16. MEHAI BAKATY- It’s all about the people

In New York the name Bakaty and Tattooing are two sides of the same coin and the city knows it well.  A second generation tattooer, Mehai watched his father Mike, respected and loved legend in the Lower East Side, practicing the craft since he was four years old. At the age of 11 he was making needles for the family business that operated underground throughout the long ban that made tattooing illegal in NY for over 30 years.  Surrounded by the most iconic figures in the history of the Bowery, Mehai absorbed and still embodies that true spirit of craftsmanship, connection and respect of traditional values that are getting more and more rare to find.  His shop FINELINE as today is the longest running studio in the city and that alone speaks volumes.  It was an absolute honor to share an afternoon with a truly dedicated and grounded gentleman, representing the best side of tattooing.  Find Mehai on Instagram Follow the shop on Instagram and at finelinetattoo.com     Follow the latest updates on new episodes on Instagram  and stefbastian.com