We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Waylen Over . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Waylen below.

Waylen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

I’ve always had a love/interest in all things historical in the Native American culture. I have a small collection of Arrowheads that was passed down through a loved one that I’ve cherished over the years. It was one of those items as a child I would look at with “pure awe” and wish I could have such cool things. Years later I’ve added and grown my collection, with the help of my husband. We even have matching Arrowhead tattoos, and this was long before even opening our business. Once starting the conversation of names, it came so easily and effortlessly. We wanted something that embodied the earthly aesthetic we grew up on, and continued to love to this day.

Waylen, 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?

Im Waylen Over, a 26 year old Wife, Mother, and young entrepreneur. Ive been in the tattoo industry for a total of 7 years, and it was not an easy path to be paved being a female in a dominantly male ran industry. I dealt with a lot of belittling, and harassment that eventually led to sexual harassment. Thankfully I got my foot in the door where I could, ran with it, and got out when I could. Going through a rough beginning in my career gave me the drive to create my own path and excel just how I wanted to. I eventually met my now husband who was in the same field as me, which only added more fuel to the fire of becoming my own business owner. We eventually teamed up in various ways to make our dreams come true. A true testament of a “power couple” they say. We’ve now been in business for a total of 3 years and counting. Many sacrifices had to be made in order for our business to thrive. I spent many hours working late nights, and even blasted out a huge knee-cap tattoo just hours before I had gone into labor. Its very easy to sit back and reap the benefits of owning your own business, but truly you only get out what you’ve consistently put in.

Here at Arrowhead we provide quality tattoo artwork that is simply unmatched. We allow an atmosphere where our clients are respected, heard, and can remain comfortable in their own skin. We aim to give our clients even better than what they had envisioned for their new lifelong artwork, along with adding our own special flares to the art itself! Not every tattoo is simple, as we have many clients come to us with previous tattoos that need to be fixed, covered, or completely re-done. There is no greater joy than giving someone their confidence back by providing beautiful artwork that will last a lifetime. Ive even personally covered scars from previous breast cancer survivors, along with brain surgery survivors. How rewarding, right? I specifically specialize in black and grey realism, traditional, and fine lined tattoos. Our business is tailored to various styles, as we have some amazing artist in our studio.

We set our studio apart from the rest by simply being authentic to who we are. My husband and I are believers of Jesus Christ and stand firm in our walk of faith. However, we don’t judge a single soul that walks through our doors- nor do we push our beliefs on anyone. Rather, we accept them. I sit sometimes very long hours, and the majority of my clients have in fact become close friends. Sometimes being different in such a “stereotypical atmosphere” can be a little daring, but we’re not afraid to step out of the ordinary box. We hope to help change lives one art piece, and one conversation at a time.

Im proud to be a woman owned business, and to create a amazing legacy for my children. There is room for us women to be in a empowered position, without loosing all of our qualities that make us feminine. There is space. And a hell of a lot of space for more tattoos on our body haha! Im proud to show my family, friends, and all those reading that you’re never too young, too old, or too late to create everything you’ve been dreaming of. Go get it!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Not everyone is meant for building a business with, especially “friends”. Ive entrusted the wrong people in the past that weren’t able to benefit myself, or my business in the long run. Quick and easy isn’t the best route to go when considering starting up your own business. Its very hard to know when to cut ties with people who are no longer serving the best interests anymore. Especially when going into business with friends, and hard feelings can get involved when things aren’t going as expected. So, in result I’ve learned some people placed in your life were only meant to serve a certain season of grown/lessons learned. That can transfer info your business and personal life as well.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I met my cofounder many years ago at a Blood Borne pathogens course implemented by our Health Department in order to gain our Tattoo License. We sat right next to each other, and honestly didn’t even say one word to one another. Years later I walked into a shop after obtaining my Tattoo License and was looking for a job, and it just so happened to be his shop that had just opened. Unfortunately, he turned me down BUT his business partner did not! I got hired on the team against his own will haha. Some months went by, and I guess I grew on him as he finally began to speak to me. We ended up forming a true friendship that eventually would turn into a life together. Years later after parting ways with his old business partner, we decided it was time for us to come together and open up Arrowhead Tattoo Co. during the year of 2020. What a wild way to come together, after years of “kinda knowing/seeing” each other around haha. I hear quite often “I don’t know how you could be in business with your partner?’ or “how do you do it?” The answer is quite simple.. Trust. I trust whole heartedly that he has mine and the businesses best interest at heart, and it hasn’t failed yet.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @arrowheadtattoocompany @waylenwaylen_
• Facebook: Arrowhead Tattoo Company

Image Credits
Photos were taken by me, no professionals.