Ink Marks the Spot: Redefining the Art and Soul of Tattooing in Las Vegas

At this Latina and women-owned tattoo studio and academy, education, artistry, and empowerment come together to shape the next generation of tattoo artists.

On a sunlit afternoon in downtown Las Vegas, the hum of tattoo machines fills the crisp, clean space of Ink Marks the Spot. The studio doesn’t look like what most people expect when they think of a tattoo shop. The walls are bright, the floors gleam, and the atmosphere feels more like a spa or a modern art gallery than a gritty backroom.

Clients walk in and pause, often saying the same thing: “This is a tattoo studio?”

“Yes,” says co-owner Jessica with a proud grin, “but we’re also an academy. We’re here to change what people think tattooing can be.”

She and her business partner Magda, both Latina women with different but complementary backgrounds, are reshaping an industry that has long resisted transformation. Ink Marks the Spot isn’t just creating beautiful body art. It’s building a movement rooted in education, professionalism, and purpose.

From Curiosity to Calling

Jessica’s story began in 2017 when she entered the tattoo world with nothing but curiosity and determination. “I didn’t know anything about the industry,” she recalls. “So I researched, asked questions, went to other shops, and learned everything I could. I wanted to run my business the right way.”

What started as a simple entrepreneurial experiment evolved into a full-fledged artistic journey. Over time, Jessica realized she had a knack not only for tattooing but for teaching others how to do it safely and skillfully. She saw too many aspiring artists fall prey to what she calls “apprenticeship scams,” where eager beginners pay to learn but end up exploited or ignored.

“I had to go through that to understand how broken the system was,” she says. “And I didn’t want the next generation to experience that.”

Her vision was bold: to create a structured educational space where students could learn everything from skin anatomy to client care. But to bring that idea to life, she needed someone who could balance artistry with structure. That’s where Magda came in.

The Administrative Medical Assistant Who Brought Heart and Structure

Magda spent over 13 years in the medical field, working everywhere from pediatrics to hospice care. Her last position, at Infinity Hospice, was rewarding but emotionally draining. “I loved what I did, but I wanted something that filled my soul differently,” she says.

When she met Jessica, she saw an opportunity to combine her medical knowledge with her passion for creativity. “I realized tattooing is more than art,” Magda explains. “If you go too deep into the skin, you can harm someone. So we teach our students about skin layers, cross-contamination, and what to do if a client passes out. We treat this like a trade school, with real-world education.”

Together, Jessica and Magda built a curriculum that marries art with anatomy, creativity with care. They created an academy where students don’t just learn to tattoo, they learn to heal, respect, and honor the human body.

A Mission Fueled by Students

Walk into Ink Marks the Spot on any given day, and you’ll find students of all ages, from teenagers pursuing their dreams to adults in their forties and fifties rediscovering their artistic spark. For Jessica, watching their growth is the most fulfilling part.

She recalls one story that still gives her chills. “One of my students brought her mom to be her practice client,” Jessica says. “Afterward, her mom pulled me aside and said, ‘This is the happiest I’ve seen my daughter in two years.’ That’s what keeps me going.”

That kind of transformation, Jessica believes, is proof that tattooing can be more than ink. “People think this industry is all toughness and rebellion, but it’s really about connection and care,” she says. “Our students remind us why we’re doing this; they’re proof that art can save lives.”

The academy has become a safe space for aspiring artists who once felt shut out or intimidated by the traditional tattoo world. Instead of hazing or gatekeeping, they find mentorship and encouragement. “We’re replacing trauma with empowerment,” Jessica says firmly.

Breaking the Industry’s Chains

Tattooing has long been an industry of secrets and ego, where apprenticeships often meant exploitation rather than education. “You wouldn’t believe some of the horror stories we hear,” Jessica says. “People paying thousands to learn nothing, being treated badly, or getting scammed.”

That culture, she explains, is exactly what Ink Marks the Spot was built to fight.

“We’re changing that narrative,” Magda adds. “We want people to see that professionalism, cleanliness, and education belong in this industry too.”

Their studio is a testament to that philosophy. Every surface is spotless. Every artist is trained not only in technique but also in health and safety. Their curriculum covers everything from bloodborne pathogens to client psychology. “We treat tattooing like surgery with an artistic soul,” Magda says.

And it shows. Their students’ portfolios often rival those of artists who’ve been in the industry for a decade. “We have clients come in saying, ‘I can’t believe your students did this in three months,’” Jessica says proudly. “That’s when I know we’re doing something right.”

Built on Passion, Not Competition

For Jessica and Magda, success isn’t about being the biggest name in tattooing. It’s about setting a standard that others can follow.

“We’re not here to compete,” Jessica says. “We’re here to raise the bar.”

Their dream is to create a network of studios that uphold the same values: professionalism, safety, and heart. “We’d love to see more women-owned shops doing outreach, creating opportunities, and giving students a chance to grow,” Magda adds.

That spirit of community is woven into everything they do. They encourage their students to spread their wings, find their own style, and eventually open their own studios. “A parent once asked us, ‘What if your students become better than you?’” Jessica laughs. “And we said, ‘That’s the goal.’”

Redefining What a Tattoo Studio Can Be

Step inside Ink Marks the Spot, and you’ll immediately sense the difference. There’s no harsh music or intimidating energy. Instead, the studio feels welcoming and intentional, every corner designed to put clients at ease.

“A lot of people walk in and say, ‘This looks like a doctor’s office or a spa,’” Magda says. “We take that as a compliment. Cleanliness and professionalism are everything to us.”

But beyond appearances, it’s the values that set them apart. They teach their students that tattoos are luxury services, not cheap commodities. “This is an art form that’s permanent,” Jessica says. “You can’t sell it for ten bucks. You have to respect the craft, the client, and yourself.”

Clients often come for more than just ink; they come for healing. Every tattoo tells a story of survival, love, grief, or transformation. “I tell my clients, ‘My tattoos stay with you forever,’” Jessica says with a smile. “I’m with you even when you’re gone.”

The Power of Presence

Ink Marks the Spot has quickly become one of Las Vegas’s most respected tattoo studios, drawing clients locally and from around the world. Most discover it through Google or Circa Casino’s attractions list, where the studio is proudly featured.

Their reviews are glowing, celebrating not just the artistry but the warmth. “People love that we treat them like family,” Magda says. “It’s not just about the tattoo; it’s about the experience.”

Their social media presence has also been key to their success. Through educational videos and classroom updates, they’ve built a following of aspiring artists who want to learn from the best. “What we post inspires curiosity,” Jessica says. “People see what we’re doing and ask, ‘How can I join?’ That’s how we know our message is working.”

Shaping the Future

Looking ahead, Jessica and Magda are focused on growth. “We want to expand our space to welcome more students and build a stronger team,” Jessica says. “We’ve got big goals, and we need the right people beside us.”

Their ultimate vision is to make tattoo education as respected as any other trade. “It’s never too late to pursue your passion,” Magda adds. “We have students in their forties and fifties proving that every day.”

More than anything, they want parents and society to see tattooing in a new light. “When parents visit the studio, they expect chaos,” Jessica says with a laugh. “Then they walk in, see how professional it is, and their whole perspective changes.”

What they’re building is more than a business. It’s a legacy one that values transparency, mentorship, and integrity. “We tell our students, do your research, ask questions, and never let anyone take advantage of your passion,” Jessica says. “We care deeply about our students’ success because we’ve seen what happens when people don’t.”

Leaving Their Mark

At Ink Marks the Spot, tattooing isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling, a craft, and a form of human connection. Jessica and Magda’s journey proves that when art and education unite, transformation follows.

They’ve built more than a studio; they’ve built a sanctuary for creativity, empowerment, and second chances, one where ink tells stories that never fade.

Visit www.inkmarksthespotllc.com to learn more about their academy and book a session.
Follow them on Instagram at @inkmarksthespotstudio and TikTok at @inkmarksthespotstudio for updates, student work, and inspiration.

This feature is part of The Business View Journal’s Local Spotlight Series — your trusted source for discovering the best small businesses in your community.