Kathmandu, Nepal- Tattooing is an art. In Nepal, its popularity is growing rapidly. These days, it has become a trend among young people. Especially in the worlds of art and modeling, many embrace tattoos as a form of fashion, decorating different parts of their bodies. As the craze has grown, tattoo artists have become busier than ever. Among them is Sunita Kunwar.
Sunita is a successful tattoo artist. From morning until night, she’s occupied with her work, yet she also has a passion for modeling. It was her interest and ambition in modeling that initially led her into the tattoo industry. Today, she runs Skin Art Tattoo Center at City Center in Kamalpokhari, where she serves both young clients and celebrities. “I’m satisfied with this profession,” she says. Whenever she has the time, she also takes on modeling offers. “Right now, tattoos are a full-on trend. Both men and women are increasingly drawn to them,” she adds.
Here are highlights from a conversation with the well-known young tattoo artist Sunita Kunwar:
How satisfied are you with your profession?
“With all the love and support I’ve received, I’m very satisfied with what I do. Tattooing is a sensitive field, so it requires a lot of hard work and dedication.”
Do men or women seem more into tattoos these days?
“Lately, tattoos have become a wave among young people. What I’ve noticed is that women, in particular, are just as enthusiastic—sometimes even more so. Both men and women come to my studio, but since I’m a woman myself, I do see more female clients feeling comfortable coming to me.”
You’re also passionate about modeling. How do you manage your time?
“I’ve been interested in art since childhood. That passion, along with encouragement from friends, pushed me into modeling too. Thanks to the supportive staff at my studio, I can accept modeling offers whenever they come my way. When you really want something, managing your time isn’t as difficult as it seems.”
How challenging is it for women in this field?
“Challenges exist in every field. The real question is how you face them. Success doesn’t come overnight—it takes persistence, effort, and a positive attitude. Right now, women are excelling in every sector. Compared to the past, they are standing shoulder to shoulder with men in almost every area.”
How does society view tattoo artists, especially women?
“For women, stepping out of the house to work isn’t always easy. Some are lucky enough to get family support, while others are forced to stay confined at home. Instead of worrying about what others say, it’s important to listen to your own inner voice. With family support, no one can really stop you. In the beginning, even my own family found it hard to accept tattooing as a career. But now, they’ve embraced it because they see the hard work and effort I’ve put in.”
How supportive has your family been?
“If it weren’t for my family’s support, I wouldn’t have made it this far. Family encouragement is essential when pursuing any career. Their backing gives you strength, and during hard times, it helps you move forward with confidence. I want to wholeheartedly thank my family, well-wishers, and clients for trusting me. Because of them, I continue to climb the ladder of success.”
Do you think women’s participation in different fields is growing?
“Absolutely. Women can handle everything—from managing the household to taking on professional roles. What they need is trust and responsibility. Seeing women thrive in different areas is a very positive sign. A spirit of cooperation brings energy to everyone. Physically, women may face more challenges than men, but in terms of skills and professionalism, they’ve already proven themselves.”
What advice would you give to those who want to pursue tattooing as a career?
“First, you have to recognize the art within yourself. Everyone has some hidden talent. Before starting any business, it’s important to study it thoroughly. Success is always close by—you just have to reach for it. Turning your passion into your profession is key. To succeed, one needs dedication, hard work, patience, and discipline.”
Finally, do you have a message to share?
“Time is powerful, so let’s not waste it. Let’s move forward in life with meaning and purpose. Don’t panic if success doesn’t come right away. Building self-satisfaction and morale is essential. Even in tough times, happiness isn’t something you need to search for elsewhere—it comes from within. Let’s live with the belief that struggle itself is life.”
