Tattoos by Artful Alex
Artisan & Body Designer
From a young age, Alex was drawn to individuals adorned with tattoos, finding them captivating and intriguing. In 2012, she took the leap and got her first tattoo, which not only covered self-harm scars but also deepened her burgeoning affection for this enduring form of expression. The following year, in 2013, Alex embarked on a Tattoo Apprenticeship under Mike Skiver, the proprietor of Personal Art Studio for over four decades. This apprenticeship extended beyond mere tattooing, immersing her in the rich traditions and history of the art form. It involved hands-on engagement with artwork and artifacts spanning decades of tattoo culture, emphasizing the importance of sanitary practices and cleanliness in every tattoo application. The focus was on crafting bold designs meant to endure a lifetime.​​
In 2018, Alex successfully completed her apprenticeship, a five-year educational journey that immersed her deeply into the world of tattooing and earned her numerous credentials in the field.Her licenses and certifications include:- Safe-Art Works Certification- Blood Borne Pathogen Certification- National OSHA Standards for Tattooists and Piercers- CPR Certification- Completion of a 1,800-hour Tattoo Apprenticeship under an APT certified artist in 2018. Acquiring these certifications propelled Alex to pursue her own studio. However, recognizing the need for financial stability, she embarked on learning another trade. She enrolled in a state-funded welding program, completing it in just six weeks. With her newfound welding skills, she secured a full-time position at J&J Truck Bodies. This job provided the financial means to cover the startup costs of her small-scale tattoo shop, allowing her passion for tattooing to continue burning brightly.
In 2019, by diligently saving and working extensive overtime hours, Alex began her search for studio spaces. Eventually, she discovered a quaint 400 sq ft. studio located in the historical district of uptown Somerset, Pennsylvania, which proved to be an ideal fit for her vision. Initially, the shop operated on an appointment-only basis, accommodating Alex's demanding overtime work schedule.
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As her passion deepened, so did her client base. Alongside her enthusiasm for the holiday season, she sought to enhance her small town's atmosphere. Collaborating with Somerset Inc., a non-profit dedicated to revitalizing local businesses, she embarked on a visionary project. Her initiative began with the creation of a chalk mural on a prominent 30ft+ parking lot wall along Main Street, guiding visitors directly to Uptown Somerset. This captivating mural, adorning the busiest thoroughfare leading to Uptown Somerset, remained on display for one month, enriching the town's landscape.
Following Halloween, she initiated a brainstorming session to explore further ways of giving back to the community. Inspired by the spirit of generosity, she decided to donate 100% of the proceeds from a tattoo event to the Children’s Aid Home in her hometown during Christmas. Compelled by compassion, she obtained a list of items needed by the children residing there, purchased everything on the list, meticulously hand-wrapped each item, and personally delivered them. This act marked the inception of numerous fundraising events within the local community.
https://www.dailyamerican.com/story/news/local/2019/12/19/tattoos-raise-money-for-christmas/43939385/https://www.dailyamerican.com/story/news/local/2019/12/25/gifts-delivered-from-tattoo-fundraiser/116128534/
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As the idea to expand messages across the community via the large chalk mural emerged, another opportunity presented itself. After expressing interest, she collaborated with Bedford-Somerset DBHS (Developmental and Behavioral Health Services) to turn this concept into reality. The mural aimed to raise awareness about mental health during May, designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, and in September, dedicated to Suicide Prevention Month.
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Starting in 2021, Alex began exploring other studio rental options, as her business had experienced significant growth since its inception. Despite her search, she found few available spaces that aligned with her vision, prompting her to remain in her current location. However, she shifted her focus to the real estate market, determined to find the perfect place to propel her business to new heights. Finally, in the fall of 2023, Alex successfully closed the deal on a dilapidated historical building situated along Main Street, a road she had long dreamed of occupying.
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Since then, Alex has supported her longtime client in becoming a small business owner, facilitating connections with local organizations that provide direct assistance to startups. They collaborated on brainstorming business names and Alex assisted in crafting the logo for Byers Botanicals. They discussed the notion of initially operating the business at local farmers markets and vendor shows before venturing into a physical storefront. In August of 2023, Logan approached Alex seeking a rental space for a storefront after a successful year of participating in vendor shows. Following the September closing, Alex showed Logan the chosen building, and together they enthusiastically embarked on clearing out and renovating the space, as well as finalizing the lease agreement. Their shared aspiration is to inspire and support other women and mothers in launching their own businesses alongside them.
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Alex is diligently transforming her side of the building through ongoing renovations, striving to cultivate an elegant ambiance that defies the conventional image of tattoo parlors. The upcoming studio space spans over 1800 square feet and will serve as a venue for various pop-up vendors participating in uptown holiday events. This revitalized studio is undergoing a comprehensive rebranding initiative, including a fresh website, logo redesign, and the addition of a storefront featuring bespoke apparel and merchandise. The target for relocating the existing studio and hosting a grand reopening celebration is January 2025
Thank you for exploring my comprehensive journey through my business. Keep connected via social media for future updates, events, and more exciting developments.