Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Santacruz.
Hi Steve, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Steve Santacruz and I own and operate the tattoo brand known as Empire Ink here in Miami with multiple locations and over 200 thousand people serviced with a 5 star brand on google. I started back in 2009 by opening the first Empire Ink after the recession with very little finances, a rebellious spirit, a dream and a passion for drawing. I thought tattooing would be the perfect vehicle for me to share my craft and not fall victim to the average life, at the time I just wanted to be free but still have financial stability. I learned over the years it wasn’t about me but the stories of the people who walked into Empire Ink, over time I learned that the experience, the quality and the memories is what made it all make sense. Empire Ink now a multimillion dollar art brand is poised for the next stage of growth and to give everyone the “Empire Ink experience”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Very rough, challenging road to not only walk, but maintain and grow.
I have been defaulted, left by my trustees, left alone to regrow the brand. Apprentices left after many years of dedicating time and energy as well as artists, it was only in the midst of all that war that I realized that is the normal way of life, normal way of business and regardless you have to always bring your best foot forward.
Slow seasons, keeping the brand and team alive has sure been one of my hardest challenges.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the founder/CEO as well as artist behind the brand. Wearing all of these hats is surely a challenge without letting the Empire fall. I am known as the Empire guy, with my tattoo studios famous not only in Miami but international. I have participated in conventions from Venice & Roma Italy, Sydney, Australia, Romania, The Caribbean and much more.
Literally stamped the Empire brand worldwide. Aside from that I run a few other companies as well as my personal podcast project called “Empire is the way” which dives into the betterment of one’s self thru hardship, resilience & discipline.
Over the last 16 years I have personally tattooed over 15,000 people. My business over 200,000 all while remaining a 5 star brand
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
people can reach me directly at Stevesantacruz.com or @stevesantacruz on Ig. However my brand is a big part of my life and you can find Empireink.com or ig @empireinkstudios. Regarding the podcast is can be found in my YouTube channel @stevesantacruz “empire is the way”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stevesantacruz.com
- Instagram: @stevesantacruz
- Facebook: stevesantacruz
- Youtube: @stevesantacruz
- Other: https://Empireink.com
