Meet Olga Ochoa | Tattoo Artist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Olga, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
So this and the question about taking risks resonated with me pretty hard. They both kinda tie in together with my answer. I’m a single mother of two incredible children and I feel that the most important thing I’ve done in terms of the impact on my kids is taking the right risks when needed. The love of my life tragically passed away 4 days after confirming our second pregnancy and 2 months after signing a lease for our business so its my absolute responsibility and privilege to provide the lives that these kids deserve and to lead by example. My Childrens father used to tell me that what he loved about me the most was that I walk to get where I’m going and not to be seen; Its something I live by everyday. I want to instill the strength and independence their father inspired in me into his children. We went through some painfully humbling experiences but I’m trying my damnedest to make sure that what happened isn’t in vain. Been fighting tooth and nail in order to build the business their father left for them by working hard and taking risks when I needed to.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Okay, so tying back to my first answer;
When I first think of “what sets me apart from others” is “I feel small and don’t think anything sets me apart from anything” but then my babes voice pops into my head and then I remember; What sets me aside is that I walk to get where I’m going and not to be seen. Let me tell you; Getting where you’re going is NOT easy.
Which means that Im going to do all the ugly, hard work necessary in order to achieve everything I ever set my mind to. I’ve always been a strong creative and knew from a very early age that I was going to build my own business and create things with my hands for my living. Didn’t know exactly how I was gonna do it but I was going to make it happen. Coming from an extremely artistic family, as a kid art is what I was naturally drawn to. In high school I stumbled upon the trade school EVIT. They offered different programs that would count as credits towards graduation, FOR FREE.. So I took advantage and enrolled in what I thought would be the easiest thing, Cosmetology. Although, the skill came pretty easy- the actual industry eats your soul. From there I absolutely hated the industry I worked in but it was good money that I would use towards building my true path, learning valuable lessons every step of the way. I’ve also worked in the medical cannabis industry since I was 21, which is where I’ve made the most valuable and impacting connections of my life. It wasn’t till I was humbled by the universe in the cruelest way that things were truly put into perspective for me. Never had the courage to do what I actually wanted till now.

As a very distinguished person and I work extremely hard for what I have. I’m proud of my art and the things I make with my own hands but In all of my living I found it was super difficult to find a place that made people feel like they were embraced to their fullest. I want to be the difference I needed for others and to build a community for my children. My goal is to cultivate a space where people can come to be their truest selves and leave feeling like they were home. For the artist and for the people coming to appreciate our arts. I don’t think that my art sets me apart from others but more so the journey I experience in creating a safe place to express that art.

I’ve failed and prevailed time and time again; learning something valuable with very experience, I get up. I want the world to know the story behind Hawkins Collective LLC is community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So, for the most part I am an introvert but man does Zona have some gems! Personally, I love to hike and be outside, were pretty spoiled here, from Sedona to the Grand Canyon to the salt river! Apart from the heat. So many different things to do here if you know where you’re looking for. If I were to say somewhere to eat I would choose Republica Empanada. I may be a little bias because my family owns it but there really is a dish for everyone in the family! Not to mention that the mixed drinks are amazing!!! On top of all of that the art and medical cannabis community here is so loving! These are in general the things I love to be around and things id recommend checking out while visiting!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Whoa man, ABSOLUTELY!!!!!! I could NOT have gotten to where I am had I not had the amazing support system having my back! My mother is a prime example of what a human should be. That woman is the most genuine, giving and loving person and I wish everyone had one of her. I have been so fortunate when it comes to the people in my village and that’s most definitely what its takes. On top of all the people I have on this earth I also have my babe watching and guiding me from the grate beyond. Shoutout to Martha Ochoa and Bentley Hawkins for being the realest ones. My kids are my biggest encouragement but man would we be lost with out all the amazing humans in our lives!

Instagram: @mamahawkins.tattoo@gmail.com