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

Hi Julie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I see risk as a necessary part of growth. For me, risk isn’t about being reckless—it’s about being willing to move forward even when there’s no guaranteed outcome, especially if it aligns with something I believe in or want to build. I approach risk with curiosity, preparation, and intuition.

Taking risks has played a huge role in both my personal and professional life. Leaving a stable role to launch my own business was a big one. I didn’t have a roadmap—I just had a strong sense of what I wanted to create. That leap taught me how to trust myself, problem-solve on the fly, and lead with intention. Later, I took another risk by pivoting my focus from permanent makeup to fine line tattooing—essentially rebuilding my business model to align with a deeper artistic calling. It was scary to walk away from what was already successful, but it’s been one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made.

I’ve learned that taking risks has a way of opening doors you wouldn’t even see if you stayed in your comfort zone. And while not every risk has gone perfectly, each one has pushed me to grow, adapt, and get clearer on what matters to me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Adouré Ink is a fine line tattoo studio rooted in intentional artistry and one-on-one connection. I specialize in delicate, meaningful designs—often floral or microrealism—that allow people to wear their story in a way that feels deeply personal and empowering.

This journey started with permanent makeup, but my heart led me back to fine line tattooing. Building this business from the ground up wasn’t easy, but every challenge taught me how to trust my vision and lead with purpose. It also taught me the power of pausing and letting things reveal itself versus trying to control everything. I wouldn’t be tattooing if I tried to control every outcome.

Adouré Ink is about honoring identity, healing, and storytelling—through art that lives on the skin.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting San Diego, I’d plan a week filled with cozy cafés, sunsets, and hidden gems. We’d start with coffees at Bica, explore Balboa Park, and catch golden hour at Sunset Cliffs. We’d thrift in North Park, hike Torrey Pines, and unwind with a spa session. For food, for sure tacos at Taco Stand, ramen at Ramen Nagi, and cocktails somewhere in Little Italy. I’d mix in some beach time at La Jolla Shores, a trip to the Little Italy Farmers Market on Saturday morning, and one day for creativity—maybe pottery making or a paint with wine kind of night.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my sister, Jennifer. She’s been my biggest cheerleader from the very start—always encouraging me to take a leap of faith, especially when I doubted myself. When I first wanted to pursue permanent makeup, and later when I transitioned into fine line tattooing, she was the one who told me to go for it. When I didn’t have the money to invest in training or supplies, she helped me without hesitation. She’s been there emotionally, financially, and even physically—she was literally my first model. Her belief in me gave me the courage to bet on myself.

I also want to thank my parents. Their sacrifices and strength are the foundation of everything I do. They came to this country with resilience and grit, and watching their work ethic taught me what it means to keep showing up with heart, even when things are hard. They’ve always supported me, even when my path looked different or uncertain.

And to my clients—thank you. Every single person who has trusted me with their face, their skin, their story… you’ve helped me grow, not just as an artist, but as a person. You’ve allowed me to create art that’s deeply personal, and those one-on-one moments with you are truly the soul of what I do. Your support means everything to me.

This journey has never been mine alone—and I’m so grateful for everyone who’s walked beside me.

Website: https://www.adoureink.com

Instagram: @adoureink

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