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

Hi Mike, what do you attribute your success to?
With over 30 years tattooing and over 20 years as a staple in the community. I’ve built a reputation on dedication, hardwork, and a passion for creating original art. From humble beginnings to establishing a successful brand. The success behind my brand Inkfiend Art is shaped through, overcoming hardships, finding my style to building a client base. As my career progressed I realized that the brand needs to live on, and in order to do that, it is important for me to give back. I’ve had the privilege of mentoring aspiring tattoo artist and troubled youth. I found a way to fast track their apprenticeship, to help them provide a bright future for themselves and their families. My son is now following in my footsteps as an apprentice, ensuring the next generation of our brands success. To sum it all up, my Inkfiend style has honed over 3 decades of blending traditional and modern. This distinctive approach has earned me a recognition and attracted a loyal client base. But it wouldn’t have thrived without my family. The encouragement the support to pursue my passion and build a thriving business. I’m grateful for my wife, my kids, my brothers, my students, my Inkfiend family.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art and brand Inkfiend Art is deeply rooted in my personal journey. I am now 52 years old , I’ve been tattooing for 30 years. My art is set apart from the traditional Asian tattoos. I like to call it East meets West, its a blend of my Asian heritage and my city of Los Angeles . Its fierce , its bold, it showcases confidence and creativity. It wasn’t easy getting here, it was always difficult to be accepted by your peers, but with a family and a wife who believed in me, it shaped me as an artist and a person who just wants to do good in life. Lastly, I want the world to know me as the kid who survived the killing fields of Cambodia, and became a world renowned artist and entrepreneur by not giving up and working hard and following your dreams .

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.
My shop is located in Alhambra, California. Aside from visiting Inkfiend and getting a bad ass tattoo, to start your trip. Near me I would tell them to visit and explore Old town Pasadena, get the best tacos at King taco. Along , valley Blvd near the shop, there are plenty of great Asian Food. NBC seafood have great dimsum. Go to the UFC gym in Rosemead and work off the calories .

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to my wife , my kids , my brother Frank who also owns IFA 2 , and my other brother Richard who owns Inkfiend O.C. they are my biggest supporters and a pilar to the community. Shout out to each and everyone that got tattooed by me and at all Inkfiend locations . Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Website: https://Www.inkfiendart.com

Instagram: Mastermike_inkfiendart

Yelp: Inkfiend art tattoo

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.