“I built a space where ink belongs on walls and bodies alike”: Meet the founder of Wanda Tattoo

It’s been a wild and wonderful career for Wanda, founder of the Wanda Tattoo studio. From her explosive start as an MTV presenter chosen from over six hundred candidates to founding her London-based shop — a revolutionary fusion of high art and tattoo culture — the multi-hyphenate has built an empire that reaches thirty-three million viewers monthly. That’s because the Romanian-born creative isn’t just selling a service, she’s crafting a micro-culture all of her own. “I don’t just run a business, I build people,” she says. 

In the same way, the entrepreneur has honed and curated herself with a unique intentionality. “I wake up every morning with a clear mind and a smile on my face, knowing I didn’t quit.” The result of Wanda’s persistence means she’s redefined what it means to be an artist. She has a rare ability to curate culture — something Wanda appears acutely aware of. Having stepped into multiple spotlights throughout her career, she approaches each venture with unwavering confidence. There is something magnetic about her directness as she affirms that she’s “not just the founder [of Wanda Tattoo]. I’m an art authenticator, dealer and cultural curator.”

Here, we chat with Wanda about her meteoric rise, creative philosophy and how she’s building a legacy that goes far beyond the tattoo industry.

Tell us a little about your early career. How did you wind up becoming an MTV presenter?

My career took off with MTV, back when it was the cultural powerhouse. I went to a casting with over six hundred people, and within minutes, they told me to pack my bags. I was one of just three chosen. Red brows, fringe, white outfit, killer boots — I showed up, and they saw it. I was flown to London to meet the MTV team in Camden, and that was it. I became part of the MTV family. Things moved fast but I was ready. I didn’t just get the job. I owned it.

How did you transition from MTV presenter to founder of Wanda Tattoo? 

The transition from MTV presenter to founder of Wanda Tattoo wasn’t a pivot, it was an evolution. I started at MTV, flying across the globe, interviewing the world’s biggest stars. That experience shaped my voice, my vision and my network. From there, I moved into the art world, naturally. I’ve always had an eye for culture, edge and authenticity. Over time, I connected the dots: my experience, my taste, my global relationships. That’s how Wanda Tattoo was born — a one-of-a-kind studio where high art meets tattoo culture, with the same bold energy I brought to every MTV set. I didn’t want to ride along someone’s lane so I built my own.

What inspired you to incorporate an art gallery into your tattoo studio?

Incorporating an art gallery into my tattoo studio was never a gimmick — it was a power move. I’ve always believed tattoo artists are artists. Period. Not just technicians with a needle. I studied fine arts, and early on, I asked myself, How do I bring high art and tattoo culture into one elevated, visionary space? Anyone can pick up a machine today and call themselves a tattooer, but real artistry? That’s rare. That’s what I stand for. Wanda Tattoo is where fine art meets skin. I’m not just the founder, I’m an art authenticator, dealer and cultural curator. I built a space where ink belongs on walls and bodies alike. This is more than a studio. It’s a movement. And yes, I’m the queen of it.

What’s your favourite of your own tattoos and why?

It’ll be when I blackout my arms. Fully. Bold. Sculptural. Pure art. I’ve been in this game long before fine lines or micro-realism were even a thing. Back then, I proudly wore polka trash — straight from the artist who invented it. I flew out, paid for the original, and rocked it like a badge of honour. But growth means evolution. That piece had its time. Now I’m ready for something bolder, cleaner, more powerful. So no, I don’t have a favourite yet. Let’s do another interview after the blackout. Then you’ll see exactly why.

Other than the art gallery, what else makes Wanda Tattoo different from your average tattoo studio?

I don’t even need to say it. The numbers speak for themselves: over thirty-three million viewers every month on social media, a global community and a loyal following that goes beyond ink. It’s not just about tattoos, it’s about vision and lifestyle. I’ve built a powerhouse team, I curate every detail, and I move like a CEO with edge. People don’t just come to WandaTattoo for the art — they come for the world we’ve created around it. We don’t follow trends. We set the tone. We don’t just tattoo, we create the culture.

How do you select your artists (both tattoo artists and ones to feature in your gallery)?

Boldly, and with purpose. Because your team is your brand. Just like your clothes, your friends, your energy, they all represent you. Same with business. I only work with artists who align with my vision: entrepreneurial, culturally sharp, creatively fearless and stylish as hell. They need to get it. They need to carry the Wanda name with the same pride I built it with. Otherwise it’s just a shit show. And I don’t do shit shows.

What qualities do you think you have that allows you to combine creative and entrepreneurial ventures?

I’ve always known I’m both deeply creative and fiercely entrepreneurial — it showed early, and I owned it from the start. What allows me to merge art and business seamlessly? Direction. Focus. Strength. And an unshakable willingness to go all in. I live by the ’90/10 rule’: ninety percent of your fears never come true. So I don’t let fear drive. I let vision lead. I’m also grounded in old-school values: your word is your contract, and how you move speaks louder than anything you say. I don’t waste words. Everything I do and say is intentional. That’s how I build trust. That’s how I built myself, my businesses, Wanda Tattoo and my brand!

How do you maintain such a strong personal brand despite having so many components to it? And how do you describe your personal brand?

Yes, my brand has many components and that’s exactly the beauty of it. It’s dynamic, layered and never boring. If that overwhelms you, you’re simply not built for this. Managing artists means navigating egos, emotions, personalities and constant reinvention. Every day brings something new and I thrive in that. As for my personal brand? It’s bold self-expression. It’s the love of uniqueness. It’s the refusal to settle. And above all, it’s the commitment to doing better every damn day.

How has your Romanian background influenced your career, if at all?

Let me put it this way: I’m proud of my roots, but my career was never limited to where I came from. It didn’t shape me. I shaped me. My vision has always been global. What built me wasn’t geography, it was curiosity. I grew up craving more: different cultures, different sounds, different aesthetics. While Romania gave me an edge — that brutalist sensibility and raw artistic DNA — the real influence came from what I chased outside of it. Rock music, underground fashion, cities I explored, the hunger for everything I didn’t grow up with. I was like a sponge — absorbing, evolving, moving. Playing cello and bass guitar, sketching, experimenting, obsessing over dark visuals long before they were mainstream. So yes, Romania is in my bones. But my brand? My empire? That’s all me. 

What are your thoughts on the current climate of women in entrepreneurial spaces? Do you have any advice for women wanting to go into business?

I believe the current climate is incredibly empowering. The old notion that business and women don’t align is outdated. Women are leading in business more than ever. Research shows many women are choosing not to marry or have children because they’re so focused on building their careers. If anyone still thinks women aren’t cut out for business, they need to revise that perspective. Women are powerful and make things happen. In my experience, I work with a lot of women in business, and entrepreneurship is being actively taught in schools. Plus, social media has opened doors for women to see other women succeeding, which can inspire them to follow their own entrepreneurial paths. So, to answer your question, yes, women are thriving in the entrepreneurial world, and it’s only growing. My advice for women wanting to go into business is this: Don’t wait for the perfect moment. The right time is now. Just take that first step with confidence. Let’s go!

I saw a couple of interesting facts about you on your Instagram. Firstly, that you prefer living in hotels than houses. Why is that? 

I love living in hotels. It’s not just fun or luxurious, it’s a lifestyle, and it’s intentional. Over the years, I’ve stayed in the most iconic places around the world. At this point, most top hotels have me in their database. When I arrive, I’m not just a guest, I’m treated like family. This blend of travel and home base has always been part of my story, from MTV presenter to international DJ to multi-business founder. So I thought, why not make this feel like home? I’ve lived three months in an incredible hotel in Hollywood, and a year and a half at one of London’s best, Charlotte Street Hotel. When you stay somewhere that long, you stop being a guest. You become part of the fabric. From personalised breakfasts to signature dishes made just for me, it becomes intimate. Tailored. Bespoke. That’s how I live: with intention, style, and momentum. Living in hotels is fun, yes. It’s a luxury, yes. But more than anything, it’s a love letter to myself. It’s the life I know I deserve. I worked hard for this and I continue to. So I give myself this gift. And you know what? I’m actually a really cool guide. If you want to know the best hotels in the world, just text me. I’ll put you on.

You’re also fanatical about health. Where does that drive to have a healthy lifestyle come from? What are the most important components of that within your own routine?

Have you ever heard of someone doing hypnosis to give up sugar? Yeah, that’s me. Call it fanatic? One hundred percent. I own it! I live a healthy lifestyle because for me, health is wealth, and I take that seriously. It’s not just about looking good, it’s about self-respect, discipline and love for yourself. My drive comes from the desire to perform in business, in life… in love (but don’t ask me about that part). Let’s just say: when your body’s aligned, everything else follows.

What are you most proud of?

Where do I even start and how do I finish? I’m proud that I wake up every morning with a clear mind and a smile on my face, knowing I didn’t quit. That I built something meaningful. That I lead with purpose not ego. I’m proud that I lift people up. That I mentor, inspire and lead my team with respect, clarity and love. I don’t just run a business, I build people. I’m proud that I own my journey and I show other women that they can, too. That’s what pride looks like. That’s my legacy.