Meet Nina Dubovik

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

Hi Nina, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Hi, I’m Nina—a tattoo artist whose life was transformed by a dream. My story is about how taking risks, perseverance, and passion can help you create a new reality.
I’m originally from Belarus, but over the past few years, my life has spanned four countries: Belarus, Ukraine, Latvia, and finally the U.S., where I moved in 2023. I have a degree in chemical engineering and worked for many years managing construction projects. It seemed like I had chosen the “right” path: higher education, a stable job, and a career. But my creative side was always a part of me. Since childhood, I’ve loved photography and drawing, although I never thought I could make them a part of my professional life.
Everything changed in Ukraine, where I saw tattooing as a true art form for the first time. I met people whose works were incredibly beautiful and meaningful. It made me think about getting a tattoo myself and realize what a powerful way it could be to channel creativity.
But life became more complicated. The war forced me to leave Ukraine and start over in Latvia, and later in the U.S. I was focused on finding work, adapting to a new country, and learning a new language. For a while, I forgot about my dreams. But eventually, the constant challenges felt endless, and I decided it was time to take control, change direction, and start doing what I truly wanted.
The turning point came when I enrolled in a tattoo academy in Florida. I immediately realized this was exactly what I wanted to do. It was a challenge—studying, working, practicing on clients, and perfecting every technique—all to become a tattoo artist. Breaking into the industry wasn’t easy, overcoming language barriers and cultural differences.
But I didn’t give up. Every practice session, every client, and every new design helped me grow. Soon, I found a place in a studio that trusted me and gave me the chance to prove myself.
Today, I work as an independent tattoo artist. My favorite styles are fine-line tattoos, micro realism and blackwork. For me, tattooing is more than just art—it’s about trust. It’s the story that the artist and client create together.
I believe it’s never too late to start over. I began my tattoo journey at 35, overcoming many challenges, and this is just the beginning. If you have a dream, don’t wait. The first step could change your life.

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?

It’s been a year since I started my journey as a tattoo artist, and I can genuinely say I’m in love with what I do. Every part of the process fascinates me—learning, evolving, watching how my work comes to life and constantly thinking about how I can make it even better.

Even after long days, I find myself diving back into study—whether it’s on my day off or late in the evening. I observe other artists, exchange ideas with colleagues, and absorb everything I can from the environment around me.

What I truly cherish is the time spent during sessions. I love the connection I build with my clients, the trust they place in me, and that spark in their eyes when they see the finished piece. It means everything to me when they come back for their next tattoo. It’s a sign I’m doing something right.

Right now, my focus is fully on growth—both personally and professionally. When I look back at where I started just a year ago, the progress feels incredible. That’s what keeps me moving forward—this passion, this momentum. I think that’s the real secret to growing in any craft.

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?

For me, there are three things that matter deeply—and I’d say they’re a mix of personal qualities and mindset skills: self-belief, patience, and the understanding that nothing just falls into your lap overnight.

It’s easy to look at someone’s success and think it came quickly or effortlessly. But the truth is, behind every visible accomplishment there’s a long trail of effort—countless hours of learning, frustration, doubt, and quiet persistence. No one becomes great in a moment, and talent alone is never the full story.

What people often don’t see is the weight of experience behind each confident move, each clean line. Those so-called ‘overnight successes’ are almost always built on years of invisible work. That’s why believing in yourself, being patient with the process, and accepting that progress takes time—those are, in my eyes, the most essential things to carry with you.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

One of the most meaningful things my parents gave me was freedom—the freedom to choose my own path, to decide what I wanted to do with my life. They never imposed a direction or pressured me into anything. But at the same time, they instilled a strong value in me: if you choose to do something, follow through. Finish what you start.

That simple principle shaped so much of who I am. It taught me persistence, patience, and the importance of commitment. Their trust gave me space to explore, and their words gave me the discipline to keep going even when things got hard.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ninonika_tattoos
• Other: TikTok @ninonika_tattoos