Today we’d like to introduce you to Shortie Vega Vanity Tattoos.
Hi Shortie Vega, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It started in 2015-NJ, in our dining room lol (it was on my husband at the time). It was a Nor-Cal star with 3 dice for Cielo. It was Just to try it out, just for fun. It came out good! it came out clean!
Next thing you know I’m applying for an apprenticeship- I had no idea how a tattoo apprenticeship was- so instead of art and tattoo work I had done, I came in dressed in dress pants, an overthrow, heels, and with a resume in my hand. lol!
(painting, drawing, and art- was in my background)
After my interview he said” I have no idea what your art is like, but like but there’s something about you that I like”
I started my apprenticeship the next day- I was there faithfully Monday through Saturday- Wednesdays and Sundays were my days off. I would draw and trace, draw and trace, over and over again. when I wasn’t I was cleaning bathrooms, sweeping for the 8th time, I would go out in negative degree weather to get coffee for clients and artists, or go food shopping for the owner, paint the building, clean and scrub tubes for other artists, you name it was doing it.
(nothing like todays apprenticeships)
We struggled, we had 2 kids, and we were young parents. 1 working parent while the other was doing an unpaid apprenticeship. I thought about quitting to go back to work but my kid’s dad wouldn’t let me. he would say “it’s an open window- don’t close it. I got you. we got this.”
I kept going, kept growing, kept pushing, my support system was strong!
Fast forward, I finished my apprenticeship, and after tattooing a few years now, we decide to move to California in 2019.
I worked at a shop out there – then life happened; my partner/husband of 14 years, my best friend, my kid’s dad- was gone.
I stopped tattooing. I said i would never do it again. I said I wanted nothing to do with it, it took too much time away from my family. few months later- Covid-19, few months later after that; the new landlord is telling me I have to move out. I tell her it’s tough because of covid and my husband’s passing- she replied, “I’m sorry that’s not my problem” lol ( aint that some shit),
finances were getting tight. During the time I took off- I dedicated it to my boys. I dedicated it to us healing, we started going to church.
Now I was reading the word, now things began to shift-to make scene. Pain turned into understanding that led me to Jesus.
Laying in a bed crying, as a single mother of 2 boys was not an option. now I had to be Mom and Dad. now I had to be my kids support system, a had to learn how to love myself a different way, I had to rewire my brain. I prayed hard! – I gave it all to God. I put everything in his hands.
God says- “Give it to me and I will multiply it.”
In middle of Covid- he Blessed us with a shop- VANITY TATTOOS. He blessed us with a home of our own, Today, I travel all around the US tattooing, I have won tattoo awards, I do tattoo modeling, magazines, expos.
I meet new people, artist, and see the world and how big it is. Nothing came easy- it has been about consistency and trust. Today I am a successful Entrepeneur- Today I teach my kids and many people to never give up, to keep pushing despite how tough it may seem. God does not sleep.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Theres always going to be challenges- I believe its about over coming those lies that sometimes pop in our heads-
shifting negative thoughts and converting them into positive realities.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Professional Tattoo Artist, my favorite styles are black and grey realism, especially flowers, calligraphy, along with the style of fine line. giving my FineLine a unique look to it where it’s a little more on the darker side yet still fine.
I also model tattoos, showing off how sexy elegant tattoos are and the vibe they give, how they boost self-confidence and self-expression.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Never give up, keep pushing despite how tough it may seem.
Work hard- Art doesn’t stop growing and neither should you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vanitytattoos.as.me/schedule/294044e5
- Instagram: @vanitytattoos_
