Podcast Summary: CHEERS! with Avery Woods – Episode: Tattoo Therapy | Syd Smith

Introduction & Setting

In the March 10, 2025 episode of "CHEERS! with Avery Woods," host Avery Woods welcomes listeners to a special episode titled "Tattoo Therapy," featuring the renowned tattoo artist Syd Smith. Unlike typical interviews, this episode takes a unique, vlog-style approach as Avery gets tattooed by Syd while engaging in an in-depth conversation about Syd's life, career, and insights into the tattoo industry.

Syd Smith’s Early Life and Entry into Tattooing

Syd Smith shares her journey into the world of tattooing, starting from her childhood in Jersey. She describes her upbringing in a creative family environment, which fostered her passion for drawing and art.

• Quote [06:37]: "I grew up in Jersey. I was a normal child, I guess. Went to school, did all the good stuff. And then when I got out of school and high school, I started tattooing." — Syd Smith

Syd began her tattooing career shortly after high school, working as an apprentice at a tattoo studio when she was just 17. Despite not receiving formal training initially, her dedication and passion propelled her forward in the industry.

Building a Tattoo Career and Apprenticeship Challenges

Syd discusses the challenges she faced during her apprenticeship, including working under a mentor who wasn’t providing adequate training. However, her perseverance led her to switch studios, where she honed her skills in line work and realism.

• Quote [07:55]: "I started with smaller tattoos because I liked to draw. My mom's really good at drawing, my sister's really good at drawing, my cousin...Everybody's pretty creative." — Syd Smith

Her talent eventually caught the attention of a manager tattoo artist, allowing Syd to work on high-profile clients, including celebrities like Megan Fox and Simone Biles. This exposure significantly boosted her reputation and clientele.

• Quote [16:14]: "So we've tattooed Megan Fox and Simone Biles. That speaks a lot to your talent." — Sid Smith

Business Expansion and Collaboration with Jesse

Syd met Jesse in December 2020, and the two quickly formed both a personal and professional partnership. Together, they opened multiple tattoo studios, including locations in North Scottsdale and Chalfont, Pennsylvania. Syd emphasizes the importance of building a trustworthy team and maintaining the quality of their work across different studios.

• Quote [13:41]: "And that was my lingerie tattoo. Because you told me you're playing around with that." — Sid Smith

Their collaboration extends beyond tattooing, as they support each other's businesses and share insights on managing multiple locations effectively.

Leveraging Social Media for Growth

Both Syd and Jesse highlight the pivotal role social media played in their business growth. Syd recounts her rise on TikTok and Instagram, detailing how viral content and strategic engagement helped her attract a million followers within a short period.

• Quote [44:15]: "Everything that you did and everything that happened to you prior just all hits you then too." — Sid Smith

Jesse complements this by discussing his disciplined approach to social media, focusing solely on his tattoo work rather than personal branding, which led to a steady increase in clientele without the pitfalls of overexposure.

• Quote [25:21]: "It wasn't even like a full slide. I don't know. Yeah, but then I know I did this part because I was like, I want a tattoo like everybody else would do." — Jesse

Balancing Personal Life and Professional Demands

The conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance in the demanding tattoo industry. Syd shares personal anecdotes about managing long working hours, physical strain, and the impact on mental health. Both artists stress the importance of prioritizing personal well-being over relentless business expansion.

• Quote [32:37]: "I was so obsessed with trying to climb to the top that it consumed me." — Sid Smith

Jesse adds that while scaling their business is a priority, they recognize the need to eventually delegate and possibly take a step back from daily tattooing to preserve their health and happiness.

• Quote [31:26]: "We're going to have one of those, like, industrial spaces, the flat spaces that have like, the studio in the front and then a garage in the back with all our cars." — Jesse

Philosophies on Work, Authenticity, and Mental Health

Syd and Jesse discuss their philosophies regarding authenticity in their work and interactions on social media. They emphasize staying true to their art and personal values, avoiding the temptation to conform to trends solely for popularity or financial gain.

• Quote [44:54]: "It's hard. It's hard for when you... You were like, why even tattoo. I don't." — Jesse

The duo also touches on the importance of mental health, acknowledging past struggles and highlighting how stepping back and focusing on what truly brings them joy has been transformative.

• Quote [57:14]: "I'm more about not trying to say I'm selfish, but, like, I'm more focused on my life because everybody's living life for the first time..." — Syd Smith

Future Plans and Closing Tattoo Session

Looking ahead, Syd and Jesse outline their aspirations for further business growth, including expanding to larger, more versatile spaces and continuing to mentor upcoming tattoo artists. They also discuss the importance of maintaining quality and integrity as their businesses scale.

The episode culminates with Avery getting her fourth tattoo from Syd, showcasing their signature light and precise technique. This final segment not only highlights their professional synergy but also provides a real-time demonstration of their artistry.

• Quote [61:14]: "That's why we tattoo. That's why it's so light. And we're able to still get it to stay dark without pushing too hard." — Jesse

Conclusion

In this engaging episode of "CHEERS! with Avery Woods," Syd Smith offers an insightful look into the life of a successful tattoo artist balancing creativity, business expansion, and personal well-being. Through candid conversations and live tattooing sessions, Syd and Jesse provide valuable lessons on perseverance, authenticity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the tattoo industry.

Notable Quotes:

• Syd Smith [06:37]: "I was really big with drawing. My mom's really good at drawing. My sister's really good at drawing. My cousin...Everybody's pretty creative."

• Sid Smith [16:14]: "So we've tattooed Megan Fox and Simone Biles. That speaks a lot to your talent."

• Sid Smith [32:37]: "I was so obsessed with trying to climb to the top that it consumed me."

• Jesse [31:26]: "We're going to have one of those, like, industrial spaces, the flat spaces that have like, the studio in the front and then a garage in the back with all our cars."

• Syd Smith [57:14]: "I'm more about not trying to say I'm selfish, but, like, I'm more focused on my life because everybody's living life for the first time..."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing an informative and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to it.