Otniel Pichardo, Owner of Atlanta Ink

Walking into Atlanta Ink, one might initially feel as though they've accidentally stumbled into a barber shop. The space is completely open and unorthodox, designed without boundaries, with tattoo artists situated side by side like in a hair salon. This layout fosters connection and allows creative ideas to flow freely among the artists.

Located in Grant Park, Atlanta Ink opened its doors on June 22, and the artists proudly refer to their space as the “home of the creatives.” This shop is not your typical tattoo studio; it's a dynamic environment where artists are encouraged to experiment and continuously develop their artistic crafts. At first glance, you’ll find every artist either tattooing a new piece or sketching on their iPads, fully immersed in their creative process.

What was your entrepreneurial journey?

I’m a proud father of three who became an entrepreneur, owning multiple businesses while always staying connected to my community. I actively seek out opportunities to help people turn their dreams into reality. My first entrepreneurial venture began in the 90s when I hosted parties along the Virginia beaches every Friday and Saturday night. This experience ignited my passion for entrepreneurship, showing me that I could truly make my own money, and I’ve been on that path ever since.

Tell us about the birth of Atlanta Ink.

My interest in tattoos and body piercing led to the creation of Atlanta Ink, which has been thriving for four years. The inspiration dates back to high school when I asked my dad for a tattoo. He laughed and said I could do what I wanted when I turned 18. So, the moment I reached that age, I got my ears pierced and sought out a tattoo artist who worked out of his house. In 1998, tribal tattoos were the trend, so my first tattoo was my name in a tribal style.

After joining the military, I began getting tattooed frequently, embracing the culture surrounding it. Twelve years ago, I moved to Georgia, where I met a tattoo artist who claimed to be one of the best. I trusted him to do three portraits on my chest, and soon, everyone started asking where I got my tattoos. This demand led me to host tattoo parties at my home, ultimately culminating in the decision to open Atlanta Ink.

What are some of the challenges that you have experience?

Owning a tattoo shop has come with its own set of challenges, particularly in understanding the tattoo industry itself. I’ve learned about different styles and what clients prefer. Initially, we had several well-known artists in Atlanta, but I discovered that not everyone was business-savvy. Artists often wanted to charge their own prices and cater to their own clientele. This taught me that trust must be earned and that managing relationships in this business requires finesse.

How important is having the right team?

In the beginning, managing both Atlanta Ink Tattoo Shop and my Omni Flavas Food Truck was tough. I felt I needed to be at the shop constantly to ensure everything ran smoothly. However, over time, I built a solid team. I have an operations manager who oversees daily operations and a marketing expert, Rocklan One, who handles our marketing efforts. This support allows me to focus on the overall business while my team effectively manages the shop. Having the right team members in place whom I trust is key to achieving my goals.

How are you able to balance family and business?

As an entrepreneur, balancing family life with my business responsibilities has been challenging. I noticed I was away from home more often, leaving my wife alone with the kids. To involve them in my ventures, my kids wear Atlanta Ink merchandise to school, which has helped attract new clients. It’s a tough balancing act; pursuing my business aspirations can take time away from family. I’m continually learning to manage my time better. Working with my kids on entrepreneurial projects and involving them in the business side also helps to balance everything.

What is a fun fact about you?

I don’t tattoo or engage in any art-related activities, but I love being surrounded by motivated creative partners. Although I'm covered in tattoos, I’m not artistic at all; my role is to handle all the operations and business aspects. Every day, I feel blessed to be surrounded by such talented artists who produce amazing work.

What are some of your future aspirations?

Looking ahead, my five-year plan for both brands is ambitious. With Atlanta Ink, I aim to franchise outside of Atlanta and explore growth avenues beyond tattoos. There are many cities and locations where I would love to establish franchise locations. I also want to expand the Atlanta Ink brand through merchandise.

What are some words of encouragement?

To anyone taking the risk to become their own boss: Don’t give up. Keep pushing forward! I’ve considered quitting numerous times, but persistence has kept me going. You may face losses, but if you stay focused and committed, you will eventually achieve your goals. I’m where I am today because I’ve remained 100% focused on my vision