We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Trei Post a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Trei, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Simply put: it took 35 years and a huge gamble to discover my purpose.
I’ve always had ambitions, and sought out challenges, even as a young adult. I’ve often found myself in leadership roles, and believed I would eventually become an FBI special agent. The hiring process is quite long, and when I didn’t receive an offer, I had to wait a full year before reapplying. This was very humbling, as I didn’t have a backup plan and felt incredibly unsure what direction to go next. I looked internally, and realized the positions and jobs where I helped people, were typically the ones I enjoyed more. Merely an observation back then, it finally clicked when I began my tattooing journey and understood the impact this art form can have.
My becoming a tattoo artist was wholly by chance and good vibes from the universe, as our life direction completely changed over the course of a month or two. I was offered an opportunity to apprentice under an old friend I served with over a decade prior. I thought he was joking since I had no viable art background, but he reiterated, so we all began working on the logistics. In the span of a month, I quit my warehouse gig, my wife transferred work locations, we purchased a house, moved a couple hours south to said home, and THEN I started my apprenticeship! The pressure I felt was immense, until I discovered how much joy tattooing brought me. It was the therapy I needed. Then I quickly understood that my new joy could be shared with others because they’re seeking the same! Don’t get me wrong; tattoos hurt, but there’s something to be said about that experience. People that get tattoos have stories to share, whether it’s a memorial piece, an anime character, or something silly to make someone smile. I’ve found purpose in listening to those stories, creating memories, and “trauma-bonding” with clients.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Trei, and I’m a tattoo artist from North Carolina. Both my parents were Marines, so I grew up about an hour from my current home. I joined the Marines myself in 2007, and was honorably discharged in 2012. I went back to school in Colorado, where I received my bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. I applied to the FBI, but did not make it through the entire hiring process. While I deliberated reapplying, I worked numerous roles, including personal training, database management, and personal banking. My mom was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer, so I moved from CO to NC to be close enough to help her. COVID comes into play, the world shuts down, and I’m unemployed for some time. My wife was supporting us, and an old Marine buddy offered a chance to learn how to tattoo. We make the moves and the new chapter begins!
Fast forward to 2025: my wife is close to finishing her degree in Cybersecurity since she was able to leave her full time job to focus on it. I’m another year into my career, and worked my first couple tattoo conventions last year! I continue to learn and grow each day to create something better, as I’m surrounded by wonderful people that push and support one another. I love doing full color pieces and projects, especially when they’re anime, comic book, or video game themed! I’m focused on refining my craft and finding my style as tattooing progresses. You can find me on Instagram @majin_no_kazari or by stopping by our shop Wet Bucket Tattoo in Sneads Ferry, NC! Be kind; stay humble.
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?
The three things that assisted my journey the most were dedication, support, and resourcefulness. Dedication does not mean eternity, but it requires effort and determination. “You get out what you put in” could not be more true in this context. Creating small goals that lead to a larger, more profound goal is an effective tool to measure your resolve and consistency.
Support is necessary because we’re human. We have emotional intelligence and can use that to help others. For all the individual achievements one might have, there is always something, or someone, that supported that result. Fostering relationships through shared activities and conversations can build a support system that spans the globe. Understanding you can rely on that support is enlightening and freeing, and feeds into the positive mindset.
Resourcefulness stems from analytical thinking and knowing where to look. Being able to diagnose a situation and inquire the applicable information is something that can be cultivated. Placing oneself in a challenging situation, or seeking out new ideas and people, generally results in facing adversity and potentially being uncomfortable. This creates opportunities for discoveries to be made in order to overcome the obstacles.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Ideal clients are those who are open-minded and have a clear idea or theme. Some of my best works were with clients who had a solid concept, but allowed for creative freedom. Being able to sit/lay for long periods of time, maintaining hydration, and regularly moisturizing skin are also high-priority characteristics.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wet-bucket.com
- Instagram: @majin_no_kazari
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