Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eman Rodriguez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Eman, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Parabellum was born from a personal necessity. As tattoo shops began appearing on every corner, the industry seemed to lose the very traits that once made it meaningful: genuine attention, thoughtful customer care, and a distinctive creative identity that set one studio apart from another. My breaking point came during my final visit to a shop whose indifference shocked me. I waited nearly twenty minutes without so much as a greeting, and when someone finally acknowledged me, the attitude made it feel as if my business was an inconvenience.
That single experience ignited something in me. It pushed forward an idea I had carried for years.

I have always believed I could create something different—something rare in my area and capable of reigniting the spark that first drew people to this craft. Since the moment I picked up a paintbrush at eight years old, thinking differently and creating with intent has been a core part of who I am. That drive, that artistic discipline, became the foundation for Parabellum.

In under two years, we have proven exactly what a commitment to quality across the full spectrum can achieve, both for the business and for the clients who trust us. Parabellum stands today as proof that when you put authenticity, creativity, and care at the forefront, the results speak for themselves

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Having grown up in Puerto Rico, I was immersed from an early age in a culture rich with art, creativity, and fearlessness. I was raised to live without boundaries—to embrace who I truly am and to pursue the things that set my soul on fire. Art captivated me early on, and I, in turn, devoted myself to it. Photography, painting, drawing, design, and even skateboarding became the creative pillars that shaped and sustained me throughout my youth.

My parents instilled in me two essential virtues—discipline and versatility. They often reminded me to embody the “Joker card” in life’s deck: to be adaptable, multifaceted, and skilled across many crafts, ensuring that I would one day stand as a formidable professional presence.

When I moved from Puerto Rico to New Jersey in 2010, I began humbly—working long hours in a warehouse, learning the value of perseverance and humility. But I wanted more—real experiences that would challenge and mold me into something greater. Over the years, I immersed myself in diverse and unconventional fields: from assisting in human clinical trials at a pharmaceutical research institute, to working in death and forensic investigations as an autopsy technician for the State Medical Examiner’s Office. I later transitioned into the creative and corporate world as a professional photographer and social media director for multi-million-dollar automotive dealerships and real estate firms.

Each of those experiences, unique and invaluable in its own right, paved the way toward my proudest achievement—Parabellum Tattoo Studio—a culmination of my artistic passion, relentless drive, and commitment to creating something truly exceptional.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Since the early days of social media platforms such as Instagram, I’ve always been drawn to the opportunity to create something truly distinctive—something that reflected my individuality and the creative instincts that have come to define me. My journey into the realm of digital influence began around 2017, when I launched AnarchyGRFX, a personal project that soon gained traction and recognition, earning me the nickname “The Joker Guy.”

Through AnarchyGRFX, I produced fully customized digital artworks depicting iconic movie and comic book characters, as well as trending figures within the entertainment industry. My primary artistic focus, however, was the Joker—a character who has captivated me since childhood and served as a continual muse for my creative expression. The page opened doors to remarkable experiences and connections, including interactions with notable personalities such as Todd Phillips, director of the Joker film, and several other prominent figures within the entertainment community. I was fortunate not only to meet but also to develop genuine friendships with some of them.

Roughly two years ago, I made the conscious decision to let that chapter fade gracefully. The page remains active as a digital time capsule—an archive of memories and creative milestones that remind me of what passion and authenticity can build.

As we step into a new era, I’ve observed that social media has evolved—or perhaps devolved—into something vastly different. It has transformed into a marketplace driven less by creativity and authenticity and more by superficial trends and monetization. Far too often, it has become a tool for the uninspired to profit through imitation or deception, rather than innovation. While there are still creators who remain genuine and use their platforms for meaningful expression, the overall landscape has grown disheartening.

That said, for anyone aspiring to enter the social media space, my advice is simple: embrace individuality. Be bold, be authentic, and resist the gravitational pull of fleeting trends. Uniqueness endures—fads do not.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

That’s the beauty of authenticity — when you remain genuine, distinctive, and unlike the rest, clients recognize it almost instantly and become your greatest advocates. I’ve seldom invested in paid advertising, reserving it only for select, exclusive events hosted at the shop. Our clientele’s unwavering loyalty and faithfulness have become the foundation of our growth, as they organically promote our brand through their own experiences. For that, we are profoundly and eternally grateful. By organizing multiple events throughout the year — whether it’s a tattoo flash event, collaborative gathering, or meet-and-greet — we maintain consistent engagement with our community, ensuring that the Parabellum name remains ever-present and fresh in people’s minds year-round

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parabellum_tattoonj?igsh=MWRuNm10OTVtdzIyMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BmtYA6Kjy/?mibextid=wwXIfr