We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hayley Moran. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hayley below.
Hayley , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Talk to us about building your team? What was it like? What were some of the key challenges and what was your process like?
When I branched out on my own, I knew I had to no matter who was with me. Building a career as a tattoo artist for 15 years, as scary as it was to go alone, I knew I had already made a name for myself and clients would follow. I had always been the only female artist at the two studios I worked in. I invited my favorite artist and friend to come along but he wasn’t ready to leave. I decided to seek female artists only for my Healing Arts Lounge.
A recommendation led me to hire my first artist who I knew needed mentorship. I was confident we could grow her into a high class professional, however, after a short time she decided tattooing was too stressful and it wasn’t her passion. So, I searched other female artists and found one promising. She was also new to the craft but very talented and dedicated to support her family. She was a fast learner in my new supportive environment and continued to build her reputation over 7 years.
Right around the time of my first anniversary of Haylo, I was approached by an extremely talented black female artist seeking apprenticeship. At first I didn’t feel ready to take on the extra effort of building an artist up from scratch, but after reviewing all her art and leaning into my desire for diversity, I said yes to offering her a place to learn, grow, and thrive. This relationship has been one of my best decisions. Every day, 7 annual tattoo permit later, I am grateful for her love and loyalty to the art of tattooing, her hard work dedication to her clients and her steady presence as a creative team mate.
In 2018, I hired a woman who already had 10 years of tattoo experience. I believed this would be the easiest hire yet- plug her and her clientele into my space and it would be a thriving win/win.
She was incredibly talented and sweet and while she excelled in her technical abilities, her professional lack of confidence in charging appropriately cause some conflict. I needed equity across the studio’s varying tenure and she needed more control over her practice.
After the pandemic shut down of 2020, I found myself needing to be more structured in my expectation for my artists. We were closed for 3.5 months. Although I have always been a diplomatic, solutions seeking and fully present owner, my artists being 1099 contractors didn’t like these new rules. Albeit, my intentions made clear that all of our contributions would be for the greater good of all who would trust me through the changes~ two of them decided to go their own way. My most recent hire only a few months in at that time, left just a few weeks later because of some personal issues.
Back to the drawing board. I needed to find some new team oriented artists. My desire was never to be just “the house” to independent artists. I fought for interdependence and creative integrity in leading and operating business in ways that I know to uphold my values of both independence and teamwork.
I’m 2023, I’ve take on two apprentices; both mature and dedicated artists who believe in standing strong upon my foundation for the betterment of all of us.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
We offer a completely Custom Tattoo Experience. We work directly with you to create the perfect and 100% original art that will adorn your skin for the rest of your days. Our method of creation thrives on deep listening and connection to the spirit. BodyArt is a transformative, healing ritual. Many people desiring a tattoo will look at innumerable examples on the internet. These references can help us get a sense of what you like visually, however, we connect with you on a deeper level to create something brand new and will never duplicate it.
Another key feature of our healing work is creating beautification and wholeness for breast cancer survivors after mastectomy. Whether it’s realistic nipples or a floral masterpiece, we work with the body to assure the most flattering fit.
It’s more than a tattoo, it’s YOU.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
We maintain a long arc of loyalty through my dedication to my own creativity and to the clients. Word of mouth is our best way to know real results. When you create a meaningful experience for people, engaging with them authentically with care, they tell their friends and they always come back.
We don’t spend money on social media, we clearly communicate our values and those speak to those in alignment with our mission and vision.
Doing and giving our best everyday is a simple strategy that is tried and true. Make people feel comfortable, make them feel heard and represent with kindness, compassion and vulnerably without dissolving your boundaries.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The Pandemic Shut Down of 2020. This was challenging to move through when we could not do our work. I had 4 artists including myself, an accountant and a front desk person. We had been steadily successful, however because we get paid by the hour, when an artist doesn’t work- there are zero dollars coming in. We had to maintain studio communications with about 500 appointment reschedules at a most uncertain time. None of the bills were waived and I didn’t apply for any ppp loans because I didn’t want to create debt for a later date. Because of our years of success and being diligent with my savings, I maintained the studio, kept the front of house and back of house paid and the artists had a place to come back and thrive again about 3 months later.
Contending with so much loss, the pivot continues still. After creating more structure, losing three artists and starting with two apprentices in 2023,
we are retraining our audience that we have more availability than ever before.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.haylostudiolounge.com
- Instagram: @haylostudiolounge
- Facebook: Haylo Healing Arts Lounge
Image Credits
Amelia Winchester Photography