We were lucky to catch up with Hannah Batres recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hannah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I came up with the idea for Rooted Ink because I saw a gap in the tattoo industry, especially in smaller communities. Many tattoo shops can feel intimidating or unwelcoming, particularly for women or people getting their first tattoo. I wanted to create a space that felt different, somewhere people could walk in and immediately feel comfortable, respected, and safe expressing their ideas.

As a tattoo artist, I realized that the experience matters just as much as the artwork itself. People are trusting you with something permanent and often deeply meaningful. I felt strongly that there should be a studio built around connection, kindness, and collaboration rather than ego.

That vision is what led me to open Rooted Ink. My goal was to build a studio where both clients and artists feel supported, where creativity thrives, and where everyone who walks through the door feels like they truly belong.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m the owner and lead tattoo artist at Rooted Ink, a tattoo studio built around creativity, connection, and community. I got into tattooing because I’ve always been passionate about art and storytelling. Tattoos are such a powerful form of expression, and I love helping people turn meaningful ideas, memories, and milestones into something they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Over time, my passion for tattooing grew into a vision for something bigger. I wanted to build a studio where artists could grow, collaborate, and develop their craft while creating meaningful work for clients. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into Rooted Ink, a place where creativity, mentorship, and artistry come together.

In addition to running the studio, I’m also passionate about giving back to the community. I founded the Willmar Community Closet, a nonprofit that provides free clothing and essentials to anyone in need. That same spirit of care and connection is something I try to bring into my business as well.

What I’m most proud of is the community that has grown around Rooted Ink. It’s more than just a tattoo shop, it’s a place where people feel safe sharing their stories, celebrating important moments in their lives, and expressing who they are.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Tattooing actually started as a side hustle for me. At the time, I was working as a yoga teacher and also in real estate, but I’ve always been an artist at heart. I began tattooing on the side because I loved the creative outlet and the ability to help people turn meaningful ideas into something permanent.

Over time, my passion for tattooing continued to grow and it became clear that it was more than just a side project. I started building a client base, refining my skills, and realizing that this was the work I felt most connected to. Eventually, the demand for tattoos and the vision I had for creating a different kind of studio pushed me to pursue it full time.

One of the biggest milestones was opening Rooted Ink. What started as a creative side hustle turned into a full studio and community space where artists can grow and clients feel welcomed and supported. Watching something that began as a passion project grow into a thriving business and community has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been word of mouth. Tattoos are incredibly personal, and when someone has a great experience, they naturally want to share that with their friends and family. Over time, that trust spreads through the community.

I’ve found that focusing on the client experience is the biggest driver of growth. Taking the time to listen to people’s ideas, making them feel comfortable during the process, and creating work they’re proud to wear leads to repeat clients and referrals.

Social media definitely helps people see the artwork, but the strongest growth has come from people recommending Rooted Ink because of how they felt when they were here. When someone leaves excited about their tattoo and their experience, they tend to bring others with them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rootedink.net
• Instagram: @rooted.ink
• Facebook: @rooted.ink
• Other: TikTok @Rooted.ink

Image Credits

Bobbi Karg