Q&A with Tattoo Artist and Entrepreneur Young Bae
If you need a real life example of what it looks like to be a girl boss, look no further than Young Bae. This tenacious woman went from rags to riches using her bare hands, literally! She’s a self-taught tattoo artist born in Seoul, South Korea.
Growing up, Young Bae struggled with homelessness and an abusive father. She knew zero English but that didn’t stop her from moving to the US where she could create a better life for herself. She turned her pain into power and was determined to rise.
Aside from her role on VH1’s hit TV series Black Ink Crew NY, Young Bae is the owner of a 6-figure business and a single mom to her son Niko. We had the privilege of speaking with Young Bae about her journey to success and what lies ahead for her in this Q&A interview below!
Briea: When you first moved to the US you got a job at a nail salon as a nail tech. How did you come to realize that there was another career out there for you?
Bae: I knew that I wanted more, and God had more in store for my life.
Briea: It’s not hard to tell that becoming a mom is the best thing that has ever happened to you. How do you juggle the responsibilities of motherhood and entrepreneurship?
Bae: It’s really hard and every day I face new challenges. Having a good team, organization and planning allow me to accomplish work goals and still find the balance of life, and spending time with Niko.
Briea: You posted that you’ve been working with a personal trainer lately. Has health and fitness become more of a priority for you after giving birth? Can we look forward to any fitness collaborations?
Bae: After having my son I noticed my body changed in ways that I could never imagine. So yes I have started working with a personal trainer, and we have created a plan for other busy Mothers out there that works and is realistic. You can look forward to the program FitBae and Youtube channel where you can see quick easy workouts, and meal plans. You can follow and join the journey on ig @fitbaenyc.
Briea: Creating generational wealth is very important to you. What other business ventures can we look forward to seeing from you?
Bae: Absolutely!!! I have an apparel business in the final processes of being launched the name is 2one2 , you can follow my apparel page @2one2apparel. My Fitbae program, I’m still working on my book where people can really understand me and my journey. Continued growth of my tattoo shop Diamond Tattoos which you can follow @diamondtattoos.
Briea: It takes a lot of courage to leave your hometown, travel across the world and move to a new country. With all that you’ve been through in the past, how were you able to channel that energy to stay driven and not stuck?
Bae: Having faith and prayer. Just overall wanting more from life.
Briea: What is one obstacle that you’ve overcome in the last 12 months that you’re super proud of?
Bae: Probably just finding the balance of being a single parent and work life.
Briea: Your inner strength and resilience is what separates you from most people. No matter what you keep going without needing validation from anyone but yourself. What advice would you give to women who are aspiring to be the boss of their own life and not a victim of their circumstances?
Bae: Don’t focus so much on what you’ve been through instead redirect that energy into your goals. Set precise goals and work on a plan to achieve it. No matter how many No’s you hear, or how many people tell you that won’t work believe in yourself and trust the vision.
Briea: Regardless of gender you’ve been able to leverage your vibrant personality and skill sets as a tattoo artist to create a 6 figure business. Has working in a male-dominated industry affected you in any way? If so, how?
Bae: I would say it’s just pushed me even harder to show hey I’m here and yes I’m a woman, who happens to be hella talented so wassup?
Briea: You’re raising a son, manage a team, and tend to clients as a tattoo artist. Not to mention being on call to film a reality tv series. Is there ever a time where you desperately need to just focus on yourself? If so, what are some of your favorite self care practices?
Bae: Well when time allows a massage or facial here and there would be my go to relaxation enjoyments, but doesn’t happen to often so.
Briea: If you could go back 10 years and tell your younger self ONE thing, what would it be?
Bae: Trust the process, weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Briea: You are always so grateful for all of the blessings and opportunities in your life. What’s your favorite way to give back to the community and pay it forward?
Bae: My foundation Tattoo Artist for children is being created for children to have an outlet and a safe place for expressing their artistic dreams.
You can find more from Young Bae on Instagram @youngisblessed and schedule a tattoo appointment with her at www.diamondtattoosnyc.com.
