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

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

At Backstage Beauty & Ink, our mission is to provide a sanctuary where individuals can embrace a ‘rockstar’ experience with confidence and safety. We prioritize personalized attention, dedicating our focus to one client per artist each day. Our goal is for every visitor to feel genuinely appreciated, valued, and empowered to embrace their inner rockstar from the moment they step through our doors.

Jessica, 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?

With a collective experience spanning over a decade in the tattoo and skincare industries, my husband, Jason Pickett, and I have immersed ourselves in the artistry and craftsmanship that define our passion. For Jason, his journey began over 26 years ago, fueled by an innate love for art that blossomed from his earliest years. Inspired by the Walt Disney VHS intro videos, he honed his drawing skills, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong dedication to his craft. When the opportunity arose to translate his artistry onto the canvas of skin, he seized it with unwavering enthusiasm.

Over two decades later, Jason stands as a testament to the transformative power of experience and dedication. His mission is clear: to elevate the tattoo industry to new heights, showcasing to our clients the excellence they truly deserve.

For me, the allure of the tattoo and beauty realms has been a lifelong affair, ingrained in my being long before conscious memory. There’s something profoundly captivating about the ability to enhance one’s beauty, instilling confidence and radiance from within. Drawing upon my natural inclination towards aesthetics and creativity, I embarked on a journey to infuse passion and integrity into the industry.

My expertise lies in the art of cosmetic tattooing, with a specialization in eyebrows, paramedical tattooing, fine line work, and removal. Armed with a plethora of certifications, advanced skincare education, esthetics licensing, and comprehensive training in color theory and skin anatomy, I strive for nothing short of perfection in every stroke.

Together, at Backstage, we curate a holistic experience that transcends the ordinary. Our offerings extend beyond custom tattooing and permanent makeup to encompass skincare, waxing, and tattoo removal. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to crafting unique experiences for each and every client.

From the moment of consultation to the final appointment, our focus is singular: to ensure our guests feel like the stars they are. Whether it’s the personalized attention during a tattoo session or the rejuvenating energy work during a skincare treatment, every interaction is tailored to exceed expectations.

At Backstage, we don’t just create art—we create memories. And in doing so, we redefine the standard of excellence in our industry.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Our story traces back to the streets of New York, where my husband laid the foundation for what would become our shared passion project—an innovative Tattoo and Skincare Parlor. Joining him a few years later, I added my expertise to the mix, shaping our establishment into a beacon of creativity and excellence.

After nearly a decade of hard work, we reached a milestone: the realization of a dream—a beautiful new location that promised to elevate our clients’ experience to new heights. However, just as we were settling into our newfound haven, fate dealt us a devastating blow. The pandemic swept across New York, shuttering businesses and disrupting lives in its wake.

For nearly six agonizing months, we grappled with uncertainty, clinging to the hope of weathering the storm. But despite our best efforts, we were forced to concede defeat. We watched helplessly as our beloved parlor, the culmination of years of dedication and passion, slipped through our fingers.

In the aftermath of this heartbreaking loss, we found ourselves at a crossroads. With heavy hearts and a determination to persevere, we made the difficult decision to uproot our lives and seek solace with family in Florida. There, we pieced together a semblance of normalcy, working at various shops and spas as we navigated the tumultuous aftermath of our ordeal.

But fate had one more twist in store for us. An opportunity arose in Utah—a chance to start anew, to rebuild our dreams from the ground up. Jason embarked on a journey to Utah, shuttling back and forth between our makeshift home in Florida and the promise of a brighter future in the West. And when the time was right, when the stars aligned and our path became clear, we made the leap.

Over two years passed as we established ourselves in Utah, carving out a niche and building a loyal following. Yet, deep within us, the yearning for something more persisted. We knew that our true calling lay in reclaiming what we had lost, in breathing life back into our vision of excellence.

And so, armed with nothing but our unwavering resolve and the lessons learned from adversity, we embarked on a new chapter. With each setback, we emerged stronger, more resilient than before. Our journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable hardship, hope prevails.

Today, as we stand on the precipice of a new beginning, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose. Our parlor, once a beacon of creativity in the heart of New York, will rise again—this time, in the vibrant landscape of Utah. And as we breathe life back into our dreams, we carry with us the indomitable spirit that defines us—a spirit forged in the crucible of adversity, tempered by the fires of resilience.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Securing funding for a startup is no small feat, especially when supporting a family of ten. Recognizing the need for external financial assistance, we embarked on a rigorous journey to bring our vision to life.

For six months, I immersed myself in the intricacies of business planning, exploring avenues for grants and opportunities while collaborating closely with the Small Business Development Center and a supportive mentor who shared our belief in the venture’s potential. Understanding the challenges inherent in our industry, I knew that a meticulously crafted business plan was paramount to garnering credibility and support.

Enrolling in courses at Westminster College’s program tailored to empower women entrepreneurs, I equipped myself with the knowledge and expertise necessary to navigate every facet of our business. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of our venture, I was prepared to articulate its intricacies with confidence and clarity to any prospective investor.

The culmination of months of preparation arrived with my first funding pitch to the Utah Microloan Fund—an opportunity that held the promise of much-needed capital. Despite the nerves, my unwavering belief in our business propelled me forward. As I concluded my presentation, met with receptive ears and enthusiastic responses, a sense of validation washed over me.

The following day brought news of approval—an affirmation of our vision and a crucial lifeline for our fledgling enterprise. But the journey didn’t end there. With newfound momentum, I seized the opportunity to pitch to the Weber State Wildcat Microfund Grant, another avenue offering support to burgeoning businesses like ours.

Each pitch was a nerve-wracking yet ultimately rewarding experience, underscoring the value of the exhaustive preparation and dedication invested in crafting our business plan. The approval from both entities validated our efforts and provided the financial foundation we needed to embark on this entrepreneurial journey with confidence.

Indeed, the countless hours spent honing our business acumen and meticulously refining our plan had borne fruit. With funding secured and optimism abound, we embarked on the next chapter of our journey, fueled by the belief that with determination and resilience, anything is possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: backstageut.com
• Instagram: @backstage_ut
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackstageUT