Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Perez.
Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Michelle McMasters Perez, when I was going to school for my Master’s Degree I started a new business journey working with an internship with marketing on Facebook for my friend Mitch Brown. Mitch had given me several tasks to accomplish, finally giving me an intern project of starting a shop and making it successful to help with my final thesis. I can admit that this project was one of the hardest in my life. Before this, I had no clue what kind of work goes into starting a business. I was very lucky that I was given the opportunity by my friend who was gracious enough to let me grow within his organization. To the future where he becomes an investor, friend, and partner in many ventures to come.
I learned everything there was to know about the tattoo industry from ordering supplies to all the piercing & tattoo processes. I learned from some of the best tattoo artists and piercers in the NC area. I learned how to put a machine together and have actually done a couple of tattoos and learned how to pierce. I mainly focus on the business of the shop but I think it’s important as a leader to learn all aspects of the job. I think it makes you relate to and understand your employees more. Having a strong art background and knowing the aspect of tattooing is important due to knowing what a good tattoo is and many people don’t like working people, not from the industry.
It was not easy in the tattoo industry you have to work for all the knowledge that is given to you. It was rough and being a woman getting others to take you seriously was a struggle. I worked hard and learned all the effective necessities of management of a tattoo shop. Attended industry conventions and work on getting artist published in magazines. The industry was my passion and I had learned the balance from keeping things true to the art and business combination in the industry. So Inkology was created with the a image of studio feel with a family atmosphere. Changing the scenery from being a little dark to a bright, clean environment.
Tattoo and Body Piercings are now mainstream and having a place that you feel comfortable to get tattooed and bring your child to get pierced is important. Many tattoos are stories of their journey in life, It is healing, and therapy to some people. So feeling relaxed and comfortable is very important to our clients. Piercing gives us a chance to ensure the community is receiving the safest and cleanest option with piercings.
Being a piercer myself, the training and skill is a craft that we take very seriously. Our piercers have been through an apprenticeship and training on sterilization with medical standards. The single-use needle and our autoclaved tools make our piercings above par, unlike other places that use a piercings gun with no blood-borne regulation or sanitation. We have a huge selection of jewelry for your body piercings and piercing services.
So Inkology was created 2019 with our first location in Friendly Center, Greensboro, N.C. When then opened our second location in Charlotte NC at Northlake Mall. After 10 years, of trying to get into the Crabtree Valley Mall we finally have a opportunity to open a shop. At the same time, we also offered a new location in Four Season Mall in Greensboro, N.C. I have an amazing team that keeps growing and growing. I’m truly blessed to have the team of artist and piercer that are in my family. We are so excited to bring our shop to Raleigh and tell our clients stories through the art of our tattoos.
My Dream Team currently consist of Long Term Friends Josie McCray Martin Bravo, Bj Rinato, Savannah Hart and my new additions Beth Fairchild, Jenny Podavini, Calry Knoff, Makayla Moore, Brandi Baldwin & Sheena white. Our new apprentices are Carson, Nikki, and Aliza. And of course, I have my sister Amy McMasters and Mitch Brown.
The picture are tattoos of Martin Bravo and Bj Rinato.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the struggles I have had is that since I am not a tattoo artist, some tattoo artists give me a hard time. I have learned all the same processes and had an apprenticeship. I have several tattoo machine and know how to use them due to being a non laser tattoo removal artist. I’m an artist and love to paint so my painting and art skills come in handy when reviewing the artwork. I have some that doubt me as an owner but as soon as they get to know me those doubts quickly vanish.
Also, dealing with being a woman and working with group men that dont always treat you like a lady. I had to be tough and ensure that I demanded the respect that myself and my fellow women in the industry deserved. In the last couple of years, this has not been an issue as in the past.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think what I am most proud of is the environment of my studios/shops we have all types in our shop. We have women, men, and who you identify or love is not an issue, We love the rainbow, and people of all shapes, colors, and sizes are welcome in our studios.
I specialize in piercings with the best and less traumatic forms of piercings with quality jewelry. I also am a teacher and love that I get to change the life of others.
We also work with a lot of people who use tattoos and piercings as therapy and ways of making themselves feel more beautiful.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Yes you can’t be a business owner without taking a risk. Opening a business is a huge risk especially when you opening during Covid 19. I had to have a new business shut down for three months in the first two months of opening my first location. Rent and bill were still due and no income was coming in with trying to ensure your employees had some income was rough. Opening a business with the new variant and the risk of a shut down is a risk. Opening a business takes a lot of hard work and not everyone is up to the task. It takes a huge amount of sacrifice and focus.
Pricing:
- Done by piece
- Piercings $40 to $120 depending on piercings
Contact Info:
- Email: inkologyink@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inkologytattooandyou
Image Credits
Tattoos are from Martin Bravo and BJ Rinato of Inkology
