The Best Tattoo Artists at Family Business Tattoo San Diego: Meet the Masters of Ink

Nestled in the vibrant, bohemian heart of Ocean Beach at 4843 Voltaire St Ste B, San Diego, CA 92107, Family Business Tattoo is a cornerstone of San Diego’s tattoo culture. With nearly two decades of operation and a team boasting over 100 years of combined experience, this family-run shop is home to some of the city’s most talented tattoo artists. From intricate fine line designs to bold traditional Japanese tattoos, the artists at Family Business Tattoo—Mariana Domenes, Ronaldo Grecco Neto, Carrie Halley, Yasser Urbina, Javier “Jed” Docunge, and Adriannah Esparza—each bring unique skills and passion to the table. Here’s a deep dive into why these artists are among the best at Family Business Tattoo and what makes them stand out in San Diego’s thriving tattoo scene.

Mariana Domenes: The Queen of Fine Line and Floral Artistry

Mariana Domenes, co-owner of Family Business Tattoo, is a Brazilian artist, mother of two, and a Christian who’s been immersed in the tattoo world for over 21 years alongside her husband, Ronaldo. Since starting her tattooing journey in 2014, Mariana has become renowned for her delicate fine line work and stunning floral designs. Her signature style blends elegance with precision, creating tattoos that are both intricate and meaningful. Whether it’s a flowing floral sleeve, a minimalist mandala, or a fine line tribute, Mariana’s ability to capture her clients’ stories with a soft, artistic touch makes her a standout.

•  Specialties: Fine line, floral tattoos, mandalas, American Traditional with delicate twists.

•  Why She’s the Best: Mariana’s warm, collaborative approach ensures every client feels heard, and her meticulous attention to detail results in tattoos that age beautifully. Her floral sleeves, in particular, are celebrated for their balance of bold traditional elements and delicate linework.

•  Client Vibe: Perfect for those seeking elegant, personalized tattoos with a feminine or minimalist aesthetic.

Ronaldo Grecco Neto: The Master of Traditional Japanese Tattoos

Ronaldo Grecco Neto, co-owner and a Brazilian-born artist, brings 20 years of tattooing experience, with 18 years dedicated to traditional Japanese (Irezumi) tattoos. His large-scale designs—think dragons, koi fish, and cherry blossoms—capture the dynamic flow and cultural depth of this ancient art form. Ronaldo’s global experience, including workshops in Europe and conventions in countries like Italy and Argentina, has honed his craft, making him a master of bold lines, vibrant colors, and intricate compositions. Beyond Japanese tattoos, he’s versatile in styles like American Traditional and fine line, offering clients a range of options.

•  Specialties: Traditional Japanese, American Traditional, large-scale body art, fine line details.

•  Why He’s the Best: Ronaldo’s deep knowledge of Japanese tattoo culture and his ability to create cohesive, storytelling designs make him a go-to for statement pieces. His humble, client-focused approach ensures a comfortable, collaborative experience.

•  Client Vibe: Ideal for those wanting bold, culturally rich tattoos that cover sleeves, backs, or chests.

Carrie Halley: The Geometric Mandala Maestro

With five years of professional tattooing experience, Carrie Halley specializes in geometric mandala dotwork, bringing a modern, spiritual edge to her designs. Her tattoos often feature intricate patterns radiating from a central point, symbolizing balance and harmony. Carrie’s versatility shines through in her ability to blend neo-traditional and traditional styles (both color and black-and-grey), making her a great choice for clients who want a mix of precision and creativity. Her passion for transforming skin into art is evident in every piece she creates.

•  Specialties: Geometric mandala dotwork, neo-traditional, traditional (color and black-and-grey).

•  Why She’s the Best: Carrie’s knack for creating symmetrical, visually captivating mandalas makes her a standout for clients seeking spiritual or balanced designs. Her adaptability across styles ensures a unique tattoo every time.

•  Client Vibe: Perfect for those drawn to geometric patterns, spiritual symbolism, or vibrant neo-traditional pieces.

Yasser Urbina: The Realism and Mixed Media Virtuoso

Yasser Urbina is a master of black-and-grey realism, mixed media, and illustrative color tattoos. With over 10 years of experience, he excels in creating lifelike animal portraits, creative backgrounds, and LA-style designs that pop with detail and texture. Yasser’s ability to blend realism with illustrative elements allows him to craft tattoos that are both striking and deeply personal, making him a favorite for clients seeking dramatic, high-impact pieces.

•  Specialties: Black-and-grey realism, mixed media, illustrative color, animal portraits.

•  Why He’s the Best: Yasser’s versatility and technical skill in realism make his tattoos stand out for their depth and lifelike quality. His creative approach to backgrounds and mixed media adds a unique flair to every piece.

•  Client Vibe: Great for those wanting detailed, realistic tattoos or bold, colorful illustrative designs.

Javier “Jed” Docunge: The Cuban Craftsman

Javier “Jed” Docunge brings a decade of tattooing experience from Cuba to Family Business Tattoo, where his versatility and precision shine. Known for his ability to tackle a variety of styles, Jed excels in custom memorial pieces and detailed designs that resonate with themes of remembrance and gratitude. His work often incorporates personal elements, making him a go-to for clients seeking tattoos with deep emotional significance.

•  Specialties: Custom memorial tattoos, versatile styles, detailed designs.

•  Why He’s the Best: Jed’s international experience and empathetic approach make him exceptional at crafting tattoos that honor personal stories. His technical skill ensures every design is executed with care and precision.

•  Client Vibe: Ideal for clients looking for meaningful, custom tattoos with emotional depth.

Adriannah Esparza: The Neo-Traditional Illustrator

Born and raised in San Diego, Adriannah Esparza holds a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and has been drawing since she was two years old. Her unique style blends neo-traditional and illustrative elements, with a nod to traditional Japanese and color tattoos. Adriannah’s tattoos are vibrant and artistic, transforming skin into a canvas of storytelling. Her passion for building relationships with clients and treating tattooing as a high art form sets her apart.

•  Specialties: Neo-traditional, illustrative, traditional Japanese, color tattoos.

•  Why She’s the Best: Adriannah’s fine arts background and illustrative approach result in tattoos that are both visually stunning and deeply personal. Her ability to connect with clients ensures a collaborative, meaningful experience.

•  Client Vibe: Perfect for those seeking colorful, illustrative tattoos with a modern or neo-traditional twist.

Why Family Business Tattoo is the Best Choice

Family Business Tattoo’s reputation as one of San Diego’s top tattoo shops stems from its talented roster, family-oriented atmosphere, and commitment to quality. Here’s why these artists shine as a collective:

•  Diverse Expertise: From Mariana’s fine line florals to Ronaldo’s Japanese masterpieces, the team covers a wide range of styles, ensuring there’s an artist for every vision.

•  Welcoming Environment: Located in the heart of Ocean Beach, the shop’s laid-back, bohemian vibe and “familial embrace” make every session feel like coming home. Free consultations and walk-in availability add to the accessibility.

•  Lasting Quality: Using top-tier inks and advanced techniques, the artists create tattoos that maintain their vibrancy and clarity over time, with thorough aftercare guidance provided.

•  Client-Centered Approach: Each artist collaborates closely with clients to ensure their tattoos reflect personal stories, making every piece a unique work of art.

The Experience at Family Business Tattoo

Walking into Family Business Tattoo feels like stepping into a creative sanctuary. The shop’s Ocean Beach location, surrounded by the neighborhood’s surf-inspired charm, sets a relaxed yet professional tone. Whether you’re booking a consultation with Mariana for a delicate floral piece, collaborating with Ronaldo on a Japanese sleeve, or exploring geometric designs with Carrie, the process is seamless. The artists offer free consultations to refine your ideas, and walk-ins are welcome for smaller pieces or spontaneous sessions.

Clients consistently praise the shop’s warmth and professionalism, with one noting, “There truly is a familial embrace that envelops you as you enter & remains as you stay.” The team’s commitment to storytelling through ink ensures every tattoo—whether a minimalist fine line design or a sprawling body suit—is a meaningful reflection of the client’s journey.

Book Your Tattoo with San Diego’s Best

Family Business Tattoo is home to some of San Diego’s most talented tattoo artists, each bringing a unique perspective and skill set to the table. Whether you’re drawn to Mariana Domenes’ delicate fine line florals, Ronaldo Grecco’s bold Japanese designs, Carrie Halley’s intricate mandalas, Yasser Urbina’s realistic portraits, Jed Docunge’s heartfelt memorial pieces, or Adriannah Esparza’s vibrant neo-traditional art, you’ll find an artist who can bring your vision to life.

Call (619) 997-9193 to schedule a free consultation or visit the shop at 4843 Voltaire St Ste B, San Diego, CA 92107, to meet the team. Explore their portfolios at www.familybusinesstattoo.com and follow Family Business Tattoo on Facebook and Instagram for the latest designs and client stories.

Your story deserves to be told by the best. At Family Business Tattoo San Diego, Mariana, Ronaldo, Carrie, Yasser, Jed, and Adriannah are ready to create a tattoo that’s as unique and vibrant as you are. Book today and experience the artistry that makes this shop a standout in San Diego’s tattoo community!