When you've spent over forty years watching Vanna White gracefully glide across the Wheel of Fortune stage, you kinda start to feel like you know her family. We saw the baby announcements on the puzzle board. We saw the rare holiday photos. But honestly, if you're looking for a "mini-Vanna" who’s ready to step into those sequined gowns and start turning letters, you’re looking at the wrong person.
Giovanna Santo Pietro, known to basically everyone as Gigi, has zero interest in the Hollywood glitz her mom represents.
She isn't a "nepotism baby" trying to land a sitcom or a reality show. While her brother, Nikko, recently caught the internet's attention for his cooking videos (and his heartthrob status), Gigi has stayed largely in the shadows. Well, specifically, she’s stayed in a tattoo parlor in Los Angeles.
The Career Pivot That Surprised Everyone
Most celebrity kids go to NYU and come out wanting to be "influencers." Gigi went to NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, graduated with a degree in photography, and then decided that capturing images wasn't permanent enough.
She wanted to be a tattoo artist.
Think about that for a second. Vanna White, the queen of daytime elegance, has a daughter who spends her days in a shop called Lincoln Tattoo Company in Venice, California. It sounds like the setup for a "rebellious daughter" tabloid story, but the truth is way more wholesome. Vanna didn't just support it; she’s actually her daughter's biggest fan.
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Vanna once asked her why she chose tattooing over traditional art. Gigi’s response was pretty profound: "Mom, my art is on someone’s body for the rest of their lives."
That’s a heavy responsibility. You can’t exactly hit "undo" on a tattoo like you can with a digital photo or a sketch. It requires a level of confidence and technical precision that most people—even those with famous parents—don't possess.
Vanna White's Daughter: More Than Just a Famous Last Name
Growing up in the 90s as the daughter of Vanna White and restaurateur George Santo Pietro meant Gigi was born into a level of scrutiny most of us can't imagine. Her parents divorced in 2002, but they stayed remarkably cordial. They co-parented Gigi and Nikko without the public drama that usually fuels the 24-hour news cycle.
Gigi's life in 2026 looks remarkably normal for someone whose mom is worth a reported $85 million. She works a 9-to-5 (or, well, tattoo shop hours). She posts her work—fine lines, intricate details, and black-and-grey pieces—on her Instagram, usually avoiding the "Look at my famous life" posts that clog up most feeds.
What People Miss About Her Style
- Artistic Integrity: She isn't doing "celebrity tattoos" for the clout. She’s an apprentice who worked her way up.
- Visual Identity: She has a look that's all her own. While fans constantly point out that she looks exactly like a "darker-featured" version of Vanna, her vibe is much more "LA Cool" than "Beverly Hills Glam."
- Privacy: Unlike many peers, she keeps her private life—like who she's dating or her personal drama—off the table.
The Tattoo Heard 'Round the World
For years, Vanna mentioned she might eventually get "inked" by Gigi. People thought it was just a nice thing a mom says to support her kid. Then, in March 2025, it actually happened.
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Vanna finally sat in the chair.
Gigi tattooed a dainty red heart on Vanna’s left wrist. It was Vanna's first-ever tattoo at age 68. On social media, Vanna admitted she was shaking with nerves, but the moment was a huge milestone for their relationship. It wasn't just a tattoo; it was a public validation of Gigi's professional skill.
Vanna told People magazine, "I will think of her every time I look at it."
Why Gigi Matters in the "Nepo Baby" Era
We’re living in a time where people are rightfully skeptical of celebrity children. We see them getting modeling contracts and movie roles they didn't earn. Gigi is the antidote to that.
She chose a trade.
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Tattooing is a meritocracy. If your lines are shaky, it doesn't matter who your mom is; the client is going to be unhappy. By choosing a career that requires literal blood, sweat, and years of apprenticeship, Gigi Santo Pietro has carved out an identity that is entirely independent of Wheel of Fortune.
She’s smart, too. She attended The Buckley School, one of the most prestigious private schools in Sherman Oaks, before heading to New York. She has the education and the connections to do anything, yet she chooses to spend her time in a tattoo shop in Venice.
Real Insights for the Curious
If you’re following Gigi’s journey, there are a few things to keep in mind about her current trajectory:
- Don't Expect a TV Career: She has shown zero interest in being on camera. When she does appear on Vanna’s Instagram, it’s usually for a birthday or a holiday. She seems genuinely happy behind the needle rather than in front of the lens.
- The Resemblance is Real: Yes, she looks like Vanna. The cheekbones, the smile—it’s all there. But the similarities mostly end at the physical.
- She’s a Huge Snoop Dogg Fan: This is a fun bit of trivia. Vanna recently shared that when Snoop Dogg appeared on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, Gigi was actually starstruck. It’s one of the few times she’s used her mom’s "work perks" to meet someone.
Staying Grounded in the Spotlight
Gigi's ability to remain "normal" is a testament to Vanna’s parenting. Vanna has always said she wanted her kids to do whatever they wanted. She never pushed them into show business. Whether it’s Nikko working in real estate with Mauricio Umansky’s firm or Gigi tattooing in Venice, the Santo Pietro kids are actually working.
In 2026, finding a celebrity kid who is genuinely dedicated to a craft rather than a brand is rare. Gigi Santo Pietro is that rarity. She’s a reminder that you can come from a world of vowels and consonants and still find your own language in art.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you're interested in Gigi's artistic work, the best way to support her is to follow her professional portfolio on social media rather than looking for "paparazzi" shots. If you’re in the Los Angeles area and looking for fine-line work, checking out the artists at Lincoln Tattoo Company is a great way to see the standard she upholds. Always remember that while she is Vanna’s daughter, she is first and foremost an artist with her own name.