We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laura Becker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laura below.

Alright, Laura thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The more we talk about good leadership the more we think good leadership practices will spread and so we’d love for you to tell us a story about the best boss you’ve had and what they were like or what they did that was so great?

Absolutely! Mike Martin. Mike was the man that started FSG Tattoo (Flesh Skin Grafix) 30 years ago up until his passing in 2019 and I was lucky to work with him for 10 years. He was such a funny, kind and honest leader and he really cared for his family, friends and anyone he would tattoo. Mike definitely changed my life, I came to him right out of my apprenticeship and he let me guest spot while one of his artists was traveling and I’ve been at FSG ever since. He taught me so much about tattooing and the business behind it, he encouraged me to branch out with my tattoos, try new things and he would always be my guinea pig for those new ventures. After he passed way, we worked with his wife Gale to continue to keep his legacy alive and we will continue to do it for another 30 years.

Laura , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was to be able to start off as a counter girl for Tower Tattoo Parlor under Dewayne Norton, and then I was lucky to be able to apprentice under him with the help of Adam Fuqua. I’m so grateful for my time there, I took so much with me that I use to this day. After a few years I ended up at FSG Tattoo under Mike Martin where I have been ever since. I was able to venture out of my norm and Mike would always encourage and insist I try things on him including Areolas. Mike had my first 6 nipples before I moved onto helping breast cancer survivors. I worked with Mike until his passing in 2019 and I continued to work in his shop helping keep his legacy alive. My husband Matthew and I purchased FSG from Mike’s wife in 2023 and we just celebrated our first anniversary as the new owners as well as the 30th for the shop.

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

We live and work in Imperial Beach, San Diego a major military town, so our clientele is a lot of navy men and woman. The previous owner Mike Martin served as a Master Chief Navy Seal from 1969-2003 (with a 13 year break after Vietnam) so we had a lot Navy guys stop by to specifically hear stories from him. His association with the teams gave us a close tie with those boys and continues to do so, they keep us busy.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My apprenticeship was so fun and such hell at the same time, I’m glad it was that way though I learned a lot from it. Those years definitely made me stronger, looking back I am grateful for the hardships because it added onto my stubbornness to never give it up. I worked hard to be where I am now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.fsgtattoo.com
• Instagram: Laurabecker3
• Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/dreamofink3
• Linkedin: Laura Becker
• Yelp: FSG TATTOO