Meet Valeriia Volokhova | Ooqza Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Valeriia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, it all started kind of by accident. Back then, I didn’t see tattooing as a business or anything serious—I was just doing it for fun, hanging out with friends. But eventually, I started making a little money from it—not much, but enough to keep me motivated to get better. I had this drive to stand out, to make my mark, and to have a real impact on the industry and culture. I looked up to tattoo artists who were bigger at the time, and that inspired me to push myself further. That’s when I made the decision to really go for it. I set a goal: to become a world-renowned tattoo artist and to create my own unique, recognizable style.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s been a long road to get where I am today. I’m completely self-taught, and of course, I failed a lot in the beginning—but I never gave up. I just kept trying. No one showed me the right way to do things; there wasn’t much information out there at the time, so I had to piece it all together from whatever I could find online. I knew that if I stuck with it, it would eventually lead me somewhere, and I’d create something truly my own—something special.

I always believed I’d make it, even though it wasn’t easy. There were times when I felt like giving up, but I had set a goal for myself, and quitting just wasn’t an option. I couldn’t let myself down. I didn’t see any other path, so I stayed focused, constantly learning and growing.

The root of my art comes from personal experiences and traumas—my demons, so to speak. It’s raw, honest art that comes straight from the depths of my subconscious. People who follow my work understand what I’ve felt; it resonates with them. And I think that’s why everything came together for me in the end.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It really depends on what time he arrives, but I’d try to line up some cool car events since I’m into JDM culture—I’d definitely want to share that with him. One day, we’d hit up a cozy brewery like *Benny Boy* or *Glendale Tap*, which was actually voted one of America’s best taprooms. After that, maybe we’d play some pool at *The Brickyard Pub* in Hollywood.

Since we’re both into fashion, I’d take him to *Wasteland*—it’s a great spot for scoring some unique finds. Of course, we’d have to take in some classic LA views: the Griffith Observatory for the cityscape or a relaxed picnic at *Hollywood Lake Park*, right next to the Hollywood sign.

Tacos are non-negotiable. We’d grab some of the best street tacos at *Angels Tacos*, and for a more upscale vibe, we’d hit *Mirate*, which serves incredible Mexican food and great cocktails.

And of course, the beach. While the Santa Monica Pier is worth checking out at least once, the best beaches are in Malibu—*Point Dume* is my personal favorite spot.

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