What I Wish I Knew Before Opening A Tattoo Shop with MIssi Blue | Ep. 64

When I opened Blue Bird Tattoo Studio, I truly believed I'd just show up, tattoo, go home, and do whatever I wanted. I thought I'd work alone because I was tired of dealing with other people's energy. Looking back, that was incredibly naive. I would have gone insane working by myself all day with no one to talk to except my clients.

 

The reality of opening and running a shop hit me fast, and I had to figure everything out the hard way. From understanding the different types of shop models to learning actual business management skills, setting clear expectations with my team, and finally admitting I needed help, every lesson came through trial and error.

 

These are some of the things I wish I had known from day one. Whether you're thinking about opening your own shop or you already own one and want to run it better, these insights will save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress.

 

Check out episode 22 Tattoo Shop Hiring Nightmares (And How to Avoid Them)

 

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The three main types of tattoo shops (street shops, private studios, and collaborative environments) and how to decide which model aligns with your vision, work style, and long-term business goals.

• Why understanding your "why" matters more than you think and how knowing whether you want freedom, financial security, creative control, or something else entirely will shape every decision you make as a shop owner.

• The business skills nobody teaches you before you open a shop, including managing people, finances, marketing, and operations—and why taking a business management course or finding mentors is essential to your success.

• How to set clear expectations with your team from day one by communicating your vision, standards, and non-negotiables so everyone knows what success looks like and can work toward the same goals.

• Why systems and protocols are the backbone of a successful shop and how having documented procedures for everything from booking to client communication prevents chaos and creates consistency.

• The power of contracts and written guidelines to protect yourself legally and operationally, including artist agreements, client waivers, and shop policies that make difficult conversations easier.

• How to acknowledge your weaknesses and actually ask for help instead of trying to do everything yourself, burning out, and doing mediocre work because you're spread too thin.

• Why you should only take advice from people who have what you want and how to filter out the noise from well-meaning friends, family, or colleagues who have never taken the risks you're taking.

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project