Meet Kelly Moon

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelly Moon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

The only way to improve at anything is through practice.

As an immigrant, I was taught to prioritize stability—get into a good college and secure a stable job. I followed that path, graduating from Georgetown and landing a six-figure job in NYC. But I was deeply unhappy. Though I wanted to leave after just three months, I stayed nearly two years before finally quitting my job, with no plan in place. It was the most terrifying decision I’ve ever made, but that leap of faith left me feeling empowered and less afraid. About a year later, I took another risk, quit my second corporate job, and moved to Korea to pursue my passion for art. Now, I’m a full-time tattoo artist and content creator in Oahu.

The first leap is always the hardest, but it prepares you to be bolder with each step. Over time, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and embrace the unknown.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Hi, I’m Kelly, a Korean American tattoo artist based in Oahu. I started my career in investment banking but made a complete shift in my mid-20s to pursue my passion for art.

I’m also a content creator, sharing my journey of learning to skateboard as an adult and navigating the challenges of being a beginner in a male-dominated sport. Both skateboarding and tattooing fuel my creativity and self-expression in unique ways. Currently, I’m focused on growing my tattoo business in Hawaii while creating relatable content for others who are finding their own paths later in life.

I’m especially excited to co-host a multimedia art workshop where participants will paint skateboard decks, combining my love for art, skate culture, and community. It’s happening soon in Oahu, and I can’t wait to see everyone’s creativity come to life.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Although I’m still early in my journey, these three qualities have been especially impactful for me: curiosity, resilience, and flexibility.

Curiosity opens doors. Being curious about your own thoughts, emotions, and the world around you can lead to unexpected opportunities. Study those who inspire you and be open to different perspectives.

Resilience is key. Failure is inevitable, but it’s also one of the greatest teachers. Push through the discomfort because things do get better. The challenges you face today can become the foundation for your growth tomorrow.

Flexibility is essential. If your heart isn’t in something anymore, it’s okay to pivot. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to embrace change and give yourself permission to evolve. You can reinvent your life as many times as you want.

For anyone starting out, don’t be afraid to adapt. Success isn’t a straight line, and every twist or turn can be a valuable lesson.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

The biggest area of growth for me has been learning to balance my life as a freelancer. Transitioning from the structure of corporate life to the unpredictability of freelancing has been a huge adjustment for me. I moved to Hawaii from the big city because I love being in nature, but I wasn’t allowing myself the time to enjoy the beauty around me. This past year has taught me to prioritize my health and happiness over productivity. Now, I make time for the things that truly bring me joy, like skateboarding and surfing, and in doing so, I’ve found a better work-life balance that fuels my creativity.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bitsofkelly, @chingootattoo