Podcast Summary: "Unraveling the Art of Tattooing" – Beauty with a Twist

Release Date: January 17, 2025
Host: Dede
Guest: Alexis Soul, Tattoo Artist and Owner of Be More Ula

1. Introduction and Meeting

In this episode of Beauty with a Twist, host Dede welcomes Alexis Soul, a pioneering female tattoo artist from the San Fernando Valley and owner of the tattoo studio Be More Ula. Their connection was sparked through social media, highlighting the power of digital platforms in modern entrepreneurship.

Dede [00:24]: "You are our first female tattoo artist."

Alexis [01:01]: "I slid in the DM... we're Cancers, by the way. So I think that right there, we just connected."

2. Alexis’s Background and Journey into Tattooing

Alexis shares her unconventional path to becoming a tattoo artist, emphasizing her early start in the industry. At 16, she began working at a tattoo shop in North Hollywood, initially focusing on piercings before transitioning to tattooing. Her self-taught approach through Instagram and practice with friends laid the foundation for her successful career.

Alexis [02:02]: "Right out of high school, I started working at a tattoo shop, and I was actually doing piercings."

Dede [03:05]: "Can I tell you that I have a lot of people that always slide in our DM?"

Alexis [04:24]: "The Instagram page that I have now, that is now my tattoo account was just a personal page that I started in high school, started posting tattoos, and people just started following me."

3. Cultural and Family Challenges

Navigating her career choice wasn't straightforward for Alexis, especially within her Hispanic family where traditional paths like college and a stable 9-to-5 job were highly valued. Initially facing disappointment and taboo, Alexis persevered, ultimately gaining her family's support and admiration as her success became undeniable.

Alexis [05:32]: "Growing up in my family, it was very taboo to not go to school, not get a 9 to 5. That's like the dream, right?"

Alexis [06:42]: "She sees that, and she sees that... but she still doesn't really see it fully, but what matters to her most is the financial stability and independence."

4. Niche Selection and Tattoo Industry Dynamics

Alexis delves into the distinctions between old school and new school tattoo artists. She criticizes the traditional approach where artists often lacked specific skills, relying instead on broad capabilities that sometimes compromised quality. In contrast, modern artists like herself focus on specific niches, utilizing social media to showcase high-quality work and build a loyal clientele.

Alexis [10:33]: "There's a huge difference between people who learn how to tattoo and artists who learn how to tattoo."

Dede [11:38]: "And old school artists hate that."

Alexis [11:42]: "They’re producing better work... we're young, we know how social media works."

5. Business Operations and Pricing

Running her own tattoo shop involves meticulous business management. Alexis employs a booking assistant to streamline appointments, demanding a $100 deposit to ensure serious clientele. She explains her pricing strategy, which ranges from $200 for small tattoos to $1,600 for full-day sessions, reflecting her expertise and the quality of her work.

Alexis [24:16]: "I have a booking assistant. Everybody goes through her because again, time management, right."

Alexis [24:43]: "A full session with me is going to run anywhere from $1,400 to $1,600 for a day."

Alexis [32:00]: "I just opened a shop last January, so we're like one year mark right now."

She also discusses the pros and cons of booth renting versus commission-based arrangements, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe and professionally managed environment for both artists and clients.

Alexis [33:17]: "Everybody at the shop books their own clients. I don't book people for them."

6. Advice for Aspiring Tattoo Artists

Alexis offers pragmatic advice for newcomers to the tattoo industry. She advocates for a self-driven approach, utilizing online resources like YouTube and social media tutorials instead of traditional apprenticeships, which she criticizes for being outdated and sometimes abusive. Investing in quality equipment and practicing relentlessly are key steps she emphasizes.

Alexis [38:44]: "Honestly, just run it. Just go for it."

Alexis [39:15]: "The best advice I could give is to buy a good machine, okay? A good machine is going to cost you at least $1.5 grand, for sure."

Alexis [42:45]: "And you don't need tattoo schools. You can do everything at home on YouTube or follow tattoo artists who teach online."

7. Client Experiences and Horror Stories

The conversation takes a dramatic turn as Alexis recounts intense client interactions. She shares a story of a client who developed a severe staph infection after getting tattooed and another involving a brother who passed out during a tattoo session. These anecdotes underscore the importance of professionalism, client care, and the unpredictable challenges tattoo artists may face.

Alexis [58:20]: "I tattooed a girl once... two days later, she hit me up... she was in jail and had a staph infection."

Alexis [61:16]: "A brother passed out during his tattoo session... his sister was bawling, and he was unconscious for a bit."

8. Conclusion and Closing Quote

As the episode wraps up, Alexis leaves listeners with an inspiring quote from Mel Robbins, advocating for boldness and resilience:

Alexis [65:42]: "Fail fast. With everything that you do, dive headfirst into the abyss and do it brave, do it scared. Just go for it. Life is so short... just go for it. And nine times out of ten, it works out."

Dede closes by encouraging listeners to follow Alexis on Instagram and acknowledges her dedication and success in the tattoo industry.

Key Takeaways

• Self-Education and Social Media: Modern tattoo artists like Alexis leverage social media and online resources to hone their craft and build client bases, diverging from traditional apprenticeship models.

• Niche Specialization: Focusing on specific styles or techniques can set artists apart in a competitive market, ensuring quality and attracting dedicated clients.

• Professionalism and Client Experience: Providing an exceptional client experience is crucial for repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

• Business Acumen: Effective time management, strategic pricing, and professional management of appointments are essential components of a successful tattoo business.

• Resilience and Adaptability: Embracing challenges, learning from failures, and continuously adapting are vital for growth and longevity in the tattoo industry.

This episode offers an in-depth look into the world of tattoo artistry through Alexis Soul's experiences, highlighting both the creative and business aspects of the industry. Her insights serve as valuable guidance for aspiring tattoo artists and those interested in the evolving dynamics of the beauty and service sectors.