Out there in the great world there are those whose path to achieving success lead them on adventures they’ve never dreamed of. Their journeys are filled with both joy and sadness depending on the events that shape their experiences. You can either relate to the stories of these individuals or marvel at them….
One such story is that of Mr. Lui Talo founder of “Lil USO Tattoos.” Talo and I come from the same district in American Samoa known as the “Alataua” District. We’re facebook buddies and with all the pics he’s been posting of his artwork I knew I had to feature him.
I asked Talo to give some insight into his life and endeavors for the sake of inquiring minds. He graciously replied so here it is exclusively at ZNI Entertainment!
LIL USO TATTOO
Hi my names Lui Talo, I recently opened my tattoo shop Lil USO Tattoo in Anchorage Alaska. Where I currently reside with my family. I was born and raised in American Samoa by my parents Falanika and Mila Talo. My first experience with tattooing was in 1996, it was one of them homemade tattoo machines. I have four amazing children who inspire me to continue tattooing and drawing everyday. I love what I do and love to see my customers go home happy.
His inspiration.
I am from American Samoa, grew up in Nua & Seetaga, but spent many days in Western Samoa with my grandfather Tiatele Petelo
I left Samoa in 2000. I came to Alaska to find a job, I ended up joining the Alaska Army National Guard in 2001. I continued tattooing friends and family in my garage.
Tattoo Artist and Owner of LIL USO TATTOO
A sample of Talo's artwork.
I started drawing when I was in elementary school. I remember just sitting down drawing anywhere. It was when my brother got out of jail and showed me how to put a tattoo machine together. My dads brand new radio we took apart to use the motor lol, we melted a tooth brush and used a pen, and some of my mom’s sewing needles. Lol this was back in 96’ times have changed. When I got to Alaska I would tat friends and family in the house on and off. I got myself a new tattoo gun and machine, moved into a bigger house where I was able to set something up in my garage. Word of mouth spread about my tattoo’s. In 08’ I was hired to tattoo at East End Tattoo, two in a half years later and I have my own shop and just enjoying what I do.
The person who inspires me is my fiance Jessica. I went through some rough times, met her and she said “ don’t stop something you love doing, just cause your having a hard time in life. “ I picked up a machine and We are here now.
Lil USO Tattoo 351 Muldoon RD, Anchorage Alaska 99504. Tel: 907-743-2999. If you want to view some of my work www.facebook.com/lilusotattoo
All photos courtesy of Lui Talo. Check him out and don’t forget to ask him how he got the name for his shop. Till then,
Agent E out!
contact email: zena@znientertainment.com ph: (684) 258-2699 website: http://www.znientertainment.com
Thanks K for the corrections, I corrected the link!
http://lilusotattoo.com/
*****that link was one O off…
K
Here’s the story on how Mr. Talo got the name for his Shop!
“I forgot to tell you the reason why I got the name (referring to his tattoo shop,) anyways the reason why is cause all my customers call me Lil Uso cause they say I’m the smallest Samoan they’ve ever seen cause most of our Samoan people in Alaska they’re big & tall so every time my customers send me their friends to get tattooed by me, they tell them go to East End Tattoo and look for the “lil’ Samoan guy named Lui he’s not a big Samoan lol! He looks like a Mexican lol! Thanks Uso for the article. My website is up too at http://lilusotattoo.com/
Lui Talo
Lil Uso Tattoo