Have you ever had a dream that you let die because you thought you couldn't do it, weren't good enough, or it was too late to start? That's what I did with my dream of becoming a tattoo artist.

I've been obsessed with tattoos and tattoo culture since I was 15 years old. When I was a sophomore in high school, my brother's friend was a tattoo apprentice and would leave tattooed grapefruits in our fridge. That's the first time I can remember thinking that tattooing was the coolest job on the planet. I never entertained it as a job I could do though, because I didn't see myself as an artist. I decided I was bad at drawing after taking a particularly challenging art class in college and shelved my dream of tattooing until last year.

After five years of coaching people on authenticity and aligning with their purpose, and with a little encouragement from a tattoo artist friend, I realized that my next authentic step was to finally go after my dream of becoming a tattoo artist (and I've never felt more excited about anything!)

So I called bullshit on every excuse I let hold me back, and I decided a few days before my 38th birthday that I would teach myself how to draw and do my first tattoo by the time I was 40.

Now traditionally you would find an apprenticeship and learn from someone for 1-2 years, but the state of Oregon is very strict when it comes to tattooing. Apprenticeships are actually illegal here, and the only way to become a tattoo artist is to take 360 hours of training at an accredited tattoo school followed by passing two licensing exams. And honesty, I'm excited about taking this non-traditional route!

This is where you come in! School ain't cheap, and I have the opportunity to start this November. I'm deeply grateful for any size donation you make to help me realize my dream.

This isn't just about me. It's about every person I'll be helping feel more confident in their body, express who they are, or remember a loved one by giving them the gift of permanent artwork.

I love you!!