Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Gonzalez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chris. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m Cuban-American born in Miami, FL and grew up in Hialeah, Fl.
I’m a self-taught tattoo artist. Ive always loved drawing and art, in general. I got my first tattoo at the age of 15 and tattooed a few of my friends around that time but never had much interest in becoming a tattoo artist until 2001.
At first, I started out tattooing friends and relatives that liked my drawings and slowly built a clientele. I quit my job in 2011 and dedicated my self to become a better artist. After working on my own and at other tattoo shops, I decided I would dedicate myself to tattooing full time and decided to open The Shop Tattoo Studio in 2015.
We are located in Hialeah, FL a block away from where I grew up. Im grateful to be where I am today and grateful for the support of my family and customers that trust me with putting something permanent on their body.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Wasn’t easy starting out at all there is still a stigma around tattooing. It was pretty hard just to get someone to allow me to open a shop and rent me a space. I was turned down plenty of times but I think I ultimately ended up in the perfect place.
When I opened originally, I was the only artist for the first three years so it was pretty hard working seven days a week with little to no time off.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Shop Tattoo Studio story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in black and grey tattooing, I love doing realistic and anything with high detail also freehand lettering and I also do body piercing.
I put my best into every piece that I do. I like to sit down with my customers and go over images and ideas to make sure they get the perfect tattoo.
Is there a specific memory from when you were younger that you really miss?
Spending time with my family and loved ones.
Pricing:
- tattoos start at $50
- piercings start at $25
- variety of jewelry styles and materials including 14k white gold, yellow gold, rose gold
Contact Info:
- Address: 1988 w 60 st Hialeah, FL 33012
- Website: www.theshoptattoos.com
- Phone: 305-603-9922
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @theshoptattoos
- Facebook: The Shop Tattoo Studio
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