We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bruce Ellis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bruce, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Taking a risk is the hardest part. Everyone has to work, pay bills and try to get a head in life. Most of us have jobs that we go to everyday. That place that you go that serves as a safe, warm place when it comes to getting our weekly stipend. Leaving that security to start your own business based solely on your talents is a scary thing. Taking that risk can also be the biggest reward. I took the biggest risk of my career leaving an established studio in 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, to open HWY 1 Tattoo Co. in Elgin, South Carolina. Even in the grips of a social distancing epidemic I knew that the risk would be worth the reward, ignorance can be bliss. (Laughing) The pandemic made it decisively more challenging when it came to local and state agency inspections and/or paperwork, but with a bit of patience and a lot of tenacity we were able to get it accomplished.
Without risk there’s no real reward. Taking that leap of faith that few take, to leave that security behind and to put all of your belief into yourself, is a risk that can pay off like nothing else ever has. Taking a risk on yourself is worth it win, lose or draw. The strength you gain, even in failure, is immeasurable.. so eat the donut, have a drink with a stranger at the bar, take that trip, but most of all take the risk!

Bruce, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello. I’m Bruce Ellis, owner and resident artist at HWY 1 Tattoo Co located at 2546 D Main St Elgin, SC 29045. I’ve been tattooing for 20 years. I’ve tattooed in many different states on the east coast, from Virginia to Georgia. I started tattooing, much like others, out of my home. I was able to land my first studio job in Columbia, SC at 5 Points Custom Tattoo. I had been to almost every studio in Columbia only to be turned away for one reason or another. I called my brother, frustrated because I felt as if I was just as good if not better than some of the people that were turning me away. My brother told me, “persistence overcomes resistance”. With that conversation I went into one last studio were I was given the only thing that I wanted, A CHANCE. I took that opportunity and parlayed it into a 20 year career in tattooing. I like to do a lot of color work as well as black and grey realism. I like to think what sets me apart is that I’m more of a utility tattooer. I have worked at several street shops that have made me a well rounded tattooer. I am proud to know that I can help clients in almost any style that they would like.
All I’ve ever really wanted out of the career is to be respected as a tattooer and give my clients the best piece of art that I can possibly give them. Without my current and future clients non of this would be possible.

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

Professionalism. I take great pride in professionalism and it is one of the top requirements in my studio. Many people can tattoo, but not all are true professionals. Being prepared and putting the client first is big with me. If it weren’t for our clients we wouldn’t have the best job on the planet. That’s correct, on the planet.

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

Clean, solid tattoos. The difference between a good tattoo and a great tattoo is about 20 minutes. I was told this once years ago and it holds true today. Taking that little extra time on your client to give them something that exceeds their expectations is the best advertisement, ever. Word of mouth spreads faster than pink eye at a pool party. Good or bad, so always go the extra for your clients!       

Contact Info:

• Instagram: hwy_1_tattoo
• Facebook: HWY 1 Tattoo
• Other: 2546 D Main Street Elgin, South Carolina 29045