Life & Work with Ian White of Nashville/Inglewood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian White.

Hi Ian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Safe House Tattoo began in January 2012, originally as a private studio called Ian White Tattoos. At the time, I thought working solo was the next right move for me. After nine years of working long, late, and inflexible hours, I wanted to be home in time for dinner. I wanted a life that made room for family, rest, and longevity in my career.

Opening a private studio was the first step in creating that kind of balance. But it didn’t take long to realize I was missing more than just artistic collaboration. I was also going through some deep personal changes and starting to confront parts of my life that needed healing. I realized I couldn’t do that work alone. I needed a healthier environment and a strong support system around me.

Fortunately, the space next to the private studio opened up later that year, and in October, I moved into the larger unit with the goal of building something bigger than myself. That’s when Safe House Tattoo was officially born. From the beginning, the vision was to create a space that felt safe. Not only just for clients, but for the artists working in it. A place where we could learn from each other, push our craft, and grow as people.

In creating a healthier work life for myself, I also created a studio where other artists could do the same. At Safe House Tattoo, artists have the freedom to focus on the styles and projects that resonate with them, and the flexibility to evolve without pressure to fit a mold. That balance not only supports their creativity and well-being, it leads to a better experience for every client who walks through our doors.

One of our former artists once called Safe House “fertile ground,” and it felt like the highest compliment because it captured exactly what we’ve tried to build and hope to continue offering.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have definitely been bumps along the way. One of the biggest challenges has been navigating Nashville’s rapid growth and the shifting commercial real estate market that’s come with it.

Our first location was a perfect mix of small, local businesses and creative energy. But that gem of a spot was sold to a larger developer from Atlanta, and we were bought out of the remainder of our lease. We moved to another part of the city that had a beautiful 100-year-old building filled with maker spaces and independent artists. It seemed like a great fit at the time. But as tourism exploded, one by one, those creative neighbors moved out, replaced by big-brand shops that catered more to visitors than locals. It just didn’t feel like our scene anymore.

We tried relocating to a newly built space in a nearby arts district, hoping it would offer some stability. But just before construction was completed, the contractors filed a lien on the entire building due to non-payment from the developer. Safe House Tattoo (and several other small businesses) were left completely in the lurch.

With just six weeks before the studio would be without a home, I was calling every contact I had. That scramble led us to a space for sale near our home in Inglewood. Buying a property wasn’t even on our radar at the time, but it felt right… and thankfully, the bank agreed! So in July 2019, we purchased a space and finally put down roots. No more moving.

Another unique part of this journey is that my wife, Lindsay, is also my business partner. That’s been one of the biggest blessings but also one of the biggest growth edges. Running a business together has forced us to learn how to communicate differently, and we’ve leaned heavily on our support systems and counseling over the years to keep both our marriage and our business healthy. It’s not always easy, but it’s deeply worth it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Safe House Tattoo, we bring together a group of talented, driven tattoo artists from the Nashville area to offer high-quality tattoos across a range of styles. What we’re most proud of is the space we’ve created… not just physically, but emotionally and creatively. From the beginning, we’ve aimed to build an environment where artists feel supported in both their craft and their lives.

When I opened the studio in 2012, I was coming out of years of working long, demanding hours. I knew I needed something different to stay healthy and inspired. So I built a schedule that allowed me to be home for dinner and to have a life outside of work. That choice shaped the culture of Safe House Tattoo. While every artist’s rhythm is different, we wanted this to be a place where people could find their own balance and grow in their own way.

In 2024, we expanded Safe House Tattoo’s reach by launching the Middle Tennessee Tattoo Expo. The inaugural event took place October 2024, and we’ll be returning November 7–9, 2025. The expo brings together artists from across the country and creates space for connection, inspiration, and celebration of the craft. It’s been a natural extension of what Safe House has always been about: building community through art.

Tickets for this event will go on sale this summer and can be purchased at www.middletennesseetattoo.com.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that luck often looks a lot like hard work. I’ve heard it said that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity, and that’s held true for us time and time again. We’ve definitely “fallen forward” in a few situations, but the reason we were able to catch those opportunities was because of the effort we put in behind the scenes and the reputation we built over time.

We’re also avid readers, and one book that’s really shaped our mindset is The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday. It helped us reframe how we think about challenges. Whether we’re facing opportunities to grow or scale the business, or moments that call for personal reflection and change, we’re learning to shift our perspective from “What’s happening to us?” to “What can we learn from this, and how can it make us better and stronger?”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.safehousetattoo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safehousetattoo/
• Other: https://www.middletennesseetattoo.com/