March 14, 2017

Meet Mario Vasquez of Modern Ink Tattoo & Piercing Studio in South Gate

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Vasquez.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well back in 1990 when I first started collecting Tattoos it was something that my friends and I were looking to get. We were all young teenage kids trying to hook each other up with homemade guns we would rig up homemade machines using disassembled walk-man’s the Tape player cassette kind. We would use the motors that spinned the payer and use sharpened guitar strings as needles. This was a common way in Prison. I eventually got good at it and started charging for them. I figured this was going to get better for me as I grew clientele. My Dad let me convert the garage into a mini Tattoo studio. I started to get known real quick for doing tattoos and ended up needing help so I hired a guy to help me take care of all the customers. By this Time I had already purchased professional equipment and was doing pretty good. I accidentally found an Indoor Market place where I noticed there was a “for Rent ” sign I asked the security guard if he knew any info on it he replied “let me ask for you” I got introduced to the manager and it was a Korean old man that didn’t ask for much other than 2 months’ rent lol I said no problem signed the 2 year lease and was in. Two years of success later the city posted a note to vacate the premises because it was not permitted I showed the manager he looked at my contract and said your 2 year lease expires next week! You can leave! I packed my stuff and it took about 2 weeks of searching until I found one that was four times bigger and triple the rent luckily thanks to my dad and sisters that helped me financially with the start-up construction that was when “MODERN INK TATTOO STUDIO” was born. This was 1998 I remember thinking to myself what would be a good name to call it? I thought it should be named something “modern”? Modern Ink!!! That’s was it!! And so my name was founded and registered. I lasted 18 years at the same location. For 18 years I was the first and only shop allowed in Inglewood, CA. There I employed some of the best Tattoo Artist around in the Tattoo Industry about 30 different artist in total and gave about 20 apprenticeships to guys that are now also great artists. It’s been a fantastic rewarding journey that led me to meet some great people of ALL walks of life. I can’t be more grateful to say I do something I truly enjoy for work! We are now Located in South Gate, CA it’s a bigger location! Come visit us!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
None it’s been very smooth and have no complaints

Please tell us about MODERN INK TATTOO & PIERCING STUDIO.
We specialize in ALL types of body Art. Were known for having great customer service and great prices. What sets us apart is that we can give you what TATTOO your imagination wants? We are versatile and we have six artist that can deliver beyond your expectations.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Keep good customer service.

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