We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Bee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always wanted a career that involved art. Tattooing was a way that I could support myself and do what I truly loved. I started my own business early on in my career because I knew I had the drive and determination to be successful, I just needed to take that leap of faith and do it on my own. In the beginning it was terrifying but I wouldn’t change any of it! Being an entrepreneur has been such an amazing experience, I’m so thankful for the freedom it has allowed me and for me to truly be in control of my own success!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art has always been eclectic. I studied art in University and have always appreciated many different styles of art. Currently I would describe my style as bold, bright and a little abstract. I love to mix styles and have bold line work! I think mixing and playing with styles really sets my work apart from others! It was not a straight path into tattooing for me, I knew I wanted a career in art but wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, along the way I taught art camps, worked with kids doing art programs, got my Education degree majoring in art, and at the end of the day, all of those experiences were good but wasn’t where I ultimately wanted to be. I discovered I need to be the one doing the art to be truly happy. It was hard at first working two jobs and apprenticing to tattoo. Making little to no money and just trying to build my client base. Slowly my clientele started to build and I soon discovered that I wanted to have a shop where I could create a space where everyone felt welcome. Where getting a tattoo didn’t need to be a scary or overwhelming thing. I think the biggest things I want people to know about Anker Tattoo and me as a tattoo artist, is that I put my heart and soul into my work and the shop. I work hard to continually improve as an artist and do the best job I can. I want people to leave the shop better than they came in. Tattooing is such a beautiful journey and I want to share that with everyone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If someone was visiting the area, I would say they would have to start by checking out all the beautiful art murals we have around our building! You can get some really cool looking photos with them! I would then go for a walk in our river valley or do a float down the river! We have a beautiful city that the North Saskatchewan River runs through and can be so much fun to float down in the summer! I would then catch a bite to eat at the lovely Sugarbowl and finish off the night with a drink at Black Dog!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t have been able to make my business such a success without the love and support of my husband. He is my biggest support, always in my corner helping me when things get rough. He pushes me to be a better artist and business owner! I could not do it without him! Also I have to give credit to my mom, who always supported my love of creating art and always pushed me to pursue it!

Website: https://anker-tattoo.business.site/

Instagram: @katiebeeart

Facebook: Katie Bee

Other: TikTok: Katiebeeart

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