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

Hi Sarah, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
This is an tough question! For me, I’ve found that balance is in continuous fluctuation. I have to make a conscience effort to keep a healthy work/life balance and flow. It is easy when you love what you do for work to put an overflow of attention, energy and time in that direction. I’ve learned though falling off of the balance train many of times that REST is key. REST is active. We need rest from work and from life as well to keep a healthy ebb and flow of the two. Rest is a reset and a recharge. I can’t give to my business, clients, or personal life if I’m running on empty. Let alone balance the two. Balance for me I rarely perfect, it’s work and I find it easier when I allow myself some grace.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have owned S L Cosmetic Tattoo for four years now. I have built my business from the ground up. From day one to the present, my first focus – my clients. I have a passion for people, aesthetics and creating a space for my clients to leave with higher confidence than when they came in. I specialize in creating the most natural, realistic and life-like cosmetic and reconstructive tattoos possible. I like to think outside of the box and to create and do what maybe hasn’t been done before. There is a lot of trial and error in that. I’m proud that I continue to push and reinvent, operate my business and craft with integrity and tenacity. Fails are an opportunity to pivot, change and evolve, so there are really no failures at all. I am proud of my relationships with my clients and my reputations in client-community and the industry. That means the world to me!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well! Right now we are in the middle of a pandemic where we have some limitations. But, we live in the best city in the US so even with limitations we have options. I would plan a good hike, maybe cruise up to Mt. Laguna, end with a cider in Julian. Rooftop dinner, fresh air – maybe Lumi or keep it causal and go to Las Olas in Cardiff and have a sunset margarita(s). Bring out the paddle boards and walk over to Sail Bay. Coffee at Parakeet Cafe. Run up Torrey Pines or down Blacks Beach. This is starting to sound like my Hinge profile. Ok, done here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been fortunate to know many artist that have been beyond generous with their knowledge and time. I have picked the brains over at SD Tattoo supply. I have taken tutorials and online courses from Tina Davies, HOI, and many more amazing artist. I have used social media as an education source. I partner and I’m an educator for Mei-cha, they are a wealth of resource, guidance, platform for colaborations and provide support for artist that are just getting started to advanced in their career. The tattoo and cosmetic tattoo industry is one I am grateful to be a part of. We are a good and growing community.

Website: www.SLcosmetictattoo.com
Instagram: @SLcosmetictattoo
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/s-l-cosmetic-tattoo-la-jolla-2

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