Meet Julie Taing

We were lucky to catch up with Julie Taing recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is a real struggle, no doubt about it. When I transitioned from the makeup world to the tattoo scene, I found myself knee-deep in self-doubt. Constantly comparing myself to the tattoo wizards I looked up to really messed with my head, and it even started affecting my work.

But here’s the thing: I’m still in the ring with it, battling it every single day. So, how do I deal with it? I focus on improving just 1% every day. I kick off my mornings with a workout to get mentally prepared for the day ahead, visualizing every stroke and detail of the tattoo I’m about to create.

Once I’m finished with my client, it’s time for reflection. What went well? What didn’t? How can I level up? And you know what? I’m all about sticking to the basics. Mastering the fundamentals has been my saving grace. The more I nail those, the more confident I feel in my craft.

And here’s the real game-changer: I’ve learned to ease up on myself. Remembering that every Picasso started with stick figures, I remind myself daily to just show up. Setting small goals is my go-to strategy. Even if it’s just doodling for 10 minutes, it’s progress. Those little victories? They accumulate, pushing that imposter syndrome right out of the picture.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a permanent makeup artist, fine line tattoo artist, and business owner Adouré Studios ( permanent makeup and tattoo shop), what I do is not just a profession, it’s a passion. What excites and fulfills me the most is the opportunity to merge creativity with my career. Each day, I get to create art on a living canvas and forge genuine connections with my clients, guiding them through their personal journeys as they express themselves through tattoos or permanent makeup.

Growing up with Asian immigrant parents, pursuing a career in the arts wasn’t the traditional path they envisioned for me. There were moments of doubt and guilt, but today, I’m proud to challenge old beliefs and demonstrate that success can be found in unconventional careers. Making my parents proud while staying true to my artistic calling has been a rewarding journey in itself.

In my professional trajectory, I’m constantly exploring new mediums to enrich my work. Currently, I’m delving into charcoals and pastels, with aspirations to incorporate watercolors into my tattoo artistry. I’m also keen on expanding my repertoire to include animal portraits, offering clients even more diverse options for self-expression.

Looking ahead, my vision extends beyond my current studio. I aspire to open a tattoo shop that serves as a hub for creativity and collaboration, inviting like-minded entrepreneurs to join me in building a supportive community. I envision a space where inspiration flows freely, where communal events foster growth and camaraderie, and where artists can continually evolve and thrive.

Ultimately, my journey is about more than just tattooing or permanent makeup—it’s about fostering connections, breaking barriers, and creating a space where creativity knows no bounds.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities that truly made an impact were drive, perseverance, and courage. These qualities served as my compass, guiding me through the highs and lows of pursuing my passion in the tattoo industry.

Drive fueled my ambition and kept me relentlessly pushing forward, even when faced with obstacles or self-doubt. Perseverance was my constant companion, urging me to keep going despite setbacks or challenges. And courage, the inner strength I summoned to take risks, step out of my comfort zone, and pursue my dreams wholeheartedly.

For those who are just starting out on their own journey, my advice is simple: know your Why. Understand the deeper meaning behind what you’re doing. It’s not just about making money or achieving fame—it’s about finding purpose and fulfillment in your work. When you have a genuine emotional connection to your craft, it becomes more than just a job; it becomes a calling.

On those tough days when you’re plagued by self-doubt or setbacks, it’s your why that will sustain you. It will be the driving force that propels you forward, reminding you of the impact you’re making and the difference you’re striving to create. So, dig deep, find your why, and let it fuel your journey every step of the way.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to give me a better chance at a better life than their own. As immigrant parents who endured the hardships of the Phnom Penh war and fled their country as refugees to start a new life in America.

Their journey was marked by resilience, courage, and an unwavering determination to create a brighter future for us. They showed me firsthand what hard work looked like—often working multiple jobs to make ends meet and instilled in me the value of perseverance and resilience.

Moreover, my parents exemplified the possibility of crafting a life beyond one’s wildest dreams, as long as one is willing to put in the effort. They encouraged me to pursue my passions and dreams, but they also taught me to be brutally honest with myself about the amount of effort I was willing to invest. They emphasized the importance of not just dreaming big, but also rolling up my sleeves and putting in the work necessary to turn those dreams into reality.

Their unwavering support, coupled with their practical wisdom, has been the cornerstone of my journey, shaping me into the person I am today and fueling my drive to strive for excellence in everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.adoureink.com / www.adourebeauty.com
• Instagram: adourebeauty / adoureink
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/adouré-beauty-and-ink-san-diego-3
• Other: I have two websites. If you are looking to put just one website please go with the www.adoureink.com and the instagram handle adourebeauty

Image Credits

These are all my work Adouré Ink (fine line tattoo) Adouré Beauty (permanent makeup)

You can use any of the ones I uploaded