Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Shan.
Hi Carrie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After graduating from the University of North Texas with an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, I began my career in traditional 9–5 corporate roles. Everything felt stable and predictable—until COVID happened and I was laid off. Like many people during that time, I suddenly found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what direction to take next.
My boyfriend Leo, who is the owner of 6 Tattoo Studio, encouraged me to explore tattooing. What started as a leap of faith quickly turned into a passion. I apprenticed under him and went through the full process—from sketching and designing, to practicing on fake skin, and eventually tattooing real clients. To my surprise, I began receiving requests early on, and I discovered how much I genuinely loved creating meaningful, delicate work for people. I’ve now been tattooing for about four years, and it’s been one of the most fulfilling journeys of my life.
As our studio specializes in fine line tattoos, we ran into another challenge: we couldn’t find needles on the market that truly met our standards for precision and consistency. That problem led to another unexpected entrepreneurial path. I traveled back to China and partnered with one of the largest tattoo needle manufacturers there, working closely with their engineers to develop a needle specifically designed for fine line and intricate tattooing.
That collaboration became the foundation of Magnolia Tattoo Needles, our tattoo needle brand, which has now been operating for about five years and serves artists across the United States. Looking back, what began as an uncertain moment during a global crisis turned into two businesses I’m deeply proud of—one rooted in art and human connection, and the other in creating tools that help artists elevate their craft.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, my journey into tattooing was relatively smooth, especially because I had a solid apprenticeship that truly set me up for success. I was fortunate to have strong guidance early on, which helped me build good habits and technical foundations from the beginning. That said, growth never really stops in this field. Tattooing is a craft where there’s always something new to learn, refine, or improve, and I’m naturally very curious and eager to keep learning.
One challenge I’ve recognized along the way is that I didn’t have formal, systematic training in drawing when I first started. While tattooing is its own skill set, strong drawing fundamentals make a huge difference—especially for fine line and detailed work. Realizing this pushed me to go back to the basics. I’m currently taking drawing classes and learning different mediums like sketching, charcoal, and oil painting. It’s been both humbling and exciting to step into the role of a student again, but it has helped me grow tremendously as an artist.
I’ve learned to see challenges less as obstacles and more as signals for where I can improve next. That mindset has made the journey feel rewarding rather than overwhelming.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about 6 Tattoo Studio ?
We are 6 Tattoo Studio, an Asian-owned fine line tattoo studio located in Addison, Texas. Our studio specializes in minimalist, fine line, and delicate tattoo styles, with a focus on clean design, precision, and timeless aesthetics. Many of our clients come to us for subtle, elegant pieces—whether it’s their very first tattoo or a meaningful addition to an existing collection. We’re known for creating tattoos that feel personal, refined, and wearable for everyday life
What truly sets us apart is our attention to detail and our high standards for fine line tattooing. Fine line work requires a steady hand, patience, and a deep understanding of how delicate lines translate onto skin and age over time. We are very intentional about line quality, consistency, spacing, and placement, making sure every tattoo looks refined, balanced, and clean.
We also put a lot of care into the overall experience. From thoughtful consultations and precise stencil placement to gentle technique and thorough aftercare guidance, we focus on doing things carefully and correctly at every step. Many of our clients come to us because they value subtle, elegant tattoos and want them done with precision rather than rushed execution.
At 6 Tattoo Studio, even the smallest piece receives the same level of care as a larger project. Our goal is for every client to walk away feeling confident in both the quality of their tattoo and the experience they had in our studio.
As an Asian-owned studio, we’re especially proud to bring diverse cultural perspectives into the tattoo industry and to create a welcoming, inclusive space for people of all backgrounds. Many of our clients tell us they feel comfortable and cared for the moment they walk in, and that sense of trust and safety is something we work hard to maintain. We strive to make tattooing feel approachable, whether someone is a seasoned collector or completely new to the experience.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is how our studio and our product line, Magnolia Tattoo Needles, support each other with the same philosophy: quality, precision, and respect for the craft. From the tools we use to the environment we create for our clients, everything is built around doing fine line work the right way, not the fast way.
What I want readers to know is that 6 Tattoo Studio is more than just a place to get tattooed—it’s a space where details matter, artists are constantly learning and refining their skills, and clients are genuinely listened to. Whether you’re looking for something small and meaningful or a thoughtfully designed fine line piece, our goal is for every tattoo to feel intentional, beautiful, and made just for you.
How do you think about happiness?
Seeing my clients happy genuinely makes me happy. There’s something really special about being trusted with something permanent and meaningful on someone’s body. Whether it’s a tiny fine line piece, a reminder of a loved one, or a personal milestone, being part of that moment and watching their reaction when they see the final result is incredibly fulfilling.
Beyond that, I find a lot of joy in the process of growth—both as an artist and as a business owner. Learning new techniques, improving my drawing skills, and even experimenting with different art mediums like charcoal and oil painting all bring me a sense of calm and satisfaction. I enjoy the feeling of steady progress, even when it’s slow, because it reminds me that I’m continuously evolving.
I’m also happy when I’m building something meaningful with people I care about. Growing 6 Tattoo Studio alongside Leo and seeing Magnolia Tattoo Needles support other artists across the country has been deeply rewarding. Knowing that what we’re creating—whether it’s a tattoo or a tool—can have a positive impact on someone else’s day or career gives my work a sense of purpose.
Pricing:
- Shop minimum $60
- each tattoo will be charged by piece, depending on the size, amount of details, complexity of the design, color and placement
- each artist will have their own pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.6tattoodallas.com
- Instagram: @shan.6tattoo (@6.tattoo.studio for our studio and @leo.6tattoo for the shop owner Leo’s instagram)
Image Credits
I took the pictures, so no need to credit anyone else
