Today we’d like to introduce you to Momi Lee.
Hi Momi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I think all starts begin with a daydream of what we in some ways don’t really believe is possible. When I first began to pursue tattooing, there were not many well known female artists. I brought my portfolio to several shops on the island of Oahu where I am from. While a few of them took interest in apprenticing me, my intuition never felt that they were the right fit. I put my dream on the back burner and focused on making art that just felt true to me at that moment. I studied oil painting, submitted work for zines, and freelanced flier and sign illustrating work and just turned my focus onto developing myself. And of course tended bar.
One night, a well known woman who owned one of the oldest tattoo shops in Honolulu visited my bar. By the end of my shift she had offered me a job at her shop. After working for her for two years, she offered to teach me to tattoo. I felt as if the right fit had finally happened and I took her up on an opportunity I had in many ways given up on. I worked for that company for several years before life brought me to Texas and on my own.
Starting over in Texas has been one of the most humbling experiences. How do you grow a niche business in a city where you don’t yet know anyone? It’s not a journey for the faint of heart. I’ve learned how to thrive and grow as an artist, but as well I learned how to trust in the dream and push through those uncomfortable bits. You have to trust your intuition. I am filled with gratitude with every new client I meet that becomes a lifelong friend. I’ve pushed through to finally doing here, what I was meant to do.
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?
Starting over with no clientele was quite challenging. You would like the work to speak for itself, but you have to get your work out there to begin with! You can be active on social media, run advertising campaigns, and pass out business cards. Truthfully though, I have found, being genuinely a part of your community is the most vital. Show up for your community. Be vulnerable. Volunteer, take classes in things you’re really interested in, be a good neighbor. Form real relationships and nurture them. And when your roots begin to form, and people begin to continually show up for you, put that same energy back into each and every new client you have.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Tattooist. I specialize in Ornamental, Botanical, and Fineline designs. I draw a lot of inspiration from both traditionally Western design and Indigenous and Eastern motifs, which feels right growing up in a place that felt on the edge of both worlds. A project always begins with a consultation to get a feel of the art and vision of new clients. I think it’s so important to incorporate some of the soul of the wearer into a new piece. A lot of Polynesian and even Asian practices do this and it helps me to draw better for someone knowing a little about them. Each piece reminds me that I will never stop learning about this craft, and I am proud it still has the ability to make me feel that way.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
When I was seven, my mother gave me my middle name. Ku’u’ipo, Hawaiian for sweetheart. We were sitting on a freshly mowed lawn. The grass was prickly on my legs. She said “Because you are my sweetheart” and I beamed up at her.
I would like to think that everyday, I make my mother proud. She is my favorite memory.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.momileetattoos.com
- Instagram: @momileetattoos
