Smartfem presents "Creating the Club Tattoo Empire," a documentary film that follows the journey of Sean and Thora Dowdell as they build their tattoo empire from scratch. The film chronicles the highs and lows of starting a business in a highly competitive industry and how the couple navigated the challenges along the way. Sean Dowdell, the co-founder of Club Tattoo, started his journey as a musician and drummer for the band Grey Daze, which later included a young Chester Bennington (later of Linkin Park fame). However, after a few years, Sean realized that music alone would not pay the bills, so he decided to pursue his passion for tattooing. With little experience in the industry, Sean opened his first tattoo shop in Arizona.
The film provides an in-depth look at the early days of Club Tattoo, where Sean and Thora had to bootstrap everything from scratch. They had to do everything from designing their own advertisements to personally sweeping the floors of their shop. Slowly but surely, the business started to grow and gain a following.
One of the key highlights of the movie is the couple's determination to make Club Tattoo a unique experience for customers. Sean and Thora worked hard to create a culture of artistry where customers would not only receive a quality tattoo but would leave with a memorable experience. The couple worked hard to develop connections within the industry to bring in the best tattoo artists to the club, ensuring that they were providing top-quality work to their clients. The film showcases various tattoo artists who have worked with Club Tattoo in the past, including Tommy Lee, the drummer of Motley Crue.
As the business grew, Sean and Thora faced new challenges, including financing their expansion into multiple locations. They had to navigate the rocky waters of securing loans and personal investments to fund their growth. Even when things were rough, the couple never gave up, and their persistence paid off.
Another aspect of the film that stands out is the importance of giving back to the community. During the early days of the business, Sean and Thora understood the potential impact of their success on the community they served. They believed that it was important to give back to the community, and so they started various charitable initiatives. For example, they donated a portion of the profits to the Arizona Humane Society, which helped them establish a positive reputation in the community.
"Creating the Club Tattoo Empire" is a fascinating look at the journey of two entrepreneurs who built an empire from scratch. Through the film, viewers will understand the importance of hard work and perseverance in building a successful business. The documentary showcases the various obstacles and triumphs that Sean and Thora faced as they navigated the ups and downs of starting a business. The movie will inspire anyone who has ever dreamed of starting their own business, particularly within the tattoo industry.
Overall, "Creating the Club Tattoo Empire" is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in entrepreneurship, the tattoo industry or those who want to be inspired by the journey of passionate and dedicated entrepreneurs. It's a powerful reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, anyone can make their dreams a reality.
