OUR FIRST APPRENTICE

Despite numerous responsibilities, Mike decided to chase his dream of becoming a tattoo artist. With a mortgage to pay, two kids, and a full-time job, he committed to mastering tattooing in just one month. At 35, he flew from Queens, New York, renting an Airbnb near the studio. Luckily, his boss granted him a full month’s vacation, and his parents stepped in to care for his children. Mike knew this month would be make-or-break—failure was not an option, and he was determined not to disappoint anyone. With no prior tattooing experience and never having held a tattoo machine, Mike defied the odds, setting a new standard for hard work and dedication.

For more than 30 days straight, he didn’t take a single day off. He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave the studio. Some mornings, he showed up as early as 7 a.m., often right after his 4 a.m. workouts, practicing tirelessly on fake skin. Though he made countless mistakes, he persisted, driven by a relentless “I cannot fail” mindset. After tattooing on real people all day, he stayed up late refining his flash designs. His sleep was limited to just three to five hours a night, and he often skipped meals to squeeze in more practice. After this grueling month, Mike returned home with his head held high.

Today, Mike owns a small studio in Brooklyn, New York, while continuing to work full-time as a graphic designer.

Imagine if Mike had given in to excuses. He could’ve said, “I’m too busy,” “It’s too far,” or “I don’t have any experience.” Honestly, that’s what most people would’ve said in his shoes. And no one would’ve blamed him.

But here’s the thing—he didn’t. Instead of letting those reasons hold him back, he chose to bet on himself. He showed up, pushed through the doubts, and gave it everything he had.

That’s why he’s living his dream today.

Now, think about you. You might be comfortable right now, but comfort isn’t the same as being where you truly want to be. So here’s the real question: are you going to let excuses win… or are you ready to move mountains?