We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Isaac Riendeau a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Isaac, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I grew up in a lower income household, my mom worked two jobs to support two kids on her own. At an early age I can remember waiting up at night, just to make sure my mom came home. It was hard seeing other kids with new clothes and toys. Hearing about all the places they had gone with their families over the summer. We made the best of what we had. But at an early age I developed a desire to have these same things. I wanted more. My mom worked hard and sacrificed a lot, but we always had a roof over our heads and food on the table. As I got older I began to take the things I wanted, I had no regard for how it might affect others. I had many run ins with the law as a juvenile. When I turned 15 I got my first job working in a kitchen. It was hard work, but when I got my first pay check it changed my perspective. I was able to buy what I wanted instead of take it. From that point on it was like an addiction. I was always looking for the job that paid more. I did everything from mowing lawns to working on construction sites to working hotels and kitchens. I’d work as much as I could to make as much as I could. Learning trade after trade. This hustle mentality as I call it has carried over into every aspect of my life, always looking forward, always striving for the best. I owe the success of my business and my career to this mentality and hope to pass it on to my children, so that they may also strive in success. Without making my mistakes.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Now going on our 3rd year Knoxville Tattoo Collective has been growing and striving! Our goal is to bring an experience like no other to the area. Offering every style of tattooing, permanent cosmetic makeup, body piercing and providing the best aftercare products on the market. We are a private studio focusing on quality and customer comfort. We currently have 7 artists all with different styles and personalities to suit your needs. We are located in the homberg area of Bearden right next to Willys Butcher Shop. You can check out our artists on Facebook and instagram at knoxvilletattooco and my personal portfolio at tatted4life80
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I would have to say my drive for success, my stubbornness and most importantly the want for knowledge. These things are what have kept me pushing forward. My advice is to never take no for an answer. Don’t let the nay sayers determine your path. Be confident in yourself and your goals. Most importantly learn, don’t ever stop. The more knowledge you have the more powerful of a force you become.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal clients are ones that know what they want. They’ve taken the time to research and put thought into the idea they have. I never expect my clients to bring me a design to copy. But having a solid idea along with references and the understanding that what’s being created is something from both of our creative minds. Creating custom artwork for someone to wear forever is the most satisfying part of what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.knoxvilletattoocollective.
com - Instagram: @tatted4life80
- Facebook: Knoxvilletattooco
- Youtube: Tatted4life80
- Yelp: Knoxville tattoo collective
