We were lucky to catch up with Amber Ward recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Amber thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

I had an amazing experience with a client recently! They found the fidget toy I provided to be extremely helpful in easing their anxiety and serving as a distraction during their tattoo session. My goal is always to provide as much comfort as possible during the tattoo process, and it’s moments like these that remind me how little things, like fidgets, can truly make a difference in someone’s experience. I am so grateful to be able to help create a positive and comfortable environment for my clients!

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.

In 2012, I began my tattooing journey in Three Rivers, MI, and it quickly became my most passionate job choice out of everything I had done up to that point. I absolutely love tattooing, and in 2017, I opened up Portfolio Ink Studio in Three Rivers, MI. It has been an incredible experience learning and building my business to what it is today.

My specialization lies in colorful, illustrative tattoos, with a particular fondness for floral designs and Pokémon/anime. What sets me apart is my dedication to using the best products available to ensure my clients’ tattoos are as healthy and comfortable as possible. I am constantly making an effort to learn and educate myself, as well as those working at my shop, on the best techniques for maintaining clean stations.

To cater to clients with high anxiety, I offer fidget toys and provide a gift bag at the end of their session. I am truly grateful for the team at Portfolio Ink, as everyone works hard to deliver the best service to their clients, and it shows.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive studio and strive to create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community. Supporting the things we are passionate about ourselves is essential, and we welcome everyone to experience the exceptional service and environment we have created at Portfolio Ink Studio.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Something I have had to unlearn is that I do not have to welcome everyone or everything into my business space to be successful. When I first opened, I felt like I needed every available artist to work at the shop in order to grow and be busy. Since then, I have learned that the quality of independent contractors is more important than the quantity.

It’s like choosing your friends – you want the ones who’ll help you move a couch, not just the ones who’ll drink your beer. Working with like-minded folks who share your work ethic is key to creating a healthy, happy, and — let’s be honest — way more fun work environment. And that, my friends, is how you build a successful business without going bananas!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Our secret sauce is consistency, and by that, I mean being available for our clients like a trusty sidekick. Between myself and the other talented artists and piercers at the shop, there’s always a time slot ready for anyone itching to get some work done.

But, let me tell you, hiring my manager, Jillian, has been a game-changer! She’s like the superhero of client communication, always making sure that responding to clients is a top priority. She works tirelessly to ensure everyone is well-informed and knows what to expect when they visit our little art haven.

So, thanks to our dynamic team and our dedication to being there for our clients, we’ve managed to build a reputation that even the Avengers would be proud of!      

Contact Info:

• Website: https://portfolioinkstudio.business.site/
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/portfolioink
• Facebook: Www.facebook.com/portfolio.ink.studio

Image Credits
The picture of me tattooing is credited to @amberlywarephotography and the GTA style poster was designed by an artist at my shop @inkspudge