We recently connected with Bex Clark and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Bex, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Looking the way I look hasn’t stopped me from learning how to be successful or effective in my career. In the tattoo and piercing world, it’s everyone against everyone. I have to stand out, and be myself in order for someone to want a tattoo or piercing experience with me. Everyone else in my family looks at me funny for the way I present myself, and what I do. I still make more money than them in this industry. I know how social media works, so I use it to my advantage to keep an online presence. Knowing your tools to get successful is a key factor in life.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a piercer first, tattoo apprentice second, fiber artist third, a designer last. I’ve been piercing since 2021 by APP guidelines. I was licensed in Atlantic County, NJ in 2022. The most exciting part about piercing is seeing everyone smile when they see their new piercing. I have Trio-Tuesday where you buy two piercings and get one free!
I’ve been tattooing since 2019 on and off again. Most tattoo shops only wanted me to pierce but I’ve found a spot with Angel Silva at Decorum Art Studios in Sun City, where he wanted to mentor me and give me a chance. What I love the most about tattooing is that I can draw and decorate the human skin. It really is a beautiful thing to be able to perform. On Friday I do Tattoos and Plushies! I offer a $80 tattoo with a hand size crochet plushie, I offer a $150 tattoo with a 3′-5′ long crochet plushie, and lastly I offer a $250 tattoo with a 5′-6′ long crochet plushie.
Currently I’ve been working on getting my online drop shipping store back on track as I design t-shirts, home decor on Printify!
punk-bunny-style.printify.me/products if you’d like to check it out for Christmas ideas! I love drawing so it makes me happy to see other persons wear my design. It makes me happy that they loved it as much as I did.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
A few things I wish I knew were, active listening, problem solving, and talking with purpose. Learning these things has severely impacted my marriage. I thought it was going to end but I learned these things and everything is great. Be blunt but take accountability for your actions. Never say “I’m sorry but this happened.” No, it’s just “I’m sorry.” An apology with excuses isn’t a real apology.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Since I’ve had a child, I have had to learn how to manage my emotions. My emotions aren’t hears and I also shouldn’t be feeling those same emotions she’s feeling. With that being said, any time I feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or irate, I take them time to take a deep breath and clear my mind. I can deal with those emotions later by talking or writing them down in my journal.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @punkbunnytattoos
Image Credits
Bex ClarkGravley
