Story & Lesson Highlights with Jonathan Tafoya of Lakewood

We recently had the chance to connect with Jonathan Tafoya and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I have been proud of myself lately for traveling more and meeting new clients.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jonny Tafoya and I am an artist that loves tattooing, painting and design. My story starts in Las Vegas Nevada where I was born and grew up. Early on my escape was drawing and painting, it was and is definitely my happy place. My art later took a turn towards the tattoo industry and I never looked back. 26 years later I have been doing more skateboard designs, TShirts and custom paintings. I am definitely one who likes to explore more ideas and not let doubt and negativity to get in my way.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Two moments come to mind actually. My children being born and surviving an open heart surgery. One showed me that I have one chance to make it happen and to leave a legacy. The other showed me that I am not immortal and to make sure I ride this rollercoaster called life with a smile and enjoy it.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I will say that suffering taught me to surrender to the inevitable and realize there are people in my life that will help me when I ask. To me it is important knowing I don’t have to do this alone and others are on this planet for a reason.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. I am proud to say “what you see is what you get with me.” I have ups and downs like all others, I don’t slap on a fake smile if I’m not feeling it. I have been working on seeing the silver lining for years and I will look for it on the darkest days.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would be grateful to hear that I was a helpful, successful and awesome man. Also that I did my best to create a successful marriage and raise two wonderful humans that carry on my knowledge and help people like I did.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jonnytafoya77.com
• Instagram: Jonnytafoya77
• Facebook: Jonathan Tafoya
• Other: https://Www.Cocreate.Ink/artists/jonnytafoya77