Who Is Ruby Ghauri, and How Did She Break the Mold?
Ever heard of someone leaving a stable, traditional job to pursue something completely different? That’s precisely what Ruby, one of our mentors at Ink Different Philadelphia did when she swapped her career as a pharmacy technician for a tattoo machine. But Ruby’s journey wasn’t just about changing jobs. It was about how she overcame stereotypes to become a Tattoo Artist in an industry where women are often underrepresented.
Ruby always had a passion for art. Unfortunately, like many others, she was conditioned to see it as just a hobby. "My understanding of what I could do career-wise as an artist was very limited. It actually was not supposed to be an option for me," Ruby reflects. Despite the societal expectations. She followed her passion and leaped into tattooing. It was the perfect field where she could blend her love for art with a desire for independence and creativity.
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The Story of How a Girl Overcame Stereotypes to Become a Tattoo Artist
What Stereotypes Did Ruby Face in Her Journey?
Like many others, the tattoo industry has its share of stereotypes, particularly regarding women. Historically, tattooing was seen as a male-dominated field. Women have often being sidelined or stereotyped as either the “token female artist”. Sometimes not taken seriously within tattooing. For Ruby, stepping into this world meant confronting these stereotypes head-on.
According to Zippia: "25.0% of all tattoo artists are women, while 75.0% are men." Same research states that, the pay gender gap between men and women in the tattoo industry is a 3%. Women in tattooing often have to work twice as hard to prove their skills and dedication, battling preconceived notions about their abilities. But Ruby didn’t let these obstacles hold her back. Instead, she used them as motivation to excel and create a name for herself in the tattoo world.
Ruby’s success didn’t come without challenges. "Tattooing ended up falling right within that area of being independent, but at the same time having some security or some home base where I could do my work and do it safely," Ruby explains. Finding a supportive environment like Ink Different Tattoo School was crucial for her, as it provided the structure and mentorship needed to thrive in a competitive field.
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How Did Ruby Overcome These Challenges?
Overcoming stereotypes and challenges in any industry requires a mix of resilience, determination, and the right support system. For Ruby, that support system came from Ink Different Tattoo School. At Ink Different, she found mentors who believed in her talent and invested in her success. "And then honestly, once you find a place like that, it's pretty easy to learn because you're in a safe space to do so," she notes.
Ink Different provided Ruby with a structured curriculum that allowed her to build her skills while receiving guidance from experienced professionals. This environment gave her the confidence to break free from the limitations that come with stereotypes. The school is committed to inclusivity and fostering a safe space for all artists. This played a significant role in Ruby’s development as an artist!
Ruby’s journey is a testament to the importance of having mentors and allies to break down barriers. "The intimacy, the very personal relationship that comes with you tattooing somebody—you need to be a good human to garner your client’s trust from start to finish," Ruby emphasizes. Her success in the industry isn’t just about technical skills. It’s also about building trust and creating meaningful connections. Subsequently it proves that women have a vital role in tattooing!
Did you know our tattoo school, Ink Different, has locations in several exciting cities across the United States? We do! We have locations in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Orange County, Chicago, Tampa, Miami, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Atlanta and Connecticut.
What Impact Is Ruby Making Now?
After she successfully overcame stereotypes to become a Tattoo Artist, Ruby didn’t stop there. She decided to give back by becoming a mentor. This way, she helps the next generation of artists navigate the industry. "Being a good human makes you an outstanding Tattoo Artist," Ruby believes, and this philosophy is at the core of her mentoring approach.
Ruby’s experience as both an tattoo apprentice and a mentor has given her a unique perspective on the challenges of new artists. Especially those who might feel marginalized or overlooked due to their gender or ethnicity. She’s committed to providing the same supportive environment that helped her succeed. She wants to ensure that her tattoo apprentices feel empowered to break their molds and carve out successful careers.
By mentoring others, Ruby is not just guiding them in the technical aspects of tattooing—she’s also showing them how to navigate and overcome the stereotypes and biases that still exist in the industry. Her journey from pharmacy tech to Tattoo Artist and mentor is an inspiring example of how breaking the mold can lead to personal and professional fulfillment. This also shows how supporting others on their journeys can create a more inclusive and diverse tattoo community.
