Tattoos for the Individual

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kurt Wiscombe, co-founder of Tattoos for the Individual, located in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is called Tattoos for the Individual. We do custom tattooing for people of all walks of life who share a love for tattoos and a passionate desire to express themselves through art.

Tell us about yourself

I started very young in tattooing; in fact, I was a teenager living in the northern city of Thompson, Manitoba. I started my business there officially when I was 18 years old. Tattooing, for me, has been and continues to be a lifelong pursuit. It is a craft and an art form that presents constant challenges. As artists, we push ourselves to further explore what we do and, in doing so, discover new paths and ideas. I’m motivated by a vision of contributing to creating a world of unique and interesting people and working with those types of people on their journey to becoming tattooed. I like to think that what I do helps to make the world a more interesting and colorful place.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I’ve never really thought about my business in terms of accomplishments. I have constantly strived to further my business and expand it, all the while maintaining an environment that’s conducive to creating art, an environment that I could work in and share with other like-minded artists. I’m an optimist with my eye on the here and now as well as the future… perhaps my biggest accomplishment in business has yet to happen?

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Owning a business can take up so much of your life; it can be tough to actually have a life outside of the shop much of the time. I firmly believe owning a business is a labor of love; that’s what makes it all worth it.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Firstly, your business should be what you feel passion for. If it’s just about money, then maybe investing might be better for you than running a brick-and-mortar business when the money is not rolling in its passion that keeps a business alive.

Second, have a good business plan. You don’t have to go to business school, but I really think that would help. There’s much more than meets the eye to running any business. Find out what those things are and make a plan that includes how to handle the behind-the-scenes scenarios.

Thirdly, play nice with other businesses and associates; a wise man once told me, “Be careful who you step on your way up the ladder because you may meet them again on the way back down.” Being honorable and kind will open doors that may not have opened otherwise.

I’m thankful for my business and for the many customers who have supported us for years; they make what we do possible.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://winnipegtattoo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kurtwiscombe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kurtwiscombe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kurtwiscombe

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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