Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Felicia Maria Olivo.
Hi Bianca Felicia Maria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was 17, I lost my father tragically to suicide on September 24th 2016. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, or how I was ever going to be able to recover from such a traumatic loss. Shortly after his passing I celebrated my 18th birthday by getting a tattoo in memory of my dad. After getting my first tattoo I was hooked. I always knew I wanted to be heavily tattooed. I loved the way it felt to finally have a tattoo. I was determined to figure out how to keep that feeling alive in me.
I was pushed by my wonderful mother to go to college and pursue a degree in something- it didn’t matter what. At first I tried nonprofit administrations. At the time I was working for a nonprofit and I absolutely hated it. While that job wasn’t fulfilling, my friends in college were asking me to draw tattoos for them in my free time. I’ll never forget it, my friend Amber asked me to draw her a lightbulb with flowers on the inside. Later that week she got it tattooed on her and it was from that point on I realized “oh, I need to figure out how to tattoo!”
It lit a fire under me. I wanted to drop out of college , figure out how to tattoo, and start working! With a mother like mine, I was not allowed to ditch getting a degree. If I wanted to learn how to tattoo, I would also have to get a college degree at the same time.
I ended up transferring to Kent State to pursue a degree in graphic design that following year. I was working at REI at the time as a cashier, so I took every opportunity possible to tell anyone and everyone that I wanted to learn how to tattoo. After 1 month of starting school again, I finally said it to the right person which lead me to getting a real tattoo apprenticeship. I didn’t even touch a tattoo machine for the first 3 years of my apprenticeship. It wasn’t until after I graduated college (May 2021) my mentors gifted me my first set of coil machines. I made my first tattoo on skin ever on September 24th 2021.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No way, apprenticeships are difficult and rightfully so. They’re supposed to weed out the weak. They test your boundaries, relationships, mental health, etc. Especially being a woman in tattooing. Men often don’t take us seriously, unless you’re good looking. But if you’re good at tattooing and good looking, then you’re golden. Just remember which is said first.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a tattooer who specializes in making quality tattoos. I love to make any and all styles of tattoos! Traditional tattoos are my favorite to make, but any day tattooing is better than not tattooing at all. Whether it’s an infinity sign or a lady head I’d be more than thrilled to do it. I’m not scared of anything!
I’m most proud of myself and how far I’ve come over the years. Life hasn’t always been easy, but I am so grateful to have tattooing. Tattooing has truly saved my life.
I am definitely a little fish in a big pond, but I am constantly trying to make a better tattoo than my last one. I love to learn and work on my craft. My hustle and drive is unlike any other person I know. I have dedicated my entire life to learning how to tattoo, and I will never give up on that.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Grit, drive, and compassion. Nothing will be handed to you in this industry. You either earn it and take care of it, or end up falling off a few years in. Tattooing will ALWAYS take care of you as long as you take care of it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Biancafeliciamaria
