Check Out Doy Gardner’s Story

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 from South Alabama 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 tattooer 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 of 2008 in downtown’s historