Today, I own few businesses, among them the most important one, one of the shops with the best reputation on the island, INKaholic Tattoo Isla. INKaholic wasn’t born from a carefully laid-out plan but from pure necessity and a desire to achieve incredible things through art.

At 13 years old, I began my journey by doing hair braids and henna tattoos on the beaches, offering my services and designs as I walked for hours. Those were certainly times of struggle and big dreams. Each henna tattoo I did was a step toward something bigger, a spark that fueled my passion.

My determination didn’t stop with braids or temporary tattoos. Years later, I bought my first tattoo machine and started practicing on my neighbors. Although my first attempts were a constant learning process, each tattoo, whether successful or not, taught me something new. I found myself on a journey of self-discovery, a young person who unknowingly not only wanted to make a living but also to find her purpose through the art of tattooing.

In 2010, my life took an unexpected turn when I found a tattoo studio willing to take me in as a translator thanks to my fluency in English. There, I spent hours absorbing knowledge, observing, analyzing everything they did, mentally perfecting my future technique, but the reality is that it remained theoretical. This time was crucial; it allowed me to see that my passion for tattooing could become something very important. But like in any journey, there were challenges, fears, etc. My friend and mentor left, leaving me without the promising place for my learning, which took me back to the beaches, where I continued tattooing fakes ones in different spots of Isla Mujeres.

In 2014, me and a very special person, we began tattooing from our home, I was in charge of marketing while she was doing the real art. Our small workshop became a refuge for many seeking art and a personal connection. However, I knew we could do more. So, a few years later, I decided to take a bold step and open a shop in downtown. It was a decision filled with uncertainty but also with hope and determination. At that time, both of us managed to have the best studio in Isla Mujeres.

But as I said before, life ain’t pink, and years later, I had to start from scratch. In December 2019, INKaholic Tattoo officially saw the light. With a heart full of dreams and without a fully defined plan, I invited several talented artists to join me, combining their artistic skills with my business talents and providing the necessary financial support for the project. Soon after, the pandemic hit, testing our resilience. Those were difficult times, full of doubts, fears, and challenges, but also of learning and growth. With the support of our community and an unwavering passion, we managed to stay afloat.

n essential element of our journey has been the contribution of the incredible artists who are still with me and to the ones that have been part of INKaholic. Over the years, we have had the privilege of working with talented tattoo artists who have left their mark on our studio and in the hearts of our clients. Although many of these artists are no longer part of our current story, their legacy and impact remain. I deeply thank them for everything they contributed and wish them the greatest success in their future endeavors. Life always brings good things to good people, and I am sure they will continue to thrive.

Looking back, I see a path full of effort, learning, and gratitude. But I also know that the best is yet to come. There are many more stories to tell, people to meet, and art to create. I am excited for the future and deeply grateful for every moment, every person, and every experience that has been part of this journey.

There are no words for me to describe my gratitude to all of you, thank you for being part of the INKaholic family. And if you are thinking about getting some art, I hope you can find this shop as YOUR SHOP. 🫶😎

With Love,

Sarah.