We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tamara Baranova. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tamara below.
Tamara, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I was born and raised in Russia, where I was immersed in an atmosphere of creativity from a young age. Drawing, cross-stitching, painting clothes, and beading were all part of my world. I was always seeking ways to express my creativity. Alongside my passion for art, I had another dream: to travel and explore new horizons.
After earning a master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism, I built a successful career in this field, which was not related to creativity. However, moving to the United States over five years ago presented a real challenge. A new country, culture, language, and the absence of familiar people made adaptation difficult. Starting over at 33, after having a successful career in my home country, proved to be no easy task.
One day, a conversation with a friend was a revelation for me. She said, “You are creative, stylish, and feminine, with a unique taste. You draw beautifully. Why not try tattooing?” These words sparked a desire in me to explore a new path.
My journey into the world of tattooing began with self-education. As I started delving into the world of tattoos, I initially associated them with ruggedness and masculine energy, which seemed out of sync with my inner world filled with beauty and femininity.
I have a deep love for floristry, nature, and strive to create an aesthetically pleasing space around me. I realized that tattooing is an art form capable of expressing one’s inner world and individuality. Moreover, my passion for nature and aesthetics is reflected in my tattoos. I specialize in botanical and floral themes, as well as designs inspired by nature. These tattoos allow clients to not only adorn their bodies but also bring a touch of the surrounding world’s beauty into their lives.
Inspired by the work of a tattoo artist from Belarus, I decided to take a course in 3D nipple tattooing. I believe that if you undertake something, you should do it at the highest level. Extensive training and practice became integral parts of my journey.
My first job with a woman who had overcome cancer and lost a breast showed me the true value of this profession. Seeing her joyful and grateful reflection in the mirror made me realize that this work is not just a profession but a mission. Thus, my charitable project “Phoenix” was born, which helps women recover from loss and changes, restoring their confidence and inner harmony.
The project offers two free procedures a month, and appointments are booked several months in advance. Each procedure is an act of genuine dedication and care for the client, returning women’s confidence and sense of comfort.
My desire to help more women led me to create and launch a training course on “3D Nipple Tattooing” for other tattoo artists.
I am always striving to evolve and explore new horizons, and now my studio offers a unique service of semi-permanent/temporary tattoos in partnership with the brand “Made to Fade Ink.” These magical eco-friendly inks disappear within 1-3 years, giving clients the opportunity to experiment with design, style, and size, and try a new look without a lifetime commitment.
Tattooing has become a way of life for me. When I started, I could not have imagined that it would become not only my profession but also a part of my soul. My main goal is to make the world around me more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Whether through tattooing, restoring nipples for women, or growing a mini-garden on my patio—what matters is that there is harmony around me, and I am speaking not just about the material world.
My studio has become a second home where I can fully immerse myself in creativity and create something beautiful. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. I am grateful for the chance to do what I love and help people feel better. It is important to me that everyone who leaves my studio feels happy and satisfied with the result.
My story is an example of how one can find themselves and start a new life in a different country, overcoming difficulties and following their dreams. Tattooing has become not only a profession but a way to express myself, my inner world, and my desire to make the world around me a little more beautiful and harmonious.
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 am , and my journey began in Russia, where I was deeply immersed in a world of creativity from a young age. Art has always been a central part of my life, whether through drawing, cross-stitching, painting clothes, or beading. Alongside my passion for art, I harbored a dream of traveling and exploring new horizons.
After earning a master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism, I built a successful career in this field. However, relocating to the United States over five years ago marked a new chapter in my life. The challenge of starting a new in a foreign country, navigating a new culture, language, and the absence of familiar faces, made it clear that I needed to forge a new path.
The turning point came during a conversation with a friend who encouraged me to explore tattooing, given my creativity, style, and love for drawing. This advice sparked my interest, leading me to delve into the world of tattooing through self-education. Initially, I viewed tattoos as something associated with ruggedness and masculinity, but I soon realized that tattooing is an art form capable of expressing deep personal and aesthetic values.
What makes my work special is my focus on blending my passion for nature and aesthetics with tattoo art. I specialize in botanical and floral themes, creating designs that reflect the beauty of nature and allow clients to carry a piece of that beauty with them. Each tattoo is a personal and artistic statement, designed to resonate with the client’s individuality and appreciation for the natural world.
