We recently had the chance to connect with Hannah Blatter and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Hannah, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I have struggled my whole life with feeling adequate as an adult. I think we all struggle a little with pushing past the child in ourselves to feel truly grown up. When is the moment when you are an actual adult? When you turn 18? When you get married or have a child? Even in my 20s and early 30s I felt that I was failing miserably trying to be responsible and successful and all of the things that are expected of being grown up. But through this journey of opening up a business of something that I care so much about, I am starting to see things a little differently. This has not been easy. But I have still continued, even thinking there was no way I was capable of making this successful. Through these months of our first year here at Inkwell & Sons Tattoo I have gained such an amazing support group. I have heard client stories struggles that have brought me to tears. No matter what age you are, terrible and wonderful things can happen. But I am getting to a place where I am truly comfortable with myself, I feel okay in my mind. I know I can stand up for myself and protect what I think is right, this is the struggle that no one sees. The years it took me to get to this point. it isn’t an event that makes you all grown up and responsible. It’s all of the moments till you feel happy with yourself, Maybe I will never be what some people picture an adult to be or what I thought it was when I was little. But for once in my life I finally feel like me I am supposed to be.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My Name is Hannah and I have been tattooing for years. I have always loved art. I started painting when I was 10. I started tattooing when I was young and had so much support. I did other odd jobs but always came back to it. I opened Inkwell & Sons Tattoo Salon with my Husband and business partners who for some reason thought I was worth investing in. Now here we are almost a year later and doing well. I wanted to grow a place that was warm and inviting, Family friendly was my number one priority after Cleanliness. And I think we did it. We are a place that you can have tattoos and piercings done in a safe and sensory friendly environment. I myself have anxiety and I didn’t want my clients feeling at all intimidated by questionable smells, loud music, or offensive images. The support has been enormous. We are continually learning and adjusting for our community and what people want and need.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I feel that lack of empathy can really ruin relationships. I am continually trying to learn a good balance between empathy and advocating for myself. There have been times in my life where I was over emotionally involved in others problems. I have learned that sometimes we just need to listen. We do not need to fix others problems, but, we can be there as a support to help them solve their own problems. I believe lack of empathy can break a bond and sense of community. Just someone understanding what you might be going through can really make or break a relationship. We are all fighting our own battles.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I had the unfortunate gift of anxiety bestowed upon me early. I have lived with crippling panic attacks, obsessive compulsive actions, and eating disorders. And that’s just the top of the list. I didn’t even get my driver’s license until my early 30s because I was too afraid to drive. Over all this time I learned that the more I shared about my “shortcomings” the better I felt. I stopped hiding everything I was embarrassed about. And I learned pretty fast I wasn’t alone. So when people ask me what’s wrong, I tell them, when it’s been this long it’s too exhausting to keep it all in.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
I don’t believe that what we are doing is a fad. I believe this industry of body art and piercing needs a foundational change. I have spent a while observing and listening. And we as a company are trying to give the people what they want. We are tired of environments that are overstimulating and can’t be shared with our families. I think we offer something that not many shops have but I can see many catching on. People want a friendly, warm, safe, and clean atmosphere and to be included in our success.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
I always feel like I am out of my depth, except when I am surrounded by art. I feel complete and ai respect it. If it’s something I just don’t understand or feel out of my element, I have so many wonderful people in my circle to help me navigate. It wasn’t always like that, but I am learning to trust again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.inkwellandsons.com
- Instagram: @inkwellandsons
- Facebook: Inkwell and Sons Tattoo Salon
Image Credits
Hannah Blatter
