely love my job and love tattooing. I love working with clients and creating some gorgeous for them! Tattooing is able to fuel my other passions in life and for the first time in my life I am happy and doing what I love completely. I just want to continue to do all the things that speak true to me. Cheers to more Magic!

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.
I am a Joshua Tree native and have been here my whole life. To me the entire Hi-Desert is gorgeous and so sacred. My favorite store of all is the Grateful Desert Herb Shoppe and Apothecary! incredible herbal tinctures, aromatherapy sprays, essential oils, bulk herbs, witchy books and more! It is worker owned and Jenny Q the Herbalist is one of the most beautiful humans, boss, witches I have ever known. I would definitely recommend going to Yucca Kabob for food, it is some of the best Mediterranean food! There also is Sam’s Indian, Corssroads Cafe, The Dez and Roadrunner Grab and go. These are just some of my favorites, we might not have quantity but we have quality. I would definitely visit the Joshua Tree National Park and if you can spend a few days camping. It is so massive and so peaceful. The park is a wonderful place to do a soul tune up. The Integratron is stunning and if you have the opportunity to get a sound bath I highly recommend it. Another soul tune up. Pappy and Harriets is another iconic place to visit, eat and explore. To many things to list but if the desert speaks to you she speaks to you. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I couldn’t of done this with out the love, support and encouragement of my family, closest friends and my partner Chris Unck and my beautiful friend, mentor and co worker Taylor Compton. Chris surprised me with my hand poke kit and has always supported my growth and me. He has always been such a source of inspiration and motivation. Taylor Compton owner of Love Always Tattoo, has always been a friend of mine and as she was growing her in career she began seeing my work, encouraging my growth, took me under her wing and I began to work in her studio. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

Instagram: Gabriellaevaro

Facebook: Gabriellaevaro

Image Credits
Penelope Valentine