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

Hi Coley, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Thoughts of starting Tiny Tats ATX began 17 years ago, when I stepped into an intimidating tattoo shop in ATL for my first tattoo at 18 years old. The experience of being shunned for my entry tattoo, spurned my need to create an inclusive tattoo shop, for any size or style of tattoo, and for any client. Last year after having twins,and realizing I can do anything I set my mind to, I signed the lease on a dream location last year and it’s been a whirlwind opening Tiny Tats ATX! 3 Of Cups Design and Florals was as organically created after a friend suggested I part-time learn floral design in between jobs 7 years ago. After a few word of mouth weddings, our floral design work grew into a sustaining company, allowing me the flexibility to pursue tattooing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My goal is to create aesthetic experiences for clients in both the tattoo and floral design worlds at Tiny Tats ATX and 3 Of Cups Design and Florals. By multi-tasking between both companies, I’ve been allowed to share my artistic perspective in a “dying” (floral blooms are cut and are “dying” upon arrival to the 3 Of Cups floral design studio) and “living” art forms (breathing humans wearing tattoos, lol) A great example of this synchronicity, is how I’ll often tattoo a bouquet of flowers on a new Bride at Tiny Tats ATX, after the 3 of Cups Florals team has completed her wedding. Our teams both are inclusive of all race, gender, ethnicity, and age. After years of witnessing and falling subject to discriminatory practices in past tattoo shops and years in the service industry, I won’t stand for it. All of our artists and floral designers are respectful of your rights and self worth. Personally, this journey of art and business ownership has been an uphill battle. After years of artistic uncertainty, and bouncing around the service industry during a break from the tattoo industry, I have finally found my home in creating art for others. (shoutout: spiderhouse, 24diner, the tavern, etc.) Sheer grit and perseverance, have been the tools I’ve utilized to overcome the adversity of self funding companies. NEVER. GIVE. UP

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Austin, TX here is my love letter of things you MUST DO: (this is everything I’m doing post coronavirus) -Lay on a big rock in the sun at Lost Creek, hike to the waterfall, but hang out on those big rocks by the cliffs first. -Eat a homemade moon-pie at Mickeltwait (THE BBQ IS BOMB too, but including the non-meat eaters here!) -Go paddleboarding or kayaking on Lady Bird Lake at Dusk (shoutout: Texas Rowing Center for easy rentals) -Get biscuits from Olamaie -Visit TIny Tats ATX (#ad) – Jump in the cool of Barton Springs (Even in the winter, those are some healing waters ya’ll) -Get Home Slice Pizza and walk S. Congress to window shop -Drive out to Hamilton’s Pool (This is wear The Predator was filmed) or Krause Springs (Plan ahead with reservations, it’ll take about an hour to get there) -Drink the best smoothie of your life at Juiceland -Check out the vibes on E 6th St. (Go see a show, drink a beer, and dance, for goodness sake!) -Spiderhouse Cafe (Ultimate dive bar day drinking patio and another bomb tattoo shop Royal Legion is on-site)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Alyx Baranow of Blu Gorilla Tattoo has been a ride or die mentor and friend. She is currently the co-owner of multiple Charleston, SC tattoo shops and various other holistic and film ventures. Her work ethic and down to earth nature reminded me to dust myself off, no matter the circumstance. and press forward. Jessica Ryan of 3 Of Cups Weddings + Events has been a constant encouragement to push forward, and do the right thing, all the time. She also is a riot at a party, so always invite her. Notable Mention: All the fans from Black Ink Crew NYC on VH1. Ya’ll have been rooting for this tall clumsy lady, for a long time!

Website: tinytatsatx.com 3ofcupsflorals.com
Instagram: @coleymakesart @tinytatsatx @3ofcupsdesignflorals
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinytatsatx/. https://www.facebook.com/3ofcupsdesignflorals https://www.facebook.com/coleymakesart

Image Credits
@creatrixphotography Jenna Avery

Nominate someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.