Hey there, my friend,
January is usually tough. But this year, I decided to do things differently. Instead of pushing through exhaustion, I gave myself permission to slow down. No more forcing myself to keep Strangeland open every day. No more feeling guilty for taking a break.
In the latest episode of Balboa Park, I reflect on:
✨ Why I stopped accepting random walk-in tattoos
✨ The five-year journey of Strangeland (from pre-post-pandemic chaos to now)
✨ A special client who traveled from Las Vegas just for a tattoo (!?) and another who’s only has 1 tattoo and this tattoo it’s his whole back!
If you’ve ever struggled with balancing creativity, business, and mental health, I think you’ll relate to this one.
🎧 Listen now → on Substack, on apple podcast, on spotify, on audible or amazon music, on… pretty everywhere (search for podcast nicoz balboa park)
📺 Watch the episode on YouTube
Let me know what you think! Do you also struggle with slowing down? 👉 Leave a comment on YouTube or reply on Substack—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Big hugs,
Nicoz
show Notes for BALBOA PARK #33 - 5 Years of Strangeland: What I’ve Learned About Hustle, Rest, Creativity & Running a Tattoo Shop on My Own Terms
Why January always felt overwhelming—but this year was different
Strangeland turns 5! A look back at its wild journey
Letting go of the need to "always be open"
The kind of tattoo clients that bring true joy
That time someone traveled from Las Vegas just to get inked (!?)
💬 Join the conversation!
What do you do when you feel burnt out?
Have you ever changed the way you work to better fit your life?
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