Today we’d like to introduce you to Shae Galloway.
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?
After seventeen years in the bar industry and a health scare later, I decided to switch careers in 2022. I had an employee mention the permanent makeup industry, which I found fascinating, she also said that tattoo artistry goes as far as 3D realism areolas for breast cancer survivors. What! Helping people complete their journey through breast cancer? I instantly knew that it was for me, something that I felt called to do. Even though I was unsure of how I would raise the funds for the education, find customers, or even know how to work a tattoo machine, I decided to take the leap while sitting at a cafe in Paris, France. Thus Chez (meaning ‘at the home of’ in French) Shae Ink Boutique was born. I worked three jobs and saved the money for permanent makeup education in early 2023. I started with that field first, to then save for paramedical, as it is an incredibly niche area of work, and both are pretty expensive. It was my end game, my goal, my purpose. I picked up body art somewhere along the way. I was initially reluctant to explore this area of tattooing even though I have always found joy in drawing and painting. My hesitation lied in my perfectionism, although this has ironically turned out to be incredibly advantageous for my clients and me. I finally attended the paramedical retreat with renowned Sherah Juarez of Ink Boutique Houston in April of 2024. One of the students in the class actually had her areolas done by Sherah and said that “even though she defeated cancer, she never felt whole until she got her areolas back.” It was a powerful, raw, and emotional testimony that let me know I was exactly where I needed to be, doing the work I was meant to do. Equipped with the best knowledge in the biz, I moved to Fort Worth from Houston one month later to be closer to my parents and my long-distance fiancé. I just celebrated one year in my studio in downtown Cleburne!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I had to re-launch my business, in a city where I knew no one. For nine months I found challenges in establishing my business in a place that actually permits tattooing. Burleson, Mansfield, Crowley, and Joshua were unfortunately all a bust. Some didn’t have leasing available in its permitted zoning, most only welcomed permanent makeup, some none at all, but other art forms, including paramedical, were not accepted. I finally found a home and welcome arms in Cleburne. I went before city hall twice, with the help of business owner, advocate, now friend and lessor Kassy Rivera of 2 Friends Finds, and the graces of the local church, all while nine months pregnant. I am now navigating being a first-time mom and business owner. It has been an absolute journey, but I am so blessed to finally be here doing what I love!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Chez Shae Ink investing in and continuing my education is a priority for me. I am currently eight times certified and specialize in 3D realism areolas, 3D bellybuttons, scar revision and camouflage, permanent makeup including powder and nano brows, lip blushing, and eyeliner, as well as fine-line dainty tattoos, florals, and bigger traditional pieces. Most people are unaware that insurance can actually cover the cost of their areola tattoo procedure and I am able to happily assist them through the entire process! I am a gentle, loving soul, that prides my Self on a feminine touch and a little bit of perfectionism. Traditional tattoo environments can be a little daunting. I am incredibly honored to offer a warm, loving, and empowering environment for my clients to feel seen, heard, satisfied, and most importantly, comfortable.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is a feeling. If you define success as a number or a thing, you will never be satisfied. There’s always something bigger and better. While having goals and growth is part of business, I think the most important thing is your happiness and having joy in what you do. Living in your purpose is success to me, and when you’re in alignment, the money will follow.
Pricing:
- My shop minimum is $50
- Insurance assistance on some paramedical procedures
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chezshaeinkboutique.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chezshaeinkboutique/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ChezShaeInkBoutique/
Image Credits
Soul Fire Photography
