We had the good fortune of connecting with Lourdes Stephanie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lourdes Stephanie, is there something you believe many others might not?
A conventional advice that I disagree with is the whole traditional belief that if you don’t stay in school, go to college and get a degree you won’t reach any success in life. This has to be the biggest advice that I could never connect with. I’ve always felt that this advice has crushed so many creative and talented souls true dreams. It’s a belief that’s been installed into our parents that is then passed on and pressured onto so many future potentially successful Artist/Creatives. I aspire to inspire the youth to never let go of their creative passions whether it be drawing, music, painting, cooking, sewing, make-up.. whatever it is! Literally, art is expressed in so many different ways. I will always be that girl that will encourage you to do everything that you want to do in life! Literally just do it, whatever you want, be it, live it and own it! Release the fear of being different. Being a young lady coming from a immigrant Dominican background. I am living proof that you can go against traditional beliefs, fuel your passions, be yourself despite the judgment of your parents/traditional beliefs, and still wake up everyday doing what you love. Feeling happy you chose to live your life, instead of choosing what to do with your life from somebody else. Thats real success to me!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Ive always been very creative since a young girl from sketching, digital art, cosmetic/sfx makeup, resin art, photography, printed merch, painting and selling custom canvases. I even crafted custom jewelry, baked and decorated pretty cupcakes to sell in school! To now tattooing from my cozy private studio, hosting puff & paints and other dope art events. Traveling the states to do what I love in conventions, connecting with all kinds of beautiful souls. My artistry never came over night, I was born with a huge passion for art in any form. My art can be described as trippy, unique, and mystical. It’ll catch your eye and have your mind flowing. For the past 2 years I’ve been tattooing full-time specializing in original designs/custom work. Every tattoo artist has their own style, my style happens to be Neo-traditional, Animated characters, illustrative color & mystical portraits. My private studio is located in The South Bronx in NYC, my beloved hometown born & raised. The way circumstances are set up where I’m from, It has been designed for failure specifically for minorities of different backgrounds. Despite growing up in poverty with a widow immigrant Dominican mother, a full house, surrounded by negative influences I was able to defeat the odds and manifest my dreams. Being a Bronx Native molded me to become a strong willed, motivated, and hungry hustler! Im proud to be a Afro-Latina tattoo artist, owning a private studio in my home town at 22 years of age. Being a successful, young, and self-taught Afro Latina tattoo artist from The Bronx sets me apart from the norm being shown in the tattoo industry. For so many years being a woman in the tattoo industry has often been over looked, being that there’s a stigma that only white males can become a successful tattoo artist. I feel incredible to be apart of a revolution that’s taking place in this day and age to break that stigma down with other amazing woman tattoo artist!
I got to where I’m at by not giving up on myself. I put my mind and full focus on to one thing and I worked up to it by educating, researching, lots of investing not only money wise, but also my time. It was not easy nor is it now, Ive been through every emotion and road block. When you are passionate about your craft and aware of your purpose, it becomes like second hand nature. When you are on the road to success your patience will be tested constantly in different ways. In those times Ive learned the importance of perseverance & patience, to not let myself become discouraged and defeated but to trust that the Universe is on my side. What I desire will always arrive in divine timing practicing faith.

Little me would’ve never imagined i’ll be where I’m at in life because in my Dominican culture we were taught from a young age to diminish people who were heavily tattooed and to never dare to get tattoos ourselves. How people who are into tattoos and piercings are “bad people”. Im here to confirm that old school belief is a myth because look at me! I know so many Dominicans, girls/boys from other cultural backgrounds who are afraid to be themselves because the fear of judgment that’ll come from our family. My mission in life with my brand and art will be to inspire and show other young creatives & future woman tattoo artist around the world there is in fact room for us all to shine! Creating safe spaces for people of all genders, sexualities, complexions, and ethnicities to step into their power with no fear. I have really big plans and I can’t wait for it all to continue blossoming!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the area we would definitely spend more time out at Uptown, in The Bronx! We should all know ALL the fun and culture is found everywhere but the city. You know what they say about NY having the best food! I love me some good food from all different cultures so you know I have all the popping spots on lock! John and Joes pizzeria will never miss, they have the best pizza and garlic knots hands down! For some authentic Mexican food I would go over to Xime Mexican restaurant out on 138th street, their tacos slap! We would hit up Lash West Indian and Jamaican restaurant, for the best jerk chicken and chicken n waffles, Soul food period! If were passing by a Halal truck, you know we’re stopping for a plate of chicken over rice, extra white sauce. On a lit- drunk night my favorite go to would be a Chimi truck, or Cachapas y mas for my fav, palitos de queso in Dyckman. Last but not least you know we can’t forget.. for a great NY style breakfast we at the corner store bodega copping a bacon, egg, n cheese on a hero because we can never get enough! I am more of a chill and vibe type of girl, on a summer afternoon we would go down to City island for a dope peaceful smoke break by the water, even go fishing for the fun of it. For a turn up vibe we would link my other dope friends, have a nice Coro or Bbq in someones backyard or local park! Have a fun chill day at the aquarium out in Coney Island, or Art exhibits in the City.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I never got the proper mentorship in the tattoo industry, I’m completely self taught but I’ve been blessed with souls who pour into me like my soul sister Jaime, CEO of her brand By Bruja. Growing by her side has been pure bliss. She is truly an inspiration and I’m blessed to call her my soul sister. My sister Jackie for always being so supportive in my journey, being my personal sketchbook/walking portfolio, and always helping me out at tattoo conventions/art shows.

Losing my father at a young age definitely affected me in ways I can’t describe. However, I was blessed with a father figure who raised me, teaching me all about the lessons that come with life. I would give him all the credit for my drawing skills and way of thinking. He would always make time to teach me how to draw when I was little. Unfortunately life took a turn when he got arrested and deported back to the Dominican Republic. That didn’t stop him from sending me letters with his cartoon sketches keeping my creativity flowing! I would always grab a paper and pencil to hurry and copy his sketch as good as him!

Last but not least I would also like to give the biggest shoutout to my loving mother. When I quit my job and started my full time creative/tattooing journey she was definitely not too amused about it. However, through time she recognized my dedication and passion in my craft. She saw how happy it made me, it’s who I am and it works for me. She opened her mind accepting me for who I am despite coming from a close minded Dominican culture, that meant so much to me and my confidence! She even went as far as letting me give her, her first tattoo! Yea! Insane! She is truly my biggest supporter, and it sure is what truly drives me to stand tall in my craft.

Website: https://linktr.ee/soradsteph

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soradink/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/soradsteph?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Stephanie-Medina/100049360726956/

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