Tru Tattoo: A Safe Haven for Women in the Industry

Tru Tattoo: A Safe Haven for Women in the Industry

What sets Tru Tattoo apart isn’t just that it’s an all-female studio; it’s the mission behind it. Amber wanted to create a space that felt safe and empowering for both female artists and clients. She began hearing stories from other women struggling to break into the tattoo industry and decided to offer them an opportunity. Inspired by her father’s company, Tru Energy Solutions, which was named after their last name, Trujillo, she named her business Tru Tattoo—a reflection of both her family and her commitment to authenticity.

Amber’s life experiences also shape her business ethos. Having lost both parents to addiction, she uses her platform to give back to the community. Tru Tattoo hosts monthly events that incorporate ways to support those in need, and Amber offers free cover-ups for individuals with self-harm scars, gang-related tattoos, or ink tied to their past struggles with addiction.

Fostering a Welcoming Environment

Tattoo shops can sometimes feel intimidating, especially for women and marginalized individuals. At Tru Tattoo, Amber and her team prioritize making every client feel welcome, comfortable, and respected. Whether someone is getting a meaningful piece, a cover-up, or a fresh new design, the goal is always to create a judgment-free, supportive atmosphere.

Overcoming Challenges as a Female Business Owner

The tattoo industry remains largely male-dominated, and Amber faced her share of challenges. From being underestimated to encountering the competitive, gatekeeping culture of the industry, she chose to focus on her vision rather than conforming to traditional spaces that didn’t always welcome her. Instead of waiting for an opportunity, she built her own.

The Tru Tattoo Team and Their Specialties

Amber has assembled a talented team of female artists who each bring a unique specialty to the studio:

• Madi: The longest-standing artist at Tru Tattoo, Madi specializes in fine-line black and grey work, creating custom designs for each client.
• Maricella: Known for her black and grey New Mexican lowrider-style tattoos.
• Shanna: The studio’s color specialist, known for bringing vibrant designs to life.
• Jessi: A recent addition from Denver, specializing in traditional tattoos.
• Amber: Specializes in black and grey fine-line work.

The Connection Between Artist and Client

For Amber, tattooing is more than just ink on skin—it’s a therapeutic process for both the artist and the client. She values the deep connections she buil

ds with those who sit in her chair, listening to their stories, sharing laughs, and becoming a part of their journeys. Many of her clients have become like family, and every piece she creates carries personal significance.

Tru Tattoo’s Role in the Albuquerque Art and Tattoo Community

Tru Tattoo is more than a business; it’s a positive force in the Albuquerque art and tattoo scene. The studio not only upholds the artistry and tradition of tattooing but also challenges stereotypes surrounding tattoo culture. Through community involvement, charity events, and free cover-ups for those in need, Amber ensures that her work extends beyond the studio walls and into the lives of those seeking a fresh start.

Staying Inspired and Growing as an Artist

Amber continuously pushes herself to grow, both artistically and as a business owner. She stays inspired by collaborating with other artists, expanding her skills, and remaining committed to giving back to her community. The impact she makes through her work and outreach fuels her passion every day.

Meaningful Projects at Tru Tattoo

Some of Amber’s most rewarding work involves free cover-ups for individuals looking to leave behind painful reminders of their past. Whether it’s a self-harm scar, a gang-related tattoo, or ink from a darker period of life, helping someone regain their confidence is one of the most fulfilling aspects of her career.

Advice for Aspiring Tattoo Artists and Women Entrepreneurs

Amber’s advice to those looking to follow their dreams: Don’t let fear stop you. Fear is natural—it makes you aware—but it should never hold you back. If you have the drive, put in the work, and stay true to yourself, you can create your own path, just like she did. As her grandmother always told her, “If there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Through Tru Tattoo, Amber Lynn is not only leaving a lasting mark on her clients’ skin but also on the Albuquerque community, proving that artistry, resilience, and heart can change lives—one tattoo at a time.