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

Hi Heather, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As I was planning my move to Los Angeles from San Francisco, I was traveling down each month to do guest spots at different tattoo shops in LA. I found that I didn’t really love any one shop but I decided that I would put time in at one or two shops with the intent of opening up a space that would make me happy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been tattooing for 18 years and have worked very hard to get to where I’m at today. I had a traditional apprenticeship which is similar to an unpaid internship. It wasn’t easy and it was about three years of sacrifice but it was very rewarding and taught me to really appreciate my career path. It made me want to give something back to tattooing and I started with Holy Union Tattoo. I wanted to combine top notch tattooing in a safe and unique setting for everyone.

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?
The first stop would be to show them Holy Union Tattoo. I’m so proud of what Frankie and I have built! Coffee is always a priority and right next door to our tattoo shop is Eightfold and some of the best coffee I’ve had in LA. As for food, I love Kitchen Mouse in Highland Park and Monty’s Good Burger which has multiple locations but I frequent the Echo Park location. One of my favorite things to do when a friend is in town is to show them the little hidden things that LA has to offer. This city is so large and it really has something to offer everyone. A drive up Beachwood to walk around old Hollywoodland or a driving tour of the homes built by my favorite architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

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 definitely need to give a shoutout to my business partner Frankie Caraccioli. Without him I would not have been able to open Holy Union Tattoo.

Instagram: @holyuniontattoo

Facebook: @holyuniontattoo

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/holy-union-tattoo-los-angeles

Image Credits
Frankie Caraccioli and Brecken Jones

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.