Looking for information for parents of young Tattoo Artists? Continue reading about parents who want to help their children become Tattoo Artists.

Why Is Inclusivity Important in the Tattoo Industry?
Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a vital part of creating a thriving, diverse community in any industry, and tattooing is no exception. Ruby’s story highlights the importance of breaking down barriers and creating spaces where everyone can succeed regardless of their background.
At Ink Different Tattoo School, inclusivity is a core value. Ink Different is proud to offer education in Spanish at their Brooklyn, Chicago, Tampa, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale locations. This commitment to making tattoo education accessible to a broader audience is just one example of how the school works to create a more inclusive industry.
By offering education in multiple languages and fostering a supportive environment, Ink Different is helping ensure that the next generation of Tattoo Artists is as diverse as their clients. With mentors like Ruby leading the way, the future of the tattoo industry looks brighter and more inclusive than ever.
Learn more about the profession on our website or read how to change careers and become a Tattoo Artist!
Ruby’s Journey Is Just the Beginning
Ruby Ghauri’s story is a powerful reminder that breaking the mold isn’t just about defying expectations but creating new possibilities for yourself and others. By overcoming the stereotypes she faced and establishing herself as a successful Tattoo Artist, Ruby has found personal fulfillment and paved the way for others to do the same.
As a mentor, Ruby is helping to shape the future of the tattoo industry, ensuring that it becomes a more inclusive and supportive space for everyone. Her journey from pharmacy tech to Tattoo Artist and mentor shows that with passion, resilience, and the proper support, you can break through any barriers and achieve your dreams.
Whether you’re considering a career in tattooing or simply looking for inspiration to follow your path, Ruby’s story is a testament to the power of breaking the mold and embracing the unique talents and perspectives that make each of us who we are.
Did you Know?
Ink Different, has locations in several exciting cities across the United States? We do! We have locations in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Orange County, Chicago, Tampa, Miami, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Atlanta and Connecticut.
Join Our Community
In conclusion, Ink Different Tattoo School is not just a place to learn tattooing; it's a community where aspiring artists can grow and thrive. Our comprehensive program, experienced mentors, and multicultural approach make us the ideal choice for anyone looking to pursue a career in tattooing. Join us and become part of a amazing and supportive community that is dedicated to helping you achieve your dreams! Our community extends beyond the classroom, offering lifelong support and connections. Whether you're looking for mentorship, collaboration, or just a place to share your passion, Ink Different provides a welcoming and inspiring environment. So, if you're ready to take your tattooing skills to the next level and join a community that values creativity, professionalism, and inclusivity, Ink Different Tattoo School is the place for you.

On the Road Towards Becoming a Tattoo Artist: Why is Ink Different Tattoo School the Best Choice
Comprehensive Apprenticeship Program
Ink Different Tattoo School stands out as the best choice for aspiring tattoo artists for several reasons. Our comprehensive apprenticeship program teaches the art of tattooing and ensures that our apprentices understand the importance of safety and professionalism in the industry. With hands-on training from experienced mentors, our apprentices gain invaluable experience that sets them apart in the competitive tattoo world.
Our curriculum covers many topics, including tattoo techniques, art theory, and even business skills. We believe in a holistic approach to education, ensuring that our apprentices are well-rounded professionals ready to excel in their careers. Our experienced mentors are dedicated to helping each apprentice develop their unique style and voice, making the learning experience both personal and comprehensive.
Guaranteed Job Offer
One unique aspect of our apprenticeship program is our guaranteed job offer upon successful completion. We are committed to helping our apprentices transition from apprentices to professional Tattoo Artists, and our job offer ensures that they have a place to begin their careers. This commitment sets us apart from other tattoo schools. It reflects our dedication to supporting the next generation of Tattoo Artists.
Diversity and Inclusion
At Ink Different Tattoo School, we understand the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the tattoo industry. That's why we proudly offer our program in multiple locations across the United States, including Brooklyn, Chicago, Tampa, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale. Our commitment to diversity is also reflected in our bilingual staff, who speak Spanish, ensuring that our apprentices feel welcome and supported regardless of their background.