Vagaro continues to be the platform that quality professionals turn to for getting found, booked, and paid. Cecilia Marie is one of those pros, and she’s also an army combat vet & top-tier tattoo artist. Earlier this month, Vagaro’s Social Media Team went live with Cecilia Marie (@ceciliamarietattoos on Instagram), at her namesake shop, Cecilia Marie Tattoos, to chat about some of the amazing work she does. Cecilia is a true gem to her community because she provides a safe & comfortable space to whoever needs it. A true-to-heart mental health advocate and beautifully talented artist, Cecilia specializes in fine-line and illustration tattoos, with an emphasis in cover-up work for self-harm and cancer scars. Between her work as an artist and her selfless participation in the community’s veteran hospital, Cecilia is a local hero. If you didn't catch the discussion live, give it a watch below!
Art with a Purpose: Cecilia Marie Tattoos
What makes her studio unique? Well, it’s Cecilia, herself! When she was an art student, her peers, friends, and even strangers started to ask her to design tattoos for them—which eventually led to her wanting to become a tattoo artist. Reflecting on her military experience, Cecilia shared that getting a tattoo served as her therapy during those times. She emphasized how true this is for a pretty large number of individuals, as lots of people turn to tattoos as a means of alleviating pain or coping with trauma. Cecilia also considers herself an empath, and is sought after by many of her clients for this exact reason. She understands what people are going through and fosters a calming environment for those who may have PTSD, be neurodivergent, or just need a less-stimulating place to hang out for a bit.
Cecilia’s studio operates on an appointment-only basis, accepting two appointments per day. Not only does this allow privacy for her clients, but it also creates less of a buzz around the shop that can be a bit much for some folks. Cecilia also keeps her studio stocked with snacks, drinks, and just about any movie or TV show that clients could possibly want to watch. It doesn’t stop there, though. Since she’s networked with so many different mental health industry professionals, Cecilia can actually connect her clients with resources that they might not have had access to otherwise. The bottom line: Cecilia holds her clients’ comfort with the utmost importance, which is huge when it comes to something as intimate as getting tattooed.
Beyond the Needle: What’s Next for Cecilia?
She initially established her business as a personal sanctuary, seeking a quiet space for herself. However, it wasn’t long before she realized that lots of people were in search of that exact same refuge. Initially, this was the motivation behind launching her original studio; however, now, Cecilia and her business partner are embarking on a new venture—opening a second location! Cecilia envisions this next location as a hub for local artists to thrive, and a safe haven for clients who visit. While opening a new business location can be daunting, Cecilia thanks Vagaro Capital—Vagaro’s funding solution for business owners of any size—for allowing her to make her dream a reality. It can be hard to afford multiple rent payments, or new permits and updates, but having Vagaro Capital as a financial resource can help relieve some of that pressure from your shoulders, as it has for Cecilia.
Cecilia Marie is an incredible artist and an incredible human being. Her contributions to the veteran & mental health communities are not only beneficial to those lucky enough to meet her, but inspiring to all who’ve had the opportunity to hear her story. Thank you for taking the time to share it with us, Cecilia, and allowing Vagaro to be an integral part of your growing success!
If you’re a tattoo artist or other independent professional, consider a 30-day free trial with Vagaro, the tattoo artist software that grows with you, and your partner in success at every step!