Convention Connection: How Self-Taught Tattoo Artist Alia ElFadaly Opened the Only Licensed Tattoo Studio in Cairo, Egypt
When Alia ElFadaly started tattooing in Egypt, there were no tattoo studios, and you barely saw anyone with a tattoo. Nearly 16 years later, she owns The Ink Shop, the only licensed tattoo studio in Cairo. Now she tattoos at conventions around the world.
We met her in New York for Convention Connection, hosted by Chico Cortez, alongside her friend Shaun Gray. Shaun is a body piercer of 21 years and owner of Odyssey Art Collective in Cary, North Carolina. The two met at a convention booth three years ago. Now they're planning something that's never happened before: a tattoo convention in Cairo.
Key Takeaways
Self-taught start: Alia learned by tattooing her brother, then practicing on her own leg until she could fix his first tattoo.
A true pioneer: She started tattooing in Egypt when there were no tattoo studios, and today she owns the only licensed tattoo studio in Cairo.
Biggest obstacle: Public acceptance. It took years for people to see tattoos as meaningful, not just pictures on skin.
A convention friendship: Alia and Shaun met at neighboring booths at the same New York convention three years ago.
The big plan: They're working toward Cairo's first tattoo convention next year, which Alia describes as the first in the Middle East.
Who Is Alia ElFadaly and Why Does Her Story Matter?
Alia ElFadaly is an Egyptian Tattoo Artist with nearly 16 years of experience. She owns The Ink Shop, the only licensed tattoo studio in Cairo.
She's tattooed in Egypt for her entire career. More recently, she's started traveling to conventions around the world.
Her story matters because she built a career where none existed. When she began, tattoo studios simply weren't part of life in Egypt. She calls herself a pioneer, and she believes she helped open people's eyes to tattooing.
Today, she says tattooing in Egypt is growing fast. People are finally getting the pieces they want.
What Is the Convention Connection That Changes Careers?
A convention connection is a relationship that starts on a convention floor and grows into something bigger. Alia and Shaun's friendship is a perfect example.
Three years ago, they had neighboring booths at the same New York convention where this interview was filmed. They hit it off and became friends.
Shaun has since watched Egypt's tattoo scene grow. He says Alia's friends kept telling him he had to come visit.
Then they each had the same idea. Shaun wanted to launch a tattoo convention. Alia had long dreamed of bringing the first tattoo convention to the Middle East. When they talked, they decided to do it together.
As Chico pointed out, Convention Connection had found a convention connection of its own.
How Did a Self-Taught Artist Open a Licensed Studio?
Alia opened her tattoo studio through practice, word of mouth, and steady demand. As she describes it, the tattoo studio almost happened on its own.
She convinced her brother to buy her a machine
Alia told her brother she'd tattoo him if he bought her a machine. He did, and she tattooed him. She admits it was a very bad tattoo.
She practiced on herself to make it right
To fix her brother's tattoo, she practiced on her own leg. Once her skills improved, she went back and fixed it. Her brother is still one of her biggest supporters and shows up for her around the world.
She built her skills on friends
Next, she tattooed herself, her friends, and friends of friends. As the work kept coming, she started charging for it.
The invitations turned into a tattoo studio
People began inviting her to tattoo at their places. Before long, she had a tattoo studio of her own.
She faced public acceptance head-on
Alia says her biggest obstacle wasn't the government. It was people's acceptance. It took a long time for clients to understand that a tattoo is more than art on the body. To her, it carries energy and meaning, so clients should choose pieces that truly speak to them.
Why Does a Licensed Tattoo Studio Matter So Much?
A licensed tattoo studio shows clients that the Tattoo Artists inside meet health and safety standards. That trust matters even more where tattooing is still gaining acceptance.
For Alia, running the only licensed tattoo studio in Cairo means setting an example. She started when tattoo studios didn't exist in Egypt, and she's helped shape how people there see tattooing.
Pro Tip: A license isn't just paperwork. It's how clients know they can trust you with their skin.
What Can You Learn From Alia's Journey?
Alia's journey shows that persistence and practice can build a career, even in a place where tattooing barely existed.
She also proves that mistakes aren't the end. Her first tattoo on her brother was bad, so she practiced until she could fix it.
