Meet Gabrielle Ballard

 

We recently connected with Gabrielle Ballard and have shared our conversation below.

Gabrielle, 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.

I have always had a strong draw toward art, people and music. Growing up, I was taught that the goal was always stability and financial security. However, as I became an adult, I realized I had a different purpose. I was not destined to walk the safe or conventional path. Getting tattoos has always been a healing experience for me and I had a strong desire to be able to provide that for others.

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?

I am a tattoo artist and co-owner of Valkyrie Art Collective in Stoughton, WI with my business partner Lie. I love being able to help people build confidence and become more at home in their skin. It is amazing to be able to meet so many different people and get to know them on a personal level. Many of my clients have been with me for years, and it is a pleasure to watch them go through life and allow my artwork to live with them. It is an honor to be able to make long lasting connections and continue to hone my craft. We are excited to be celebrating two years of business at Valkyrie in October of 2025.

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?

Three helpful things that I learned is persistence, punctuality and the willingness to grow. Nothing worth doing is easy, finding your strengths is just as important as your weaknesses. Continue to challenge that which you do well and push yourself to grow in the areas you are lacking. Know your boundaries and when you are willing to push them. Creating a schedule to stay task oriented is very helpful to help stay organized and clear headed.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I am extremely fortunate to be raised and surrounded by strong women. Each one is a force of nature, whether it is my mother with her strong work ethic, my business partner with her artistic drive and sense of humor, or my grandmother for her kindness and resilience, they have all supported me and inspired me to be a better artist and person.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Lie Severson, Ally Wagner, Tessa Morhardt

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