Meet Sofiia Streltsova | Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Sofiia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
1. What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

Starting my own career as a handpoke tattoo artist was deeply rooted in my desire to create meaningful, personal artwork that resonates with people on a spiritual and emotional level. I wanted to move beyond conventional tattooing and develop a practice that focuses on fine line designs, symbols, and mantras. Each piece carrying its own story and significance. For me, it wasn’t just about creating art, but about building a connection with my clients and offering them something deeply personal and long-lasting. My art is an extension of my values: mindfulness, creativity, and authenticity.

2. What’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?

“Stick to what works and don’t take risks.”
I find this advice too limiting. Growth and innovation come from experimenting and pushing boundaries, even if it means failing sometimes. In tattooing, every design is a challenge, and by taking on new ideas or techniques, I can expand my skills and offer clients something unique. Playing it safe rarely leads to meaningful growth.

3. Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?

Risk is an inevitable part of any creative career. For me, every tattoo is a collaboration, and each one comes with its own uncertainties. Whether it’s interpreting a client’s vision or working with challenging placements. Starting my own career was also a significant risk, especially focusing on handpoke techniques and symbolic designs in a market dominated by traditional machines. However, taking these risks has helped me carve out a niche and attract clients who resonate with my work. Risk, to me, is not something to fear but to embrace as a chance for growth and creativity.

4. What habits do you feel helped you succeed?

Discipline and mindfulness are two key habits that have helped me succeed. I make it a point to dedicate time every day to practicing my craft, whether sketching, researching symbols, or perfecting techniques. I also maintain a mindful approach to my work – focusing on intention, quality, and the energy I bring into each session. Staying organized, setting clear goals, and constantly seeking inspiration have also been instrumental in my journey.

5. What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?

The most important factor behind my success is the meaning and intention I bring to my tattoos. Clients come to me not just for aesthetic designs but for pieces that hold personal and spiritual significance. I focus on creating a safe, comfortable environment where they feel heard and understood, and this trust is the foundation of my brand. Additionally, my attention to detail and dedication to fine line handpoke techniques set my work apart.

6. What’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?

Patience and adaptability. Every client, every design, and every session is unique, and it’s essential to approach each one with patience. Tattooing has taught me to adapt to unexpected challenges, whether it’s technical adjustments or understanding the emotional needs of my clients. This has also taught me the value of listening – to clients, to my intuition, and to my own creative process.

7. Work-life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?

In the beginning, I poured all my energy into building my skills and my career, often at the expense of my personal life. Over time, I realized the importance of balance – not only for my mental and physical well-being but also for the quality of my work. Tattooing is a deeply personal art form, and burnout can affect the energy I bring to my clients. Now, I make it a priority to set boundaries, rest, and find inspiration outside of work through travel, nature, and creative exploration.

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.
The idea for my career as a tattoo artist came from my fascination with symbolism, mindfulness, and the power of storytelling.

I wanted to create tattoos that go beyond aesthetics and connect with people on a deeper level. Handpoke tattooing felt like the perfect medium for this – its intimate, meditative nature aligns with the kind of meaningful art I want to create. I combined this with my love for fine line designs and mantras, and my art naturally evolved from there.

I have been immersed in art since I was 7 years old and have over 20 years of artistic education, including architecture, drawing, design, and tattooing. Art has always been a central part of my life, shaping how I view and interact with the world. Tattooing, in particular, allows me to combine my technical skills with a deep emotional connection to others. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my art becomes a permanent part of someone’s story. Pursuing a creative career was never just a choice – it’s who I am and how I feel most alive.

I’m inspired by the beauty and complexity of life itself – nature, spirituality, and the stories people carry with them. Symbols and mantras from various cultures deeply resonate with me because they encapsulate universal truths and emotions. I’m also inspired by my clients – their openness, vulnerability, and the trust they place in me to bring their ideas to life. Lastly, the meditative process of handpoke tattooing inspires me every day to slow down and find meaning in each dot and line.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite places in San Francisco is the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. It’s a serene and beautiful space, perfect for relaxing, finding inspiration, or enjoying a quiet moment with a friend. The blend of nature, art, and culture makes it a must-visit spot, whether you’re exploring the koi ponds or savoring a cup of tea in the pavilion. It’s the kind of place that leaves you feeling peaceful and inspired.

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 owe a lot of my success to my parents, close friends, and one teacher in particular, whose name I prefer not to mention. My parents always supported me in all my endeavors, giving me the freedom to explore any direction I wanted. This openness allowed me to try different paths and eventually find a career that truly inspires me. My friends have been a constant source of encouragement, offering emotional support and honest feedback throughout my journey.

As for my teacher, I was incredibly inspired and awed by her style and artistry. She set an example of what can be achieved as a tattoo artist and showed me what dedication and passion for this craft can lead to. Her influence was instrumental in shaping my vision and pushing me to strive for excellence in my own work.

Website: https://sonyapokesyou.com

Instagram: @sonyapokesyou