We recently connected with Zack Lucero and have shared our conversation below.

Hi ZACK, thanks for joining us today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

When my business first opened in 2021, it was quite small in scale. Initially, the shop had only five booths available, and I worked alongside my friend Nikki to manage the place. One of the significant challenges we faced was finding talented individuals who were interested in working with us. While the tattooing industry is highly saturated, it can be challenging to find truly skilled artists.When seeking a talented artist, several challenges may arise. Some artists may already own their own establishment and be content with their current situation, making them hesitant to join a smaller, emerging shop due to concerns about clientele. I encountered difficulties when hiring artists who lacked dedication, necessary skills, or caused unnecessary drama. To address these issues, I focused on developing our business’s social media presence and portraying ourselves as a larger establishment. The “Fake it till you make it” motto was the driving force behind my initial encounter with a remarkable woman. She possessed an intriguing blend of intelligence, artistry, and a unique approach to life. Our professional relationship began as client and artist, with her providing invaluable assistance in website development and convention attendance to promote my work.

As fate would have it, we both experienced the unfortunate circumstances of unhappy relationships and subsequent divorces. This shared experience brought us closer together, and we embarked on a romantic journey. Her expertise as a photographer, coupled with her ownership of onyxfoxstudios.com, allowed us to synergize our efforts and mutually support each other’s businesses.

Her exceptional acumen in marketing and organizational strategies proved instrumental in the growth of our establishment. Recognizing her potential, I encouraged her to delve into the art of piercing, and she soon became a valuable asset alongside me. My passion for videography and photography led me to contribute to her workload, further solidifying our professional partnership.

Our shared vision eventually materialized in the form of her private studio, and grew the tattoo studio. We welcomed talented artists who became an integral part of our extended family. Through collaborative efforts, we witnessed the remarkable expansion of our businesses. The growing demand necessitated the expansion of our workspace, resulting in the addition of two new stations, bringing the total to eight. In the future, we anticipate opening a new, larger location due to the numerous inquiries we receive from artists seeking employment opportunities with us. I firmly believe that her contributions, as well as those of my fellow artists, have been instrumental in the growth and success of both my business and hers. Through effective teamwork and collaboration, we have established a strong reputation as a prominent five-star establishment in Littleton, Colorado. I am deeply grateful to her and my colleagues for their unwavering commitment and contributions to our collective achievements.

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

My tattooing career began at the age of fifteen. My interest in art and tattoos was sparked by the music and skateboarding culture, which were closely intertwined. I developed a deep appreciation for both worlds and their cultures, particularly the significant role that tattoos played in them. Inspired by this, I made the decision to pursue a career in tattooing, driven by a desire to leave a lasting impact on the world through my art and interactions with people. My work has a positive impact on individuals, assisting them with self-image, coping mechanisms, memorializing loved ones, and fostering connections among people. I distinguish myself by continuously striving for improvement, maintaining accountability, and being responsive to my clientele. I am dedicated to guiding them through every stage of the tattooing process, from the initial consultation to the aftercare instructions. Our brand’s style is characterized by its versatility and inclusivity, encompassing a wide range of offerings to cater to diverse preferences. We take great pride in the reputation we have built for our establishment and the valuable relationships we have fostered. Our professional approach to business is complemented by a familial atmosphere, where we are dedicated to providing exceptional experiences to each and every customer. We strive to maintain a fun and creative work environment, eschewing the traditional 9-to-5 mentality in favor of a more dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

How’d you meet your business partner?

During a professional engagement, I encountered my current business partner and romantic interest. She had posted an online advertisement seeking a designer for a specific project. I was drawn to the design and submitted a competitive bid. Upon meeting her in person, I was struck by her intelligence and physical attractiveness. We developed a close friendship, and I became her regular artist. Over time, our connection deepened, and we became inseparable. As both of our businesses were in their early stages, we decided to collaborate and grow our respective studios together. This decision has proven to be highly beneficial, as it aligns perfectly with our demanding schedules and cohabitation arrangement. Our professional partnership has been incredibly successful, and I have developed deep feelings of love and gratitude for this individual.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

In order to successfully manage a team, it is essential to establish a personal connection with each team member. This involves understanding their interests, preferences, dislikes, work styles, beliefs, and values. Treating team members with respect and recognizing their individuality is crucial. While acknowledging that each team member is unique, it is important to establish clear structures, boundaries, and guidance to ensure effective collaboration. Managing diverse opinions and emotions can be challenging, but it is essential to listen to and consider each team member’s perspective. A successful team operates as a cohesive unit, where everyone contributes and benefits from collective success. Building a team dynamic that resembles a family, rather than solely focusing on financial gain, fosters a positive work environment and promotes employee engagement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Wickedhearttattoo.com
• Instagram: Wickedheart tattoo
• Facebook: Wicked heart tattoo

Image Credits

Onyxfoxstudios.com
Stephani Shaner