Meet Ken Kahler | Hitlist Ink Tattoo Studio Owner & Artist

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

Hi Ken, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well, from an early age i was always doing art. I feel like it was something i was born to do. when i moved to texas in 2005 i had already been tattooing for a couple years and i always dreamed of owning my own business. I knew i had to buckle down and get my name out into the area before getting a store front. after a few years i was ready and finally took the leap. I made sure it was something new and different from the other local shops. I knew i had to stand out, so i made sure i did. Growing up with nothing made me refuse to fail and my business has done nothing but succeed more and more each year.
 
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I treat every single client that walks into my shop the same, whether they are getting a tattoo that is something I’m completely excited about doing or dreadful to me. I make sure they leave with their vision completed. a lot of these other shops I’ve seen just look at this profession as a job and to make their money. I see it as a passion still after 20 years I still put my heart into every piece I do. I don’t take for granted the things I have.

I remember where i came from in life and it helps me stay humble and give back as much as i can. I grew up in foster care and was basically abandoned by my parents at an early age. i had every single odd against me throughout my life. There were times when I didn’t know where my next meal would come from or where i would be sleeping that night.

I just want people to know that no matter where you come from or who supports you, that you can still make all your dreams come true. At the end of the day, it’s your choice to make a difference in your life, and you should never listen to anyone doubting you or telling you can’t make it chasing your dreams. if I had then I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a simple guy. I would probably take them to the grungy hole in the walls I go to. just make sure it has a dart board. I enjoy going to the music shows downtown also, no particular venue, as long as I’m deaf by the time I leave.
 
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?
My son is absolutely the reason i opened my business. I had to make sure i could provide for him and give him everything in life, to make sure he didnt have to go through the struggles i did growing up. He has given me a reason to refuse failure.

Website: https://hitlistink.com/

Instagram: @hitlistink

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HitListInkStudios/