BALBOA PARK #33 - 5 Years of Strangeland: What I’ve Learned About Hustle, Rest, Creativity & Running a Tattoo Shop on My Own Terms

Hey there, my friend,January is usually tough. But this year, I decided to do things differently. Instead of pushing through exhaustion, I gave myself permission to slow down. No more forcing myself to keep Strangeland open every day. No more feeling guilty for taking a break.In the latest episode of Balboa Park, I reflect on:✨ Why I stopped accepting random walk-in tattoos✨ The five-year journey of Strangeland (from pre-post-pandemic chaos to now)✨ A special client who traveled from Las Vegas just for a tattoo (!?) and another who’s only has 1 tattoo and this tattoo it’s his whole back! If you’ve ever struggled with balancing creativity, business, and mental health, I think you’ll relate to this one.🎧 Listen now → on Substack, on apple podcast, on spotify, on audible or amazon music, on… pretty everywhere (search for podcast nicoz balboa park)📺 Watch the episode on YouTube Let me know what you think! Do you also struggle with slowing down? 👉 Leave a comment on YouTube or reply on Substack—I’d love to hear your thoughts!Big hugs,Nicozshow Notes for BALBOA PARK #33 - 5 Years of Strangeland: What I’ve Learned About Hustle, Rest, Creativity & Running a Tattoo Shop on My Own Terms* Why January always felt overwhelming—but this year was different* Strangeland turns 5! A look back at its wild journey* Letting go of the need to "always be open"* The kind of tattoo clients that bring true joy* That time someone traveled from Las Vegas just to get inked (!?)💬 Join the conversation!* What do you do when you feel burnt out?* Have you ever changed the way you work to better fit your life? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nicozbalboa.substack.com