Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jesika Watson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jesika, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?

From the very beginning, it was just my husband and me. We wore all the hats and did whatever it took to get the business off the ground. From brainstorming ideas and creating plans to managing operations, marketing, and customer service, we were hands-on in every aspect. It was truly a labor of love and a testament to our strong commitment.

Our very first hire had found himself in a volatile work environment, and he had worked with my husband, Jay Seagreaves, for years. They had a great working relationship, so it made perfect sense for him to join our team. Our second employee also found herself in a similar situation and we just grew the team from there.

We were fortunate to start with a team that was not only skilled but also respectful and dedicated to continuous learning and growth. In my opinion, this is what makes a strong team—people who are committed to developing themselves and collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.

If I were to start today, I would likely approach recruiting and team-building in a similar way, but I would place an even greater emphasis on creating a formal onboarding and training process from the outset. It’s critical to have structure early on to support new hires, align everyone with the company’s mission, and foster a sense of community within the team.

Jesika, 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?

My name is Jesika Seagreaves (Watson). Before embarking on my current path, I spent approximately 15 years managing in a corporate setting. However, when the company I worked for lost its contract and abruptly let me go, I had a moment of clarity: corporate environments often prioritize profits over people. That realization motivated me to take control of my own career and create a space where individuals—not numbers—are at the heart of what we do.

I have been connected to the tattoo industry since I was 16 and have always had a passion for the beauty industry. In 2016, I decided to turn that passion into something meaningful by training in cosmetic tattooing. A few years later, my husband found himself at a similar crossroads in his career, feeling stuck and unfulfilled. Together, we saw an opportunity to combine our skills and experiences by opening our own tattoo shop.

Our vision was clear: to create a welcoming, family-friendly environment where people from all walks of life feel comfortable and supported. Many of our clients come to us unsure of what they want—whether it’s a tribute to a loved one, a way to honor a cherished pet, or simply a piece of art that resonates with them. We take the time to truly listen, ask meaningful questions, and guide them through the creative process. Whether refining a vague idea or starting from scratch, we work collaboratively to ensure every design tells their unique story.

What truly sets us apart is our ability to foster connection and trust. We understand that getting a tattoo is a deeply personal experience, and our goal is to make every client feel confident, cared for, and understood—no matter where they are in their journey.

Beyond working with clients, we are deeply committed to building a strong sense of community within the tattoo industry. We collaborate with other artists, host events, and strive to create opportunities for connection and mutual support. By fostering an environment of respect and camaraderie, we hope to contribute to the growth of an industry that celebrates diversity, creativity, and individuality.

I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built, both in our shop and within the larger industry. My hope is that every person who visits us leaves with more than just a piece of art—they leave with a sense of empowerment, confidence, and pride in their decision to choose us for such a personal and meaningful milestone.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

To effectively manage a team and maintain high morale, it’s crucial to lead by example. I’ve seen many business owners lose the respect of their team by adopting a “do as I say, not as I do” mentality. This approach simply doesn’t work. If you want to build a team that respects you, you need to show them the same level of respect.

In the tattoo industry—and any collaborative field—success is never a one-way street. Open communication, mutual trust, and a willingness to listen are essential. By fostering an environment where team members feel valued and heard, you create a workplace culture that motivates everyone to perform at their best and work together toward shared goals.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that stands out is when we hired our first employee. Shortly after he started, we received certified letters from his former employer, essentially threatening to sue both him and us if he continued working at our shop. It felt like we were being bullied into backing down. While it was a stressful situation, it ultimately worked out for the best. This experience taught me that when you strive to improve your circumstances, there will always be obstacles or people trying to hold you back. The key is learning how to rise above and stay focused on your goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellertown_tattoo_company/profilecard/?igsh=MW5jY3c0dHM2MzlvZQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088525061169&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits

1st photo starting on the left standing in Nick D’Angelo than sitting is Dom Trimboli, Caleb Gesicki, Sam Burns, Gabriella Schwoyer, on the floor left jay seagreaves , jesika Seagreaves