You start to feel real old when you realize the age of your shop can legally drink! I could not have imagined the twist and turns life would take me opening up our shop back in 2003. Being a young tattooer, in love with the craft, enjoying creating an environment for artists to have fun, work hard, and make a good living was all my family and I strived for.
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There were some difficult times, tough lessons, and moments that truly humbled me. The evolutions, peaks and valleys, along with a constantly changing environment of not only the tattooing industry itself but also our City, Las Vegas. I learned to stay on my toes and always look towards the positive because there’s a silver lining in every obstacle and celebration for every win.
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If I could go back and teach my 23 year old self one thing, it would be to enjoy the ride, and soak in those moments that make you feel lucky to be on this earth. I’m thankful for my family and those that I have encountered along the way, the span of years I spent traveling the US doing conventions was one I’ll save for my future memoirs (I got some damn good stories!).
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If I never said it, for those of you that I’ve met throughout the years, please know I’m thankful to have worked along side you, to share a few laughs, maybe even some difficult conversations. I grew into the man that I am today because of tattooing and the people in this industry, and I’m going to say that I’m damn proud of the person staring back at me in the mirror (even if my hairline is doing some weird shit these days!).
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Here’s to 21+ years and counting, my first relationship was Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery, and I’m happy to report we are still together, just as in love as the first day we opened our doors. To an industry where you are always a student, learning from the generations coming up, and the generations going out.
I love you.
Austin
