Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Peterson.
Joe, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started as a teen. A friend showed me how and I started doing simple things for myself, friends and family. I had always been into art, so this was another outlet for me. I had no intention of making it a career, it was just something fun to do. I was young and before I knew it had a wife and kids to support. I kept at it on the side until a few years later they legalized it in MA. I wasn’t satisfied with my current corporate career and decided to gamble on this fledgling industry. That gamble paid off as the industry took off. Here we are seventeen years later!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have definitely been some ups and downs. Learning new marketing strategies; we don’t advertise much. We mainly rely on word of mouth from our clients. Internet changes have been a big one. The growth of social media has made a huge impact on interacting with clients. spreading the word about the shop/ events. etc. Also dealing with the number of tattoo artists that have exploded within the industry. The biggest hurdle we face now is the quantity of cover-up work we see due to inexperienced/ unlicensed artists.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Zaza Ink – what should we know?
We have 5 great artists here, each one with his/ her own special talents that allows our shop to offer any style of tattoo work. We don’t tattoo for ego, we tattoo for the client; We are able to spread work throughout the group so clients can experience each artists’ talent that suits the style of tattoo they are looking for.
What sets us apart? Well, I am certainly known for telling people the truth! Not all ideas translate to quality tattoos. But we want you to be happy years from now, not just this week. So if that means telling a person we have to adjust their ideas some, then so be it. I would have to say I am most proud of the opportunities this industry has allowed me. Traveling the country doing what I love has certainly been a perk. I’ve attended many tattoo conventions over the years and even started my own, The Massachusetts Tattoo & Arts Festival. We’re going on year 12 for that! But more importantly, being known as a solid businessman, putting out quality tattoos with positive customer experiences alongside a great team has been a stepping stone for more important matters.
In the last few years, I have been working on a bill with Senator Chandler for state regulation of tattooing, The goal is to eliminate the flaws in town to town regulations. I was able to testify before the Senate committee this past summer.
On a more personal note, I have been contacted several times over the years to work with local youth groups. Educating them on the dos/ don’ts, what to look for, tattoo safety, etc. Although I have won several awards, this is my shining moment. We are happy to be in a position to give back to the community.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Over the years I have had a few artists that I look up to. I can Lyle Tuttle as a dear friend of mine. He has had quite the life in this industry and has shared many stories and experiences with me.
Certainly my team of artists. While some have come and gone over the years, each individual has left a mark. My current team is great. I love that I can count on them to run the shop according to my standards if I am not there, bounce ideas off one another and work cohesively as a group.
And of course my wife and kids. They are the reason I am here today. Starting a new business takes dedication, time and hard work. There have been plenty of tears and arguments and missed birthdays over the years but the love, laughter, and support I get from them outweighs all of that.
Contact Info:
- Address: 287 West Boylston St
- Website: www.zazaink.com
- Phone: 508-835-6559
- Email: zazainktattoos@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/zazaink
- Facebook: facebook.com/zazaink
- Twitter: twitter.com/ZazaInk
- Other: www.matattoofestival.com
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