Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Ruby.
Hi Tiffany, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to creativity. I started my career in the beauty industry, specializing in makeup and permanent cosmetics, where I spent years helping people feel confident in their own skin. Over time, I realized I wanted to create something even more permanent and meaningful, so I made the leap into tattooing.
What started as learning a new craft quickly became a passion. I fell in love with creating artwork that tells someone’s story—whether it’s celebrating a milestone, honoring a loved one, or simply helping someone feel more at home in their body. That passion eventually led me to open my own private studio, Truth Be Told Tattoos & Cosmetics, where I’ve focused on creating a welcoming, judgment-free environment that feels more like a luxury experience than a traditional tattoo shop.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve learned that growth rarely happens in a straight line. I’ve reinvented my career more than once, transitioning from makeup into permanent cosmetics and eventually tattooing, all while learning an entirely new craft and building a business from the ground up. There have been moments of self-doubt, financial uncertainty, and plenty of long days where I questioned whether I was doing the right thing.
More recently, I’ve faced unexpected challenges outside of my control, including zoning issues that forced me to relocate my studio after years in the same space. At the same time, I’ve been helping care for my elderly father and balancing the personal responsibilities that come with running a business. Those experiences have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of trusting that sometimes life’s biggest setbacks are actually pointing you toward something even better. Looking back, every challenge has shaped not only the artist I’ve become, but the person and business owner I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I own Truth Be Told Tattoos & Cosmetics, a private tattoo studio where I specialize in custom tattoos that blend fine art with personal storytelling. While I enjoy a variety of styles, I’m especially passionate about botanical work, meaningful memorial pieces, and designs that become deeply personal to the people who wear them. Every tattoo is created from scratch, and I believe the process should feel just as intentional as the artwork itself.
What I’m most proud of isn’t any single tattoo—it’s the environment I’ve built. I wanted to create a space where people feel comfortable, heard, and genuinely cared for, especially those who may have never felt at home in a traditional tattoo shop. I think what sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on creating beautiful tattoos; I focus on creating meaningful experiences. My goal is for every client to leave feeling more confident than when they walked in, carrying artwork that tells their story in a way that’s authentic to them.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t rush the process. It’s easy to compare yourself to artists who have been doing this for years, but every tattoo, every client, and every challenge is part of becoming the artist you’re meant to be. Focus on building a strong foundation, continue learning, and never let your ego get in the way of growth. The artists who keep improving are the ones who never stop being students.
I also wish I had understood that running a successful business requires just as much attention as creating beautiful artwork. Learn about marketing, customer service, finances, and building relationships—those skills will carry you just as far as your artistic talent. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to evolve. The career you dream about today may look completely different in five years, and that’s okay. Sometimes the unexpected changes end up leading you exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies on project
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.truthbetoldtattoos.com
- Instagram: _tiffanyruby_
