We were lucky to catch up with Nikki Turner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nikki, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

It felt like such an immense risk the day I decided to put down the deposit on my rental space. The “what if’s” certainly made themselves heard. “What if you do it wrong?” “What if your clients don’t follow you?” “What if you can’t make it and have to close?” “What if your neighbors don’t like you?” Seriously-it got nuts. However; when I reflected on the purpose of making this decision I felt resolve. I knew that I wanted it bad enough-and I was going to make it happen.

I started tattooing, professionally, in October of 2013. I had a stellar upbringing in a shop in downtown Tucson by the name Black Rose Tattooers. The shop owner, Mac MacKai, taught me everything I needed to know about how to become a skilled and successful tattooer. This shop was located in the heart of downtown Tucson, on the corner of Broadway and 6th Ave. Up and down the streets were plenty of bars, restaurants, and tourist attractions. This environment proved incredibly enriching for learning how to talk to, and work with, a multitude of peoples.
While this experience was undoubtably invaluable, it got me thinking about how I wanted to have a shop of my own. About how I would want it to look. About the way I’d like my clients to feel when they walk in the door. About how I want to continue my journey through tattooing and participate in my community. Eventually the ‘thinking about’ became action and I started looking around.

This would have been around the late summer-early fall of 2020, right in the midst of the pandemic. It was by mere fortune that I found the location my shop is currently in. When I called the landowner, I had initially asked about a unit that was FAR too large. I only had in mind that I was going to get an idea of what it would take to have a space of that size. When I ultimately declined looking at this space, as it was outside my needs/means, they suggested an alternative unit.

It was perfect. Located in Casa Blanca Plaza, it was just off Oracle Rd, a main thoroughfare that goes through the middle of Tucson. It was an 800sq/ft studio space, upstairs. It had the amenities I needed and the price was right. The cherry on top being that it took approximately 10mi off my commute and had a massive parking lot. The manner and attitude of the landowners really sealed the deal-they are absolutely fantastic! It’s no exaggeration to say that I mulled it over for less than 24hrs by the time I decided to commit.

I think back on that often, how hasty I was to make such a big life decision. Should I have regrets about how I got here? Would I have saved myself the stress/trouble by waiting and being patient?
I feel that most first-time small business owners would say that the first years of owning your own business can be immensely stressful. My situation is no different. I have learned so much over the last 3 years; and I continue to look forward to what else there is to glean from this experience. The people that have come into my life and passed through my shop have greatly improved my attitude towards socializing and participating in my community. Overall I have become a much happier, open, and calm person-not stress free, but definitely improved.

Would I have saved some worry by forming a more developed strategy and being less “risky”, maybe. As far as regrets go-I’m not much of a regret person. I may think on how I could have handled a situation differently, but pining over that isn’t going to help me go forward. Best to live and learn.
I’m still excited to see where the next year takes me-everyday my shop doors are open I am grateful. Not one of my clients NEEDS to receive a tattoo, like they need to pay rent, utilities, or buy groceries. Though, when they are ready, and can get tattooed, and they choose to patronize my business-it’s always humbling.
This risk has proven to be very rewarding. I’m not blind to the fact that this could change-but for right now, in this moment, I’m ultimately satisfied with my choice and grateful to all of those who have helped make this possible.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

It’s not something I boast, but it is what it is; my tattoo journey began self-taught. In the spring of 2011 I was gifted tattoo machines and spent endless hours looking up how to learn to tattoo. I had a friend at the time that was in the industry that would also give me tips and advice as I went along. This was as opposed to the traditional method of receiving a proper apprenticeship-something I was rather ignorant to. After some time, I started getting frustrated with my lack of improvement and was advised to seek an apprenticeship at one of the local shops. It was a fair amount of rejection before I was accepted at Black Rose in the summer of 2013. By mid fall I had begun accepting my first paying clients. I’ve been in love ever since. Constantly striving to improve and gain more wisdom and knowledge in my craft. When I’m not tattooing I’m usually drawing flash, learning to watercolor, exercising/hiking (as the season permits), and spending time with my husband Eric, our dog Cooper and cat Lucifer.

My shop provides classic tattoos of many styles and applications. No piercing or cosmetic tattooing here. Services range from fine-line black and grey to American traditional and many in between. I prefer a more illustrated style with bright and bold coloring, typically with American traditional and/or Japanese traditional undertones. Though I’m more than happy to work in minimalist, black and grey, and vector style tattooing as well. I also welcome coverup work of many varieties; tattoos of poor quality/continuity, tattoos you no longer love or no longer represent your values (without judgement), scars (surgical or otherwise), birthmarks, cellulite, stretch marks, etc….

My shop has a cozy vibe-think den meets tattoo shop. Cozy furniture, snacks/drinks provided, you can order food in if you’d like, or make yourself some coffee or tea. Need something to occupy your mind? There’s a multitude of books to look through, Wi-Fi if you want to stream, and the walls are almost entirely filled with art. For a calming atmosphere I keep plenty of plants and also have a great view from the deck out front with seating-it’s pretty mesmerizing during a storm.
My brand is founded in integrity with my clients. If I’m not best suited for the job they seek, I will certainly guide them to someone who is better suited. I provide the same level of honesty to my clients as I would expect be given in return. I aim to create tattoos that last the duration-not ones that just look good when they’re fresh. When you get tattooed at Evil Eye, I’m bearing in mind your tattoo 15-20yrs from now, not just for today, next month or one year from now. The investment ought to be worthwhile.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I feel like I provide a more approachable atmosphere to those who may feel particularly anxious about getting tattooed. I’m not here to judge you or tell you how to receive your tattoo outside of technical advice. While I may not wish to have the design you request as a tattoo for myself, I treat creating and executing each job as if I were to. I give my clients honest input, with empathy and solutions to troubleshoot potential complications. I’m not just here to “take your wallet”, I want to cultivate trust and confidence with clients so they feel comfortable returning and referring others. I’m always happy to refer other artists if I am not the one for you.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for my business is, without a doubt, by referrals and word of mouth. While maintaining a presence on socials and with google definitely helps maintain visibility-I do not find these avenues particularly beneficial in seeking new clients. Most of my “ride or die” clientele comes from other clients who have told their friends, family, and coworkers about the excellent experience they had. Considering the outward visibility and permanence of my craft, this provides a passive source of referrals and visibility as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.evileyetattootucson.com
• Instagram: @nikkitattooer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091648989157&mibextid=D4KYlr

Image Credits
All photos taken by me.