My name is Candace, and I’m a self-employed entrepreneur who has built my tattoo business from the ground up. This is my primary source of income, and more importantly, it’s my way of giving back to the community. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with organizations like the Long Beach Mission, Little House Recovery Home in Bellflower, Pasadena Humane, as well as participating in autism events, fire relief efforts, and other community causes. Through my art, I’ve always done my best to pour back into people’s lives and make a positive impact.

Recently, my storage unit was broken into, and about 80% of everything inside was taken—from tattoo supplies to marketing materials, furniture, and business cleaning supplies. These items are not only expensive, but also take time and care to replace. While I am doing everything I can to recover, this setback makes it very challenging to rebuild quickly and continue the work I love—serving others through my art and supporting the community.

I’m asking, if it’s in your heart, even a small donation or a share can truly go a long way. Every little bit adds up more than you might realize. My goal is not just to replace what was lost, but to continue building toward something bigger—a space where I can mentor at-risk youth and individuals coming out of rehabilitation, showing them that they can create a future for themselves no matter their past. At the end of the day, it’s never just about the money. It’s about the moments, the connections, and the experiences that are truly priceless and can never be replaced. If you’re able to donate or even just share this, it would mean more than I can express. Thank you for being part of my journey. —Candace Vallarta