Meet Nic Crawford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nic Crawford.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Opening my own tattoo studio was never my original childhood dream. I pursued my career as an elementary school teacher and lived that life for seven years. Along the way I continued my education, graduating with my master’s degree. When the pandemic started I was eager to begin my doctoral journey as my ultimate goal was to be a university professor. Fast forward to the 21-22 school year, I was burnt out and ready to leave that chapter of my life behind. I was unsure of what to do next and was generally done contributing to capitalism in general. In talking with friends about this limbo phase of my life, I was asked what I like to do in my free time. I laughed and responded with, “what free time?” My doctoral program takes up most of my spare time. I followed up with that I usually draw on my iPad while playing the tv in the background. My friend, knowing I’m heavily tattooed, suggested that I learn how to do fine-line tattoos.

Long story short, I attended a fine line tattoo academy and fell in love. I have since been certified in permanent makeup, scar coverage, and areola reconstruction. In addition to these services, I offer permanent jewelry and tooth gems. Opening and running my own business has been a whirlwind of chaos and excitement all wrapped into one. The relationships I’ve built with my clients, the positive energy that I feel when in the studio, and the constant laughter have brought joy to my life that I didn’t know I was missing. My goal in opening The Ink Bar was to create a safe space for clients to be their authentic selves; a place, unlike your traditional tattoo shop. It’s a safe space for women, the global majority, and LGBTQ+ members. I want my clients to feel valued and safe from their initial inquiry to their appointment, and to leave them satisfied with their tattoos. While The Ink Bar has only been open for a few months, I am so grateful and honored at the clients I’ve had and the amazing designs I’ve been given the opportunity to bring to life!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening a business is never without its bumps in the road. I was working in Old Town Scottsdale for the first few months of tattooing. This was quite the drive from my home and I was looking to open something of my own. I went from not knowing where to begin to look for a suite to signing a lease within 48 hours. Since everything happened so fast I needed to apply for my LLC and my business license ASAP. Unfortunately, the city of Peoria has zoning districts and only some of those districts allow tattoo shops.

Of course, the suite I had signed my lease with was just outside of one of these zoning areas. Due to this, I had to write a two-page formal appeal letter to the City of Peoria explaining in detail my intentions for the suite, all the materials needed to tattoo, what services I offer, etc. It took the city over 2 months to review my letter, in the meantime, I was still working in Old Town and paying rent on the empty suite in Peoria. Thankfully my letter was ultimately accepted and my business license for tattoos and permanent makeup was approved.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a fine-line tattoo artist. For tattoos, I work in black ink only and I specialize in line work. I LOVE doing custom pieces! My favorite is when clients bring me their loved one’s handwriting and I am able to bring that to life. In addition, I offer lip blush, scar coverage, and areola reconstruction. Aside from inked services, I offer tooth gems and permanent jewelry. I am most proud of my progress. I have only been certified in tattoos for 8 months. To be able to open my own suite and service as many clients as I have and execute their designs in such a short amount of time has been a true blessing. What sets The Ink Bar apart from traditional tattoo shops is me and the atmosphere I have created inside the suite. The Ink Bar is a safe space for women, the global majority, and LGBTQ+ individuals. As I mentioned before, I want my clients to feel valued from their first inquiry to their appointment, to leaving the suite satisfied with their design.

When you inquire about an appointment my booking app will ask what your preferred pronouns are, which I always review before each appointment. When inside the space it is just us and you have full respect and privacy for your appointment. I am flexible and want my clients to feel safe and heard. I don’t mind changing designs to fit the need of the client and I do my best to make them feel comfortable. The decor inside my suite reinforces The Ink Bar’s mission statement: Creating a safe space for you to be your authentic self. Inside the suite, you can find plenty of disco balls to set that funky and fun tone! There are also a handful of decor signs that have uplifting messages on them, including one of my favorites that says ‘everyone is welcome here’ with a colorful background. Overall, I want my clients to have a positive experience in a safe and fun environment.

How do you define success?
I used to define success by how much I could accomplish. After four college degrees including a Ph.D. that I don’t currently use toward a career, my views have changed.

Now, I would define success by the number of satisfied clients I have and by the growing number of new clients that I received based on past client recommendations. I would also define a successful business day as one that was filled with laughter, good conversation, and happy clients.

Pricing:

• Custom designs start at $100

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/theinkbar.az
• Instagram: @az.theinkbar

Image Credits
Emily at Emily Nagy Photography