We were lucky to catch up with Raquel CENTELLAS recently and have shared our conversation below.

Raquel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I took a big risk when deciding to change careers. I was in the medical field working in allied health and getting ready to enter my nursing clinicals when approached with opportunity to buy the studio I own today. Giving up a career and education to go into something complete different was not an easy decision. This was definitely a life changing move and I’ve been learning and growing into the new position still to this day, 8 years later. Drunken Monkey Tattoo was an well know established Tattoo studio started in 1997 and I wanted to see it remain open, that was my motivation. I took the chance and gave up nursing and went full in to learn about this field and it’s dynamics in every way possible. There has been alot of success and I feel confident it was a risk worth taking. It helped having the medical backround in this field so although I miss my medical career it is greatly intertwined and has improved our practices for our clients. I’m still here after 8 years so I’d say it’s working out pretty well.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Drunken Monkey tattoo has been providing Saginaw with tattoos since 1997. Most artists working here or trained through here were well rounded to be able to be capable of doing anything and everything if possible. Being a custom studio offering unique personalized tattoos is something we have taken great pride in. The artists, while well rounded, also usually have a style they prefer and are best at so we make sure to pair clients with the artists who fits their request best. Tattooing is just as big an art form as much as the designing process, so we offer the best of both to anyone coming through our doors. I have been very fortunate to have the artists I have as they are not only talented but so much fun to work with, clients are always having a great time. We are a friendly shop wuth amazing artists wanting to give clients their ideal tattoo. We tend to do bigger pieces but love doing the smaller ones aswell. We tend to book quickly but still try to keep someone available for add ons and walk ins as much as possible.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

We want to stay open to give clients a safe and reliable place to get tattoos. Staying up to date on health and safety is as important to us as the quality of work. We use the best quality to give the best quality and that’s how it should be with body art. We care how your tattoo will look, heal, and last over time.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

It seems covid caused the whole world to pivot and it definitely affected business like ours. It was a safety issue that was new to everyone so it was quite challenging when looking for answers. I had the opportunity to work on the reopening and state guidlines per a referral from a state senator. During shut down we had to reevaluate what was safe, how to get ppe, and what moves we may have to take next. Going from a ipen street style shop to appointment only and limiting clients was quite a change. We are back to being open more and offering walk ins , and things are gradually going back to ‘normal’.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/drunkenmonkeytattoo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrunkenMonkeyTattooSaginaw

Image Credits
Katie boomer mlive.com