We recently had the chance to connect with Michael Gordon and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michael , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is extremely busy. Trying to keep and maintain not only Studio Black but American Tattoo Supply. After a year of having both business running at the same time Im just now starting to find a rhythm that makes sense and doesn’t overload me. It’s proven to be a task to give both enough time to ensure success. Getting the right help in the right places is key for sure and moving forward my goal is to access my personal life to achieve balance within it as well.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Michael Gordon I have owned Studio Black in Fort Worth Texas for 3 years now and American Tattoo Supply for 1 year. It’s been quite a journey to say the least…I came out of Federal Prison for non-violent drug trafficking charges around 5 years ago. upon coming home I entered into the tattoo industry and focused on growing within in it and as an artist and I have found success in it. I have learned a few hard lessons and have recently found myself resetting and focusing trying to focus and put work into my personal life as well. There has to be a balance for sure.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
In my past life I was in control of many things….i just wasn’t one of them. I felt power within the drug trafficking trade and at times achieved financial freedoms that most never feel in life. It was a false sense of reality believing we were all supposed to live in big houses and drive fast cars…money was easy to come by but in the real world it’s comes through hard work, dedication and sacrifice…So I’ve stood in the room with millionaires and in a federal prison cell alone broke for many years. I learned lessons in both situations and oddly enough found more emotional and mental peace in that prison cell. Mental peace is something I’m learning to protect more moving forward. The most powerful thing a person can obtain is the power to control their mind and emotions. To understand we actually have control of this…it’s something I’m personally working on currently.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes for sure I’m certain anyone trying to build a brand or business stands in front of the mirror some days and says maybe it’s time to quit. Maybe I can’t do it…I’ve have utilized every avenue available to me to continue to grow. I’ve borrowed money, maxed out credit cards, sold cars. Whatever it took and now that we are stable and successful you take care of all that. I’ve always been told by ALOT of successful entrepreneurs that if u make it to year 5 you should see your max potential. 3 years so far for me expanding..struggling..growing..In the 4th year now and it’s all about cleaning it all up and leveling out…the 5th year is max profit year and the forecasted total revenue for my businesses is very healthy. So stay the course…struggle through it just don’t lose urself within it all. I truly almost did but here we are coming out on the other side.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes I do try to make sure what you see is what you get. I interact a lot with the tattoo community and the public and want to be consistent with them and team I work with daily.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
For me I truly hope people who knew me in my past life and saw the changes I made as a person and man in my life are what they talk about. The seasons of change….From being a non productive member of society to prison to being a successful business owner. Change is possible and it’s never too late.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studioblack.ink
- Instagram: flashg777
- Facebook: Michael Gordon
Image Credits
Fort Worth Photographer
Instagram – _ale.xphoto