In addition to my artistic pursuits, I am deeply committed to empowering women through my charitable project, “Phoenix”. This initiative focuses on 3D nipple tattooing for women who have undergone breast cancer treatment and lost their breasts. The project provides two free procedures each month, helping these women regain their confidence and sense of self. This work is not only a professional endeavor but a profound mission that aligns with my values of empathy and support.
Recently, I have expanded my services to include semi-permanent/temporary tattoos in partnership with “Made to Fade Ink.” These eco-friendly inks offer a unique opportunity for clients to experiment with their tattoo designs, styles, and sizes without a lifetime commitment. This new offering reflects my commitment to providing flexible and innovative solutions for those exploring body art.
My studio has become a sanctuary where creativity thrives, and every day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. I am grateful for the chance to merge my artistic vision with my desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. My primary goal is to enhance the beauty and harmony in the world around me, whether through tattooing, supporting women’s recovery, or cultivating a serene mini-garden on my patio.
I hope that my work and initiatives resonate with those who value artistry, personal expression, and empowerment. Thank you for allowing me to share my story and the evolving journey of my craft.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have had the greatest impact on my journey are as follows:
Creative Approach: From a young age, I was immersed in the world of art and creativity. This quality allowed me to find a unique approach to every task and project. Whether it was drawing, cross-stitching, or tattooing, a creative perspective helped me find new solutions and create something unique.
Resilience and Adaptability: Moving to a different country and starting a new life in the U.S. required immense resilience and adaptability. These skills became crucial for overcoming difficulties and navigating the challenges associated with starting a new career in an unfamiliar environment.
Commitment to Learning and Improvement: A constant drive for learning and improving my skills has been essential for my professional growth. Taking a course in 3D nipple tattooing or mastering new techniques and approaches in tattooing allowed me not only to enhance the quality of my work but also to expand the horizons of my practice.
Advice for those just starting their journey:
Develop Your Uniqueness: Find what makes you unique and actively develop that quality. Your individuality and creative approach will become your main competitive advantages and help you stand out from others.
Be Prepared for Challenges and Adapt: Don’t be afraid to face challenges and learn to adapt to new conditions. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth and development. Resilience and flexibility will help you overcome obstacles and find solutions in difficult situations.
Continue Learning and Growing: Constant learning and skill improvement are key to success. Be open to new knowledge and methods, and don’t hesitate to try new things and enhance your skills. This will not only keep you relevant but also help you discover new opportunities for growth.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
1. Mastery of New Techniques: I have dedicated a substantial amount of time to learning and mastering advanced tattooing techniques, including 3D nipple tattooing. This has not only improved the quality of my work but also expanded the range of services I can offer to my clients. The training and practice involved in these new techniques have enhanced my technical skills and artistic precision.
2. Expansion of Service Offerings: I have introduced semi-permanent/temporary tattoos in collaboration with the brand “Made to Fade Ink.” This new service allows clients to experiment with different designs and styles without a long-term commitment. Developing and launching this offering has been a significant achievement, demonstrating my commitment to innovation and meeting diverse client needs.
3. Strengthening Community Engagement: My charitable project, “Phoenix”, focused on 3D nipple tattooing for women recovering from breast cancer, has grown significantly. Over the past year, I’ve refined the process, increased the number of free procedures offered, and built stronger connections with the community. This has not only provided meaningful support to those in need but also enhanced my personal fulfillment and professional impact.
Advice for those starting their journey:
Embrace Continuous Learning: Always seek to learn and improve. The tattoo industry, like many fields, is constantly evolving. Staying updated with the latest techniques and trends is crucial for growth.
Innovate and Diversify: Don’t be afraid to introduce new services or products. Experimenting with new ideas can set you apart and offer clients more options to explore.
Engage with Your Community: Building strong relationships and giving back to the community can be incredibly rewarding. It not only helps those in need but also enriches your own experience and professional satisfaction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/tattoma
- Instagram: tattoma.tattoo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tattoma.tattoo?mibextid=JRoKGi
Image Credits
All photo done by me
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