Her story also shows how much tattooing's history matters to her. She believes tattooing began in ancient Egypt. She's now working on a project with Johns Hopkins involving a discovered tomb of a priestess and her assistants, all covered in tattoos. She says their work was remarkably advanced.
Today's aspiring Tattoo Artists don't have to learn the way Alia did. With a Mentor, you can avoid many of the mistakes aspiring tattoo apprentices should avoid.
How Can You Start Your Own Tattoo Career?
You start by committing to structured training, mastering the fundamentals, and meeting your state's licensing requirements.
Alia learned through trial and error. A tattoo apprenticeship gives you a Mentor who can correct your technique in real time. Get familiar with the tools every beginner Tattoo Artist should know, and start building your online presence with the platforms that help Tattoo Artists build their brand.
If you're thinking about leaving your current job, our career change tattoo apprenticeship guide can help you plan the move.
Tattooing is also a career built on human connection. As we explain in why tattoo artists are still essential, trust between a Tattoo Artist and a client can't be automated.
What Is Ink Different's Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship?
Ink Different's Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is a four-phase tattoo apprenticeship built for complete beginners, with in-person training under experienced Mentors.
It's also a college alternative for people who want a hands-on craft without college debt. Here's what you can expect:
Hands-on training: You learn in person from experienced Mentors inside a working tattoo studio.
Beginner-friendly: No art degree or prior experience required.
Licensing support: Guidance through your state's licensing requirements.
A guaranteed job offer: You'll receive a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different's tattoo studios.
This is a career that comes with confidence. You'll finish with job-ready skills, licensing support, and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different's 60+ tattoo studios nationwide. Seats are limited, with only two apprentices per tattoo studio per Mentor.
Who Is the Master Mentorship Program For?
Master Mentorship is for Tattoo Artists who want to keep sharpening their skills by learning from some of the most respected names in tattooing.
Ink Different's Master Mentors include Al Fliction, Liz Cook, Kyle Dunbar, Boneface, and Jordi Pla. Training in person with Tattoo Artists at that level sharpens your technique, your eye, and your business sense.
That kind of growth matches what Alia and Shaun are building in Cairo. Their plans include seminars and a lineup of what Alia calls the best of the best Tattoo Artists.
How Is Ink Different Making Training Accessible?
Ink Different offers Spanish-speaking locations in Denver, Orange County, NYC, Miami, San Antonio, and San Diego, so language is never a barrier to your tattoo career.
With 60+ locations nationwide, there's likely one near you. You'll also join Ink Different's "Good Humans" culture, a supportive community that wants you to succeed.
Alia and Shaun share that spirit of opening doors. Shaun says many people believe tattooing isn't allowed in the Middle East, but tattoo studios are opening in Dubai and Egypt. Their Cairo convention aims to show the world that tattooing is thriving there.
Remember: Every licensed professional tattoo artist started as someone who simply decided to begin.
Ready to Become a Tattoo Artist?
Alia ElFadaly started with one bad tattoo on her brother. Nearly 16 years later, she owns the only licensed tattoo studio in Cairo and is working to bring a tattoo convention to Egypt.
The plan is still coming together. Shaun says it's not 100% yet, and they're meeting with investors. Their vision includes a luxury experience, seminars, a music festival, and tattooing with the pyramids in view. Your own path can start with more structure than Alia had.
Ready to become a Tattoo Artist? Apply now to Ink Different's Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship and start building a real career with licensing support, hands-on mentorship, and a community of good humans who believe in you. Prefer to talk it through first? Fill out our quick questionnaire to get personalized guidance and discover if our Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior art experience to become a tattoo artist?
No. Ink Different's Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is built for complete beginners and teaches drawing, line work, and safety.
Is the Cairo tattoo convention confirmed?
She taught herself. She tattooed her brother first, practiced on her own leg, then tattooed friends before charging clients.
Is tattooing a safe career choice with AI technology advancing?
Yes. Tattooing depends on human connection, hands-on skill, and trust between a Tattoo Artist and a client, which AI can't replace.
Can I train in Spanish at Ink Different?
Yes. Ink Different has Spanish-speaking locations in Denver, Orange County, NYC, Miami, San Antonio, and San Diego.
When should I start a tattoo apprenticeship?
When you're ready to commit. Seats are limited, with only two apprentices per tattoo studio per Mentor, so applying early helps.
