Meet Chad West

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chad West. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Chad, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

“My work ethic comes from the grind — nothing was ever handed to me. I had to build everything from the ground up, so I learned early that hustle, focus, and showing up every day is what separates you from the rest.”

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Chad West, but most people know me as Cali. I’m a tattoo artist and creative entrepreneur focused on bringing art to life through realism, storytelling, and emotion. My work blends technique with meaning — every piece I do tells a story, whether it’s personal, cultural, or spiritual. What makes it special to me is seeing how art can connect people — how an idea becomes something permanent that lives on skin and carries power.

My journey started from humble beginnings, and everything I’ve built has come from discipline, faith, and a passion for growth. I’m big on evolution — constantly pushing my craft to the next level and inspiring others to do the same.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding my brand and reaching a wider audience through collaborations, pop-ups, and new visual projects. I’m also developing ways to give back — mentoring younger artists and helping them find their own lane in the industry.

At the end of the day, what drives me is legacy. I want my name, Cali, to stand for quality, creativity, and authenticity — something that lasts longer than the ink itself.

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, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey were consistency, creativity, and patience.

Consistency is everything. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you’re not showing up every day, pushing your limits, and staying locked in, it won’t mean much. The days when no one’s watching — that’s when your real growth happens.

Creativity keeps me evolving. I never wanted to just do tattoos — I wanted to create art that speaks. I study different styles, lighting, and cultures to keep my work fresh and meaningful. My advice is: don’t box yourself in. Stay curious and let your inspiration come from everywhere.

And patience — that’s the hardest but most valuable one. Success doesn’t come overnight. It takes time to master your craft and build a name people respect. Don’t rush the process. Every setback, every slow moment, it’s all part of your foundation.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is simple: invest in your skills, protect your vision, and stay hungry. Focus less on being seen and more on being solid — because when your work speaks for itself, everything else will follow.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that really played a role in my development is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s one of those books that hits different every time you read it, depending on where you are in life.

The biggest lesson I took from it is about trusting your journey — that everything you go through, good or bad, is shaping you for your purpose. It taught me that chasing your “Personal Legend,” or your calling, isn’t easy. You’ll face doubt, fear, and setbacks, but if you stay locked in on your vision, the universe moves with you.

Another thing that stuck with me was the idea that real success isn’t just about the destination — it’s about the process and the growth you gain along the way. That mindset helped me stay grounded and patient, even when things weren’t moving how I wanted.

Overall, The Alchemist reminded me that faith, perseverance, and purpose are everything. You can’t rush destiny — but you can prepare for it by showing up every day and doing the work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nowNforever.com
• Instagram: foreverinkbycali

Image Credits

photo are all own by me