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

Hi Nancy, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
During my decision making to fully commit on becoming a tattoo artist, I knew I was going to face challenges and sacrifices. The most difficult decision I ever had to make was sacrificing the time spent with my daughter. At that time I had recently filed for divorce and had a full time job but eager to start my career. I also had just move in with my brother. Many changes were being made so rapidly. Although I had family support I didn’t know all the challenges I was going to face. From having two to three jobs at one point and to having to fully drop a stable income to fulfill my career as a tattoo artist. My daughter has always been my priority and my drive to push my limits to show her is never too late to follow your dreams. She is my inspiration to wake up every morning and try. As my journey continued I noticed this decision did affected my relationship with my daughter and I felt lost. However as I battle to shake off absence she saw how hard I worked to get us in a better situation. Each year that past I improve as an artist and as a single mother. This difficult decision put me in a whole perspective of what it is to seek success while being a single mother and face challenges on a daily but finding a balance between personal life and career. My daughter is my most valuable treasure and I will do it all over again for her.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ved always had the passion for art. Since I discovered my talent at such a young age I never lost interest on pursuing it as a hobby and will always find myself doodling in class or as an adult at work. I kept practicing it occasionally until one day my brother suggested to become a tattoo artist. When I finally decided to jump in and take it seriously I went in with an open mind in hopes to discover my true calling on style and to find my creativity and let it thrive. Im getting closer to completing my third year as a tattoo artist. As I find myself enjoying floral designs and creating blackwork or even geometric and at times new school tattoos. I have yet to stumble across my unique style. As I explore this elements more and more and ways to make a piece stand out on a unique level I’m not closing doors rather open new once till I find what sets me apart in this industry. As I continue to practice I learn everyday is a lesson and there is always room for improvements. The way our body curves and have a unique canvas every time you place a design I feel as the challenge will always be different as it will not be overcome but be accommodate to the wishes or desire of each individual who trusts me as their artist . Something I would like to share with world about my journey as a tattoo artist is that as I develop my creativity I will go under many changes to awaken what represents my uniqueness I will go under happy mistakes to highlight a distinctive sketch in hopes that I will gain trust to perform my work on a walking canvas…

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 love to do things a bit on the personal level. I would take them to downtown Denton hit the coffee shop, West Oak Coffee Bar, then take a stroll on the square. There is much to see from visiting antique shops or old record store. I like to start at, Denton Mini Mall II, then wonder off at the vintage stores around the area such as, Old Bear on the Square, Les Muses Vintage, Vegabond Vintage Denton, just to name a few. Of course you gotta stop and eat after all that walking, must try LSA Burger Co. such a lovely scenery if seated at the balcony or inside has a interesting mural painting, food is great and the atmosphere feels right. In all, I also enjoy walks at a preserve such as Arbor Hills Nature Preserve which is close to home or one that has become a great experience has been Caprock Canyon State Park & Trail so much natural beauty, I encourage anyone who loves the out doors to visit there. To finish this adventure I also enjoy rock climbing, it became a fun hobby and there are two places I suggest. One Dino-Rock indoor Climbing Center or Movement Plano both are fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First off, I’ll give a shoutout to my lovely daughter without her I wouldn’t have found the strength to move forward with my daily task. And for my mentor Javier Tamez shop owner of Cedar Hollows Tattoo Studio who guided me to what a tattoo artist is all about and still teaching me to become a better artist. Also to my wonderful friend Angel Garcia a fashion designer who pushed me with positivity and hard work and dedication will pay off. And finally I can’t forget my brother Luis Ochoa, specializing on Home Theater and Home Security, for giving me my first machine and believing in me as well as being one of the first once to let me practice on him.

Instagram: Fancynancyink

Image Credits
B&W Photos: Jesus Ayala

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