We recently connected with Heidi Faye and have shared our conversation below.

Heidi , appreciate you joining us today. Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?

I launched my private tattoo studio in 2023, but the path to success wasn’t a straight line—it was forged through years of, dedication, and relentless learning. My tattoo career kicked off in 2010 at a street shop where I worked 6 days a week from noon till early morning hours. If we got out by 10:00 PM it was an early night, during that time if I wasn’t tattooing or drawing I was watching my mentor tattoo and asking him questions.. From there, I took my skills to Madison, Wisconsin, and spent the next 8.5 years at Ultimate Arts.

During that time, I didn’t just tattoo; I immersed myself in the industry. I sought out mentors, attended seminars, and soaked up knowledge like a sponge. I understood early on that success in this business doesn’t come from isolation—it’s a team effort. I made it a point to ask questions, engage with those who inspired me, and forge connections that would later prove invaluable.

When the pandemic hit, it ignited a fire in me. I realized I wanted to create a different kind of tattoo experience—one that broke the mold of traditional shops. That was the catalyst for my decision to open a private studio. This venture allowed me to shape my vision of what a tattoo experience should be, A place where art and a clients vision is merged together and I can work one on one with my clients.

I’ve learned that every obstacle is a stepping stone. The journey has been filled with twists and turns, but I’ve leaned on the relationships I’ve built with some of the best mentors in the industry. Their insights have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of running a larger tattoo studio.

Ultimately, scaling up isn’t just about expanding your business; it’s about cultivating a community and sharing a vision. I’m committed to building a space that reflects that ethos—one where creativity thrives, and artists are empowered to push boundaries.

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?

I ventured into the world of tattoos at the age of 15, drawn in by the vibrant culture and captivating artistry. By 18, I was offered an apprenticeship in Rockford, Illinois, but I quickly realized I wasn’t interested in becoming a stereotypical “rockstar” tattoo artist. My passion lies in connecting with my clients, hearing their stories, and collaboratively designing tattoos that they would look back on and remember that moment in life they wanted to capture.

Over the years, I’ve sharpened my focus on what I want to provide for my clients that want custom body art. I conduct in-person consultations to ensure each tattoo is tailored to fit not only their skin type but also their unique story. Our conversations allow us to explore my artistic style and see how it aligns with their vision. Compatibility is key; I want to ensure we’re on the same page before we start the tattooing process.

What sets me apart is my commitment to being present for my clients every step of the way—before, during, and after the tattooing process. I believe in educating my clients about the artistry of tattoos, empowering them to understand the significance behind their choices. This industry is more than just ink on skin; it’s a powerful form of expression and storytelling.

I offer a range of services, including body art and restorative tattoos, with plans to expand into lip blush in the near future. What I’m most proud of is the relationships I build with my clients and the transformative experiences we create together.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Heidi Faye Tattoos is rooted in authenticity and collaboration. Tattoos are a personal journey, and I’m here to guide you through it with passion and expertise. Let’s tell your story together.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me? It’s a trifecta of word-of-mouth, social media, and visibility in my community, tattoo related events —but hands down, word-of-mouth takes the crown. My style of tattoo and the tattoo experience speaks for itself. Nothing beats the power of genuine referrals from satisfied clients.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One crucial lesson I had to unlearn is that success doesn’t require working seven days a week for 15-hour shifts and only care about tattooing and what is to next “project”. True success for me comes from balance. It’s essential to take time for yourself, invest in your relationships, and explore other passions beyond tattooing.

I hit a wall and it was called burnout—there was a time when I would sit in my car almost numb to the idea of tattooing. What once inspired me felt like a chore, and that’s a dangerous place to be. This industry thrives on creativity, and without it, you risk losing your passion. You have to nurture your artistic spirit to remain engaged.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heidifayetattoos.com
• Instagram: tattoos_heidifaye

Image Credits

The first photo of me is by Mattison Memories Photography