We recently connected with Sergei Fish and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sergei thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How do you think about cost-management? Growing a business is always exciting, but often businesses run into issues when costs grow faster than revenue – have you experienced such an episode? Any advice for other operators around how to keep costs in line?

My family has always been disciplined with our finances, even before we opened the shop. Our main rule has always been to spend less than we make, which has served us well throughout our careers. When it comes to the business, we plan our spending several months in advance to ensure we don’t exceed our income, except in cases of urgent necessity.

One piece of advice that has been incredibly valuable is to do as much as possible yourself, especially when starting out. Every penny is valuable during the early stages, and being able to handle tasks like maintenance and renovations ourselves saved us a significant amount when we first opened. Of course, it’s equally important to delegate work whenever you can afford it to avoid burnout. Finding that balance between doing it yourself and outsourcing is key to maintaining both financial health and personal well-being.

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.

Hello, my name is Sergei. I am a professional tattoo artist based in San Diego, CA. In 2023, I opened my own tattoo studio, Ocean Beach Tattoo & Piercing, located in the hip beach neighborhood of sunny San Diego. Our main goal is to help our customers express their individuality through the art on their bodies. We specialize in several different styles of tattooing and provide the best piercing services.

What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We use high-quality materials and maintain strict hygiene standards to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients. Additionally, we take the time to understand our clients’ visions and work collaboratively with them to bring those ideas to life. I am extremely proud of our small but growing team of talented professionals. They bring a wealth of experience and creativity to our studio, and their dedication to their craft is evident in the work they produce.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that we are more than just a tattoo and piercing studio. We are a community that values individuality, creativity, and self-expression. Whether you are getting your first tattoo or adding to your collection, we are here to provide you with an exceptional experience and a piece of art that you will cherish forever.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

My clientele has been growing rapidly in the last few years. My strategy for increasing the number of customers is very simple: first, be good at what you do. Excellence in your craft is the foundation of any successful business. Second, be honest. Give your honest opinion on things and never do a tattoo on someone if you know it won’t heal well or won’t look good over time. Building trust with your clients is crucial.

Additionally, I focus on building a strong reputation rather than just making money. Word-of-mouth referrals are incredibly powerful in this industry, and a good reputation brings in more clients than any advertisement ever could.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Financial literacy was key in putting together the initial capital for my business. I’ve always been mindful of my spending, tracking both my business and personal expenses, and analyzing them regularly. This habit allowed me to save effectively and allocate funds where they were most needed.

When I need something, I always shop around for the best deals. After opening my business, I discovered a new strategy: contacting sellers directly and asking if any discounts are available. This approach has saved me a significant amount of money and helped stretch my budget further.

In addition to careful budgeting and smart shopping, I also reinvested earnings back into the business whenever possible. This allowed for steady growth and helped build a strong financial foundation for Ocean Beach Tattoo & Piercing. My approach to financial management has been instrumental in getting the business off the ground and ensuring its continued success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oceanbeachtattoosd.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceanbeachtattoosd/
• Yelp: https://www.instagram.com/oceanbeachtattoosd/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/oceanbeachpiercing/