Nepali tattoo artist Sumina Shrestha on breaking stereotypes, finding strength in ink, and building a career that defies tradition.

In a country where tattoos are still seen by some as taboo—especially for women—Sumina Shrestha is quietly breaking the mould. From a childhood love of art to building her own tattoo studio in Kathmandu, her journey is one of grit, passion, and cultural pride. In this deeply personal story, Sumina shares how a single conversation with her father changed everything, and why she's now on a mission to empower the next generation of female tattoo artists in Nepal.

“One day, I asked my father if he thought I should pursue tattooing — if I should even start learning,” she says. “His response changed everything for me. He said, ‘There are very few female tattoo artists in Nepal. I think you should go for it.’ That was all the motivation I needed.” 

That moment of encouragement from her father would become the foundation for a journey filled with determination, creativity, and quiet rebellion. 

“Of course, not everyone was supportive,” Sumina says. “Many people had their opinions, especially because tattooing isn’t always seen as a ‘respectable’ profession here. But I chose to listen to the people who encouraged me rather than those who doubted me.”

Even with all the doubts around her, Sumina had always loved making art—she just hadn’t figured out what to do with it yet.

“I’ve loved drawing ever since I was a kid, and later, I studied fine arts after school. It was fun, but I wasn't sure which profession would excite me the most. I was searching for something that truly sparked my passion. Then, through some friends, I learned about tattooing, and it instantly fascinated me. 

“In a country where women often find it difficult to get equal opportunities, I felt like this was something worth fighting for.” 

But finding her passion was just the beginning—the path ahead was filled with challenges that would test both her confidence and commitment.

“Nepal is still a male-dominated society, and there are a lot of cultural expectations placed on women," Sumina says. "While there has been progress, we still have a long way to go in breaking stereotypes.

“It’s still uncomfortable to walk around freely displaying my tattoos—some people stare with pride, while others look at me with disapproval. But I’ve learned that if you focus on the negativity, you’ll always see obstacles. Instead, I chose to focus on the love and support I received and kept moving forward. If you don’t let negativity define your journey, you’ll eventually reach a point where you feel proud of what you’ve built. That’s when true peace comes from within.”

There were a lot of tough moments, but one of the biggest challenges, Sumina says, was simply affording the materials and equipment needed for tattooing. 

“My parents were not financially very strong, and tattooing requires a lot of expensive supplies. But my passion and dream were so big that I was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen. I started taking commissions for paintings and saved every bit of money I could. Piece by piece, I managed to afford every single material and piece of equipment for my studio by myself. It took me years to complete everything. Looking back, I’m proud of myself for pushing through that time." 

Through persistence and self-belief, Sumina not only built her skills—she also began to shape a style rooted in her identity and heritage.

“Nepal has such a rich cultural and artistic heritage, and I feel a deep responsibility to honour that in my work. 

“Many people, both Nepali and foreigners, come to me wanting tattoos that reflect our traditions, religion, and symbols. A lot of travellers who visit Nepal want to take a piece of our culture with them, and I love creating designs that hold meaning beyond just aesthetics. Whether it’s a mandala, a deity, or a traditional pattern, it feels special to be able to translate our heritage into permanent art. 

“For me, I always try to add my own artistic touch to every design while still respecting what my clients want. I love listening to their ideas, understanding the meaning behind them, and then transforming their concept into something that carries both their vision and my style. Whether it’s a small tattoo or a large, complex piece, I want every client to walk away with something they’ll cherish forever."

For Sumina, tattooing became more than just art—it turned into a way to connect, to empower, and to quietly challenge the rules she grew up with.

“Since I book my appointments privately, each session becomes more than just tattooing—we spend the whole day together, sharing stories, and sometimes even eating together. By the time the session ends, it feels like we’ve built a real connection. I always want my clients to feel comfortable and heard. No matter the size of the tattoo, I want them to leave with a positive memory attached to it. Because at the end of the day, the tattoo stays on their body forever—I want them to look at it and feel nothing but happiness.”

Speaking with Sumina, it's clear her journey isn’t just about personal success—it’s about how she can help shape the future for others, especially women in her industry.

“Every profession can be empowering for women if they’re passionate about it. 

“But being a female tattoo artist in Nepal is a challenge. Society hasn’t fully accepted it yet, and the real test is staying committed, practicing every day, and pushing through self-doubt. If you do that, this profession can absolutely help change social norms. I hope more women in Nepal feel free to pursue tattooing, and that families support them the way mine did. I want to see female tattoo artists working freely, without fear of judgment.”

“I want to travel to different countries, especially across Asia and Europe, to learn from other tattoo artists and explore different cultures and traditions. Every place has its own unique art, and I’d love to grow by experiencing that firsthand.

“I also want to expand Suminu Tattoo by creating opportunities for aspiring tattoo artists, especially women in Nepal. Through apprenticeships and mentorship, I hope to help more people enter this industry with confidence. More than anything, I want to make my parents proud and inspire others to follow their passion—no matter how different it may seem.”

Follow Sumina Shrestha @suminu.tattoo