Daily Inspiration: Meet Doy Gardner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Doy Gardner.

Hi Doy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Nashville in 1999 to pursue music and studies at Belmont University. I made a living for about seven years touring as a drummer and started to think about other options as the uncertainty of a constant long-term job became a concern in the back of my mind. My father was always a big believer in working for yourself so I started to brainstorm opening a business and what that would be. I was passionate about the art form of tattooing and had a handful of tattoos myself and started to explore a new approach to structuring a tattoo shop. After a few less than great visits at some local shops, I began to interview some friends who were tattooers to talk about their wants and needs within their work environment. My goal was to create something that took care of everyone involved, from the artist to the client, and provide the ideal environment for both to feel comfortable and excel. I partnered with a Georgia based artist who I met through a mutual friend and we decided that the partnership between a tattooer and non-tattooer could be extremely beneficial. After a brief tour of Nashville, I convinced him to move here and Black 13 Tattoo was opened in late July 2008.

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?
I can’t imagine any new business venture being a smooth road but I wouldn’t say it’s been the hardest struggle I’ve faced. I was fortunate to start a business when Nashville was smaller and cheaper so the start-up side was a lot easier than it would be today with all the growth and change that has happened in Nashville. I was fortunate to have a great concept that excelled very quickly and I’ve had incredible resources along the way that helped nurture the growth of the business in a positive way. Within my 14 years, I’d say there’s been two very challenging moments one of which was navigating out of a bad 50/50 business partnership that took roughly a year to sort out. Most recently, we decided to relocate from our home of 13 years in downtown and purchase a building of our own to operate out of in East Nashville. The search in a popular fast-growing market proved challenging but the process of getting plans approved and navigating through the city’s building requirements and procedures were for sure the most challenging taking us about two years from the date we purchased the property to being able to complete the work and occupy the building.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While I feel the business category fit, I feel more like an artist than a business person. From music to managing artists and creating and the environment they work within, I’m grateful to do something I enjoy. Black 13 has become known for creating a comfortable upscale environment for artists and clients and has been voted “best tattoo parlor” in Nashville for over 11 years. Our managing of each artist along with providing additional services for them, including health care, has separated us from the majority of other shops while our customer service was created with the client’s needs in mind. It’s often that a tattooer forgets what it’s like to be a client so we like to remain aware of that and go above and beyond with the customer service side of things. Outside of being a musician and creating Black 13, I enjoy operating an Airbnb out of my home along with pursuing real estate both commercially and on the residential side.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I enjoy taking care of others most. I feel like we’re all in this together and finding like-minded individuals to surround yourself with and care for is the most rewarding.

Pricing:

• Tattoo services start with a minimum of $80 and goes up based on size and detail.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://black13tattoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/black13tattoo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/black13tattoo
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/black13tattoo
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/black-13-tattoo-parlor-nashville-3?osq=black+13+tattoo