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

Melodie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes I have. And it wasn’t hard but it wasn’t easy either. Learning how to run a business is very important but sometimes you have to learn from experience. I didn’t know certain rules and guidelines so I made some costly mistakes. Learned some hard lessons but I still managed to keep myself successful at not needing to go back to the “9-5 job”

Melodie, 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?

I’m Star, owner and artist at BlakRose Artistry located in Hattiesburg, MS. I was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. My parents and family are from Mississippi so when hurricane Katrina hit we moved to MS. I got into the tattoo industry about 12 years ago as a receptionist for a tattooist. Few years afterwards opened my own shop and began working as an artist. I had 3 other artists with me there.

But I got an opportunity to live in Germany for about a year so I closed down and moved. I’m a veteran of the US ARMY so I was working as a civilian contractor for a few years. I definitely tatted for a period of my stay in Germany. That gave me a chance to explore a different culture and become known internationally known for my work. That still is one of my favorite experiences as an artist

When I returned to Mississippi, I partnered up with the initial artist I first worked for and we opened a body art and graphic design studio. Business did very well and I began to become much more known in the state.

A couple years ago I shifted perspective and became more connected with myself. I’ve always been the only female working at the shops I’ve been in. And for me, growing into a new individual I had to make an adjustment. I branched off and opened up an all female tattoo and brow studio. I believe it’s the only one of its kind in my area. I am very proud of the space I’ve created. I wanted something fresh and attractive, not the average tattoo shop look. I began doing apprenticeships for new artists. I’m also training artists already in the industry to expand their artistry and skill. I’m into the second year and it’s been great!

I like being helpful, it actually pleases me to assist in someone else’s success. I’ve been this way a long time and when I see a way I can be helpful and it isn’t clashing with my flow, I’m all for it. I really like working with others in creating whatever greatness we can collectively.

I’ve been a traveling artist getting myself known in Georgia, Texas and Louisiana. So I’ve been a tattooist for about 8 years. I’ve also been in the PMU industry as a brow artist for 3 years. I provide nano brow strokes and ombré brow shading. I have multiple training and certifications, all the way in the game.

I’ll say to y’all what say to my followers often. Discipline and determination breathes creation. Being a business owner is not easy for most people. It’s actually hard, but it’s very possible to be successful at it. I’m grateful for what I’ve accomplished out here. I’m a woman doing my thing in Mississippi so it’s definitely possible for others. My next level involves a new location and much more training!! Keep your eye on me.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

I never thought about doing tattoos, ever. I just could draw. But it fell right in my lap. I was a graphic designer and the company I worked for did some cuts so I lost my job. I took a cash paying job as a receptionist for a tattooist. I got a new graphic design job also. It took me a few years to get my nerve up but when I started tatting, I was sold. I started out small and trained myself how to be good at it. Then I got better at it. I know I’m gonna get better than I am now. The biggest thing about transitioning from working a “9-5” job and owning a successful business is you have to work HARD. You have to learn rules and regulations are in the area you are operating from. That’s how you keep going, cross your t’s, dot your i’s and handle business.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I made the sessions more personal. I realized that people feel more comfortable when it’s just you and them. My work area is separate from the rest of the studio and I keep the energy in there light. Most of my clients actually like me, they like me as a person. They prefer my interaction, I try to keep the session very calm and fun. That alone has gotten me repeat clients and GOOGLE REVIEWS!! My business grew dramatically from being found on Google once the reviews started coming in.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blakroseartistry.com
• Instagram: @starpowermelo
• Facebook: BlakRose Artistry
• Twitter: @starpowermelo
• Other: TikTok @starpowermelo

Image Credits
Brittny Miller