Message from the owner:
My name is Arielle Lavian, and I am a first-generation Iranian American, neurodivergent business owner. Like a lot of people, I’ve struggled with a mix of mental illnesses, chronic health issues, and not having a high school or college education. All of that made it really hard to find work or feel like I had a place in the world. For most of my life, the story I told myself was, “I don’t know what I’m going to do with my life.” I felt stuck, hopeless, and doomed, and at times like I wasn’t going to survive.
Somewhere in all of that, I became obsessed with understanding what makes people happy. I came across a Harvard study on human happiness that really stuck with me: the strongest predictor of long-term happiness isn’t money, success, or even health—it’s community. For me, it was working as a barista in a café. Even when I was in physical pain and struggling personally, the sense of community I felt there stayed with me. I dreamed of opening a café, but deep down, I knew that wasn’t the right path for me.
In 2021, I started doing tooth gems out of my studio apartment. I knew I couldn’t thrive in traditional workspaces and that it was time to stop putting my life and confidence in the hands of others. For a few years, I supported myself by doing tooth gems and working whatever jobs I could get. About four years later, after building a consistent client base, I decided to rent a space for safety and stability, with the idea of sharing it with one or two other artists.
As time went on, more and more artists joined, and I realized I was in a position to build a community and provide a work environment that accommodated others, not just myself. What started as a personal need turned into a collective vision. I never anticipated any of this, and I am deeply grateful to be able to provide mentorship, education, and an accommodating work environment for neurodivergent artists.
I overcame the challenge of feeling directionless, but a new set of challenges awaited me. Despite these obstacles, I remain committed to keeping All Good Studio a safe, inclusive, and supportive home for artists and educators. This grant would provide critical support in stabilizing our space so that we can continue nurturing creativity, community, and opportunity for everyone who relies on it.
Our Mission:
Eliminating hierarchy — we don’t believe in top-down structures; collaboration and shared voice are central here.
Honoring real life — no one is expected to hide personal struggles. Emotions are welcome, not policed.
Offering mentorship and emotional support — guidance and support are available when needed, without judgment or pressure.
Providing accommodations — everyone deserves a space that works with them, not against them.
Rewriting tattoo shop culture — no bullying, no intimidation, no gatekeeping.
Making space for neurodivergent artists — because everyone deserves work that feels safe and sustainable.
Building community — we foster a support system where artists encourage, uplift, and grow alongside one another.
Sharing tattoo education — through courses, resources, and guidance, we help emerging artists build confident, sustainable careers.
Why we need your help:
We’ve poured everything into building this space — a creative studio rooted in care, community, and connection. It’s become a home for so many artists.
Unfortunately, due to some unexpected challenges with our current landlords, we need to move — and fast. We’re working on securing a new space where we can continue this mission!
If you’ve ever been impacted by this space or believe in what we’re doing, please consider donating or sharing. Every bit makes a difference.
