Hi Jeffrey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been a tattoo artist for 23 years, 16 here in Tampa. I own Bay City Tattoos in Ybor City and Bay City Tattoos North in Lutz. I started my apprenticeship in Bay City, Michigan at Heritage Tattoo, and moved over to the Midland shop and worked there until I moved to Florida. I was an art major in college and always loved Tattoos. So this is a natural fit for me.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a bumpy ride. I worked for Phat Katz Tattoo in Ybor when I first moved to Florida. I became the manager and took over the shop when the old owners got us evicted. So we started from nothing, with no notice, no money, But with a little help from my father and the guys really pulling together. We put it together and worked 16 hour days for months to get it rolling. And then you have your seasons, January thru June great, July through September slower, October so hit miss, and November and December pretty slow. So you are always putting money away for a rainy day, which also brings up hurricanes, bad for business. And Covid-19 killed the business. We were closed for two and a half months. We are trying hard now to keep going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love to tattoo. I specialize in not specializing. I dont want to do the same thing over and over. I like being challenged by new ideas. I hope I am known for doing solid work and being friendly. I think I am set apart from others because I like doing reworks and cover-ups of old Tattoos.
What does success mean to you?
Being able to do something I love and making a living at it. And help make a difference in people’s lives.
Pricing:
- Shop minimum is $40
Contact Info:
- Email: tatt24all@gmail.com
- Website: www.jeffziozios.com
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