06/06/2026
If you were to ask me when I was younger, even at the beginning of my apprenticeship over 13 years ago, "Ever think that you'll open your own tattoo studio?" I would probably look at you as if you had lost your marbles. I've never dreamt of being a business owner. Artist? Absolutely. Business decisions still terrify me to this day. It's a ton of hard work and Responsibility. HOWEVER!
As of today, I am celebrating 7 successful years of business.
Despite the odds
Despite what other shop owners put into my head about how they didn't think I was "boss material"
Before I decided to open my own shop, I worked for 3 other shops. The place I learned from closed after me tattooing for 6 months. I felt lost, scared. I picked the first shop that accepted me. It wasn't a good fit. The last shop I worked for was the final straw after settling for 2.5 years thinking that I'd never amount to anything greater than where I was. I was not comfortable even just sitting around and drawing. I realized that I was paying them practically $1000 A WEEK towards the end, and I was doing the work of 2 other artists, all of the cleaning. Owner would pop in the shop once a week to pay us out for card transactions. Why was I paying these people to work there when I could be paying a landlord less money?
So I left. I decided to put myself first for once and try things out my way. No one else's. And boy I am so grateful I took the leap.
I still have a lot to learn about business, as well as tattooing, but to have a successful business for 7 years, even despite all odds, is really something to be proud of.
Thank you to my clients, from the bottom-est of my heart. I couldn't have done this without the support and bomb ass tattoo ideas you guys provide.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!! 🖤
-Buttons 💋
