Today we’d like to introduce you to Becca Nushell Hughes.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been tattooing for almost 21 years, and honestly, tattooing is something that kind of happened to me. I walked into a tattoo shop with a drawing I had made for my husband’s first tattoo, and the artist was blown away by it. He told me I should be an artist. Something I had never even considered for myself.
My husband believed in me immediately and supported me every step of the way. I started going from shop to shop with my drawings until I finally found someone willing to take me on as an apprentice. To make it work, I switched my day job to a nighttime forklift operator so I could tattoo during the day. I did that for about a year, juggling both worlds, before finally taking the leap and tattooing full time.
I’ve been doing it ever since.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Most of my struggles haven’t come from the tattooing itself, but from the work environments I’ve been in. From the beginning, I wanted to be an asset to the industry. I cared deeply about creating a safe, respectful space for clients and showing up as my best self, especially because people are trusting me with permanent art on their bodies.
Not everyone in the industry shared that mindset. Over the years, I’ve experienced bullying, mocking, and even other artists intentionally throwing away my supplies to make my job harder. It was difficult, and at times discouraging, but it never changed how I treated my clients or how seriously I took my role.
Luckily, I truly feel like the industry is shifting. More artists and studios are prioritizing professionalism, safety, and respect for both clients and each other. That change gives me a lot of hope, and it’s part of why I’m still passionate about showing up, doing the work, and contributing in a positive way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in bright, colorful tattoos with a neo-traditional. But I’m most proud of my cover ups and reworks.
Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time learning how to rework and cover up old tattoos, helping clients feel confident in their skin again. Early on, I realized there was a gap in the industry. People could rarely find artists willing to take on cover ups because they’re challenging and time consuming.
But to me, a rework or cover up isn’t just another tattoo. It’s often about helping someone let go of something they no longer identify with and giving them back a sense of confidence. Being part of that transformation is one of the most meaningful parts of my work, and it’s a big reason I love what I do.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Having a life coach has been one of the biggest supports in my journey. Having someone who believes in you, challenges you, and helps you see what’s possible can change everything. That outside perspective helped me accomplish things I never thought I was capable of. Alongside that, my husband’s unwavering belief in me has been a constant source of strength and encouragement.
Pricing:
- I offer free consultation to make sure I’m the correct fit for the project
- I offer half day and whole day set prices
Contact Info:
- Website: Nushelltattoos.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nushelltattoos
