We were lucky to catch up with Dennis Doan from The Doan Foundation recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dennis, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As a minority growing up in the United States, especially as the first member of my family to have been born here, I was programmed to withstand being spoken to with negative connotation, judged and stereotyped with false pretense, looked down upon and underestimated by the bulk of society. I was taught to ignore the condescension, to stay quiet even when I could decipher the American mannerisms and belittling towards my family, and to walk away at the first sign of social turbulence.
Although my principles remained deeply rooted to my culture as I grew up in this environment, my character inevitably became asphyxiated with the shallowness of the world around me. I was a poor kid surrounded by other poor kids on a daily basis who passively competed with one another about who had the more expensive shoes, clothes, or backpacks. Kids competed on who was the toughest or who could catch the eyes of the most girls. Each and every day was a popularity contest. I watched in silence as I watched Asian kids picking on other Asian kids that just immigrated here just because they hadn’t adapted to the cruelness of their newfound home yet. I watched as these “other” kids talked back to their superiors and it didn’t phase them one bit. I was in awe of the privilege that they possessed to be who they wanted to be, say what they wanted to say, and do what they wanted to do without repercussion which drew me in like a magnet. The fact that they had no clue about what they wanted to do in the future and faced no pressure of becoming more than what they were was inconceivable to me as as kid who was under immense pressure to be the greatest at every micro-task my family would throw at me..
As a first generation Asian-American, it doesn’t matter where you start- you’re expected to end up at the top. This pressure to be great haunted me for the entirety of my childhood. As an Asian-American, I was expected to be good enough to avoid mediocrity and the critique of my family’s social circle, but not too ambitious as it would draw too much unwanted attention. But when my family broke apart, that pressure was surprisingly relieved. Although this tragic milestone was the most painful time of my life- unbeknownst to me, it was also the beginning of my freedom. But with that freedom came responsibilities that even I, being as mature as I was, was much too young to deal with.
As a teenager who lost his way, I had to learn how to navigate the world on my own and absorb all of the mistakes that came along with it. I didn’t want to be just another Asian kid that would live a life following the “Asian Handbook” so I had to find a way to stand out. So I took my love for the arts and became a tattoo artist at the age of 15. It was never my intention to take tattooing on as a career, as I was raised into thinking that the arts was not a viable career path. It was engraved in me that I would have to become a doctor or an equivalent.
But with no other financial options in my purview at that age and my Father’s struggles to keep us afloat, it was a fortunate and accidental discovery that I could actually relieve some of that burden by dabbling in tattooing.
The tug-of-war between making money and going to school while I was attending High School was a balance that I am amazed I was able to decipher. My sophomore and junior years were terrible because I ditched school at least once or twice a week in order to stay home and tattoo. Being as good a student as I was, I was able to make up all of my time in spades, as I went on to graduate with honors and was awarded a full ride scholarship to San Diego State University.
My professional tattoo career at an actual tattoo studio started when I started college. So the need to balance was still apparent. As 2 years passed, I realized that school no longer peaked my interest so I made the hasty decision to not go back after a Winter Break. I tattooed my neck the same day to ensure that I would not go back. My tattoo career would be my last hope. That was the best decision of my life. I don’t know where I would be today if it wasn’t for the arts.
The tattoo industry at the time didn’t include many Asians, to say the least. It was an industry filled with Caucasion and Hispanic tattoo veterans who had been around for centuries and only passed down their knowledge to maybe one or two individuals in a lifetime. It was not difficult for me to stand out- being one of the few Asian artists in San Diego, and also the youngest of them all. This was both a curse and a blessing. I continuouslly got compared to the “others” in the tattoo world and was told that I would never amount to their level. And on the other end I had my peers and family telling me that I was making the biggest mistake of my life. “It’s a waste of time” they said. I lied for many years and told the world I was simply taking a short break from school and taking on a job in graphic design. The pressure to be great was once again prevalent, but at least this was a pressure that I had chosen for myself and not a path that was forced upon me. I overcame it in spades.
Navigating the world as a tattoo artist was an obstacle- both in the cut throat industry itself and on the streets. As a teenager up until this very day, I have a fear of simply walking across the street because of the way I look. Not because I am Asian, but because I am a tattooed, bald Asian man decorated in tattoos. I am not the stereotype that they concoct in their mind. When you watch a movie, you either get the really nerdy depiction of Asians or the organized crime Asians- there’s never an in-between. So I undoubtedly get pulled over 100% of the time I walk across the street and the police happen to make eye contact with me. When my vehicle isn’t tinted, this is also a frequent occurrence. And the troubling thing is, I don’t blame them. “It comes with the territory” they say. My own people in the Asian community still have strides to make regarding the judgement of tattooed individuals, for it has been cursed as a taboo in all societies for so much of history. It doesn’t help that there are still individuals representing the tattoo community that continue to conduct themselves in ways that villafy us either.
Every time I met with a realtor to try to open a business, every time I attended a charity event, every time I gave a news interview, every time I walked into a room full of unmarked people – I was instantly written off, until I wasn’t. This forcing of change in perception only happens when you speak up and show up, I learned. Nothing changes if nothing changes. I have made it my life’s goal to change these misconceptions.
As I overcame society’s obstacles and worked up to becoming a successful business owner, I have been fortunate enough to get myself to a place where I am able to give back. From teaching more minority artists how to tattoo to helping strangers start their own businesses- I believe that we can turn the tide and level the playing field for the betterment of society and humanity as a whole. Through the bridge of culture comes understanding and opportunity.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
For the last 18 years, I have focused on my tattoo career with maximum momentum. I can’t say I have met any tattoo artist that has ever worked harder or sacrificed more than I have. The sacrifices that I made to force this career to work and become fruitful were well worth it. I calloused my mind and my body over the years to endure the pain of hard work.
I have been consistently booked for 2 years at a time for the past 13 years. I have finally established a team of artists whom I can trust with my business without having to micro-manage it. I no longer have to do 18 hour days to ensure that we won’t make the rent. I no longer have to worry about taking on disrespectful clients because I have mouths to feed. I am finally able delegate.
All of my years as an adolescent were spent “wanting”. Growing up in a marginalized neighborhood suppresses your dreams in ways. You grow up with thoughts in the back of your head that constantly tell you that there is a wall that you can’t climb. So when I was able to get to the other side of the wall- I feared of one day going back. I sacrificed all of my life to protect and secure this career that I had somehow magically made a success out of.
But once you obtain all your “wants” you start to think about your “purpose”. I love changing people’s lives through my art, but I wanted a different approach that would allow me to reach more people and help more people with the assistance that I wish was available to me when I was growing up.
I decided to start a non-profit organization called The Doan Foundation in the summer of 2022. The original objective was simply to establish scholarships for teenagers from marginalized communities in Southern California so that they embark on their careers in the arts. As I’ve previously mentioned, careers in the arts have always been looked down upon in minority communities because it’s disassociation with “wealth”. However, I am a testament to the potential that the arts can have on a kid with no hope. I felt as though society stays so focused on trying to solve so many overwhelming tragedies such as world hunger that sometimes it’s the kids in our backyard that are left forgotten. This is why I chose to only focus on Southern California for the time being so that I can try to help the lives of the next generation around me.
The Doan Foundation is a charitable organization. The “foundation” in The Doan Foundation alludes to the fact that we are trying to be a child’s foundation for success- a foundation that they can build their lives upon and seek the guidance and the resources they need to navigate the world of the arts.
My family came over to America with next to no money, no home of their own for years, no English, no jobs, and no dreams for themselves. They simply wanted a better life for their kids. My father once said to me, “I’m glad you’re successful and you can take care of your own. I wish I had something to leave back for you and your brother. I have nothing to give you when I die..” This is honestly the moment I decided to establish the organization. I wanted to show all the other minorities like me that a family not made of money- a family that came from nothing can rise up to the occasion when the world is in need. You don’t have to be rich to start giving back, and you don’t need to have political influence or popularity to simply lend a helping hand. I wanted this massive undertaking to leave a mark in the world, however small it may be.
We have only been established for half a year and have already been able to fund multiple scholarships for our program and have over 60 applicants from teenagers all over Southern California. We have forged relationships with community partners all over the United States and have helped amplify so many of their voices. After our one year mark, we intend to diversify our approach so that the whole community can get more involved. We have a small but mighty team of Board Members who have the experience to help implement real change and we are excited about what the future brings.
I never intended for The Doan Foundation to get as much traction as it has. I honestly wanted to simply fund scholarships myself on an annual basis and maybe use other donations to help with it and hope that maybe one day I can take it on all a full time gig if my hand ever fell off and I couldn’t tattoo anymore. . But one of my board members said to me, “why do it at all?” That’s when my prerogative changed completely. I have always been an “all in” kind of guy. So it was only my fear of failing in a venture that wasn’t native to me that made me second-guess myself.
Launching a new venture of any sort is stressful, but I can proudly say that this is by far the most rewarding work of my life. As my tattoo schedule is still extremely tight, I have to make time to manage the non-profit organization in my free time, which means mornings, nights, and my days off. But being able to read the stories that the students share in their essays, meeting members of the community, and becoming community partners with other organizations to help amplify our reach has been a breath of fresh air compared to the daily grind.
One of the things I am most proud of about our organization is that we don’t just support “the arts” in the way one would typically suggest. We support arts of all kinds. Whether a student is looking to pursue barber school, nail school, dance, or music- we will help. We feel as though a lot of the premium scholarships are only available to kids who excel academically- and although this is great, you have kids out there who don’t have the means or the time or privilege, for the matter, to excel as much as they would like academically. Let me explain.
Growing up, I was friends with many kids who had to start working at the age of 15 or 16 years old in order to assist their families. They ultimately did not have the luxury of “time” to study and be the best of the best at their high schools EVEN if they had the potential to. A lot of families living around us go through the same thing in every lifetime. To limit a young individual to a scarcity of career options is detrimental to their potential of succeeding. And to discourage them from their passions is shameful. They are too often shut out and they deserve to have the opportunity to prove their potential.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I would say that my stubborness is my best quality, although at times it resulted in a lot of wasted time. I went above and beyond in all things to “make it work” whatever that thing may have been. I eventually excelled in the things that I invested my time in because the fear of being wrong or having to ask for help was much worse than failing.
My ability to catch on to things quick and my need to know how every gear in the machine worked was also a quality that I believe helped me achieve success. When I start a business, I make it a point to learn anything and everything that has to do with that business before I tackle it on. If all else fails, you must understand the ins and outs of your business. People that work with you and work for you will come and go as lives progress and change. You have to depend on yourself above all else and always be ready for mishaps and be able to resolve them. From plumbing, building walls, to doing payroll and taxes- you must make it a point to excel in everything and everything if you want to guarantee success.
My well-roundness in the world overall has been the most impactful asset that I possess. I have been a chameleon my whole life. I was a kid that dressed like a thug and hung out with gangsters while I was an exemplary student in my Honors and AP classes all throughout my teenage years. I had knowledge of music from all around the world and my knowledge of different cultures and their customs were unmatched. I was simply a curious human being- not knowing that this curiosity would one day prove to be the key factor in my relationships with my clients.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
People don’t realize this because I mask it well, but I am overwhelmed almost every single day as I take one multiple projects at a time. However, I don’t see overwhelmingness as a problem- I view it as a challenge.
You take on more than you can chew a little bit at a time and it builds your tolerance. The struggles that you go through each and every day callous your mind and your body to take on more and more. This is what sets people apart- their ability to endure. A person’s full potential unlocks in moments of crisis.
18 years ago I used to have to focus on drawing one tattoo design for 2-3 days and it took all of my focus. You look at me today and you will find me working on 3 tattoo designs, graphic designing content for my non-profit, scheduling clients, and on the phone paying bills at the same time.
Everyone has their own pace, you just need to find yours. But you can’t settle for what you THINK is your limit. You can be greater and you will be greater if you’re willing to sacrifice a little bit of your peace each and every day.
I believe that mental health is important, which is why I am so keen on strengthening it rather than settling on keeping it idle. When a human being is in a coma, you have to rehabilitate their body. The mind needs that same stimulation.
You have to remember that suffering now will bring you nirvana later down the line. Do everything you can while you can. It’s okay to take a break- but remember that putting the pieces back together can sometimes take more energy than finishing on the first go.
Contact Info:
- Website: doan-foundation.org
- Instagram: @dizzydoan @doanfoundation
- Facebook: facebook.com/doanfoundation
- Other: blvcklotvs.com
