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

Meredith, appreciate you joining us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

As a female tattoo artist, I have spent most my career with men only. When I started tattooing I was very young and one of not to many female tattoo artists in the area. There has been struggles with not only clients, but also other tattooist not taking me seriously, among other things. With the industry becoming more popular , I have noticed more women getting into the industry. I was lucky to have the opportunity to become a tattoo artist ,as my father is the original owner of the shop. But women still have a hard time finding opportunity and the safe space to work. So I am happy that our shop is a place where female tattoo artists can feel welcome and empowered. I also want the space to be there for not only female artist, but tattoo artist of color, as that has also been a struggle in our industry. And of course we welcome anyone into our shop, making sure they feel comfortable and welcome.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I have been in the tattoo industry for 20 almost 21 years. I got the opportunity because my dad is the original owner of Smokey Banana Tattoo. I always wanted to learn how to tattoo growing up, and at 17 I started my apprenticeship. Before my apprenticeship I was a receptionist , and pierced as well. I love my clients, and it’s amazing to tattoo peoples kids who’s parents my dad tattooed. Smokey Banana Tattoo has been in Broomfield for 30 some years. While my father is an amazing artist, he also taught me that as he would say “we are putting the stained glass on peoples churches”. Meaning we are here to give our clients what they are asking for. Our job is to give them the tattoo they are asking for, not the tattoo we want. So we do it all, we do huge custom pieces, down to the cute little lettering. We want to give not only beautiful tattoos, but also a comfortable, nerve easing experience.

If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?

We do have an ATM in the shop, as we are a cash business. We also have body jewelry that people can buy for their piercings.

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

I think social media does help with people seeing our work, and or decided to go with a specific artist. But I would honestly say word of mouth is the best marketing for us. We are unique in that if someone sees a persons tattoo they like, they will ask where they got it.

Contact Info:

• Website: Smokeybanana.com
• Instagram: Smokeybananatattoo
• Facebook: Smokey Banana Tattoo