Tattooing carries deep personal meaning for those who love the art form—and even deeper meaning for those who have experienced its empowerment for themselves. Few understand this better than Koral Ladna and Emmanuel Fortunato, two visionary tattoo artists redefining the craft and reshaping the industry’s values. They founded Fortune & Love Tattoo in New York out of passion and an unwavering commitment to their clients. This tattoo studio embodies their mission of artistic excellence, professionalism, and giving back to the community.
This is a story of transformation—both for the artists and for the countless individuals they’ve impacted. From their personal struggles to their groundbreaking work with trauma survivors, Koral and Emmanuel have shown that tattooing is more than ink on skin—it is a tool for healing.
EMMANUEL FORTUNATO'S JOURNEY TO MASTERY
For Emmanuel Fortunato, tattooing wasn't simply a career choice—it was a necessity for survival. “Tattooing gave me a roof, tattooing gave me food,” he shares, reflecting on how the craft provided for him. Rejected by his family when he pursued tattooing, he found himself living on the streets, determined to make something of himself.
With no mentor to guide him, he embraced the philosophy that every tattoo had to be better than the last. “Every test that I do has to be a lesson for me. I have no other options,” he recalls. His relentless pursuit of mastery made him one of the most respected artists in the industry. However, his journey wasn’t without sacrifice. “I changed my last name because I wanted to create my own legacy. I had to build something for myself from nothing.”
Even now, after two decades in the industry, Emmanuel approaches each piece with the same discipline.
Check out his Pro Team profile here!
KORAL LADNA ON FINDING PURPOSE THROUGH INK
Koral Ladna's path into tattooing sprung up from a well of innate artistic passion, but she quickly realized that the craft held even greater depths. “It’s not just a career—it’s who I am,” she explains. As an immigrant and a woman in the industry, she faced unique challenges, but she never allowed them to define her.
Her work is rooted in the idea that tattooing is more than decoration—it’s an opportunity to help people reclaim ownership of their bodies. “Tattooing is a tool for healing. It allows people to take control of their narratives, to express their pain, their joy, their resilience.” After competing in Season 15 of the show Ink Masters, she knew she wanted to take her career in a new direction—one focused on clients and the power tattoos carry to change lives.
Check out her Pro Team profile here!
THE BIRTH OF FORTUNE & LOVE: A STUDIO WITH A PURPOSE
When Koral and Emmanuel met, their shared vision became immediately clear. Their strengths complement each other: Emmanuel brings structure and discipline, while Koral infuses their work with deep emotional awareness.
Realizing that their previous work environments and the industry at large didn’t align with their values, they decided to create their own space—one where artistry, client care, and integrity could thrive. After a long search, they found the perfect location on New York City’s iconic 5th Avenue, and Fortune & Love was born.
Their mission is simple: prioritize the client, respect the art, and use tattooing as a force for positive change.
TATTOOS AS HEALING: THE INTENTION INITIATIVE
One of Koral and Emmanuel’s most groundbreaking projects is Inktentions, a nonprofit initiative providing free tattoos to trauma survivors.
A cornerstone of this effort is their work with mastectomy tattoos for breast cancer survivors. “I can create the best areola tattoo anyone has ever seen,” Emmanuel recalls telling Koral when they first discussed the project. The impact was immediate. Their work gained national recognition, with outlets like Fox News and Reuters spotlighting their efforts.
TRANSFORMING LIVES, ONE TATTOO AT A TIME
Their work goes beyond physical transformation—it's deeply emotional. One story stands out: a client who, after getting a tattoo, shared that they had never felt comfortable wearing shorts—until now. With their new ink, they couldn’t wait to fill their closet with shorts and skirts.
It was more than just a tattoo—it was a step toward confidence.
CHALLENGING THE TATTOO INDUSTRY: A CALL FOR CHANGE
Koral and Emmanuel have strong opinions about where the tattoo industry is headed. They are outspoken critics of the “rockstar” artist culture, where the focus is placed on the tattoo artist rather than the client. “Clients are not just canvases,” they argue. “Tattooing is a collaboration, not a performance.”
They emphasize that respect, professionalism, and humility should be core values in the industry. “Artists need to remember that this is about the people we serve, not about boosting our own egos.”
THE FORTUNE & LOVE MISSION
Through their work at Fortune & Love, Koral and Emmanuel are leading by example. They envision an industry where:
✅ Artists respect the emotional and psychological impact of their work.
✅ Tattooing is seen as a serious profession, held to the highest ethical standards.
✅ New generation artists are taught to approach the craft with care, responsibility, and humility.
CELEBRATING A LEGACY IN THE MAKING
Koral Ladna and Emmanuel Fortunato continue to redefine what tattooing can be. Through Fortune & Love, they blend healing, professionalism, and artistry—proving that tattoos are more than ink—they’re symbols of resilience and self-expression. As these two keep pushing boundaries, one thing is clear: when art meets intention, tattooing is way more than skin deep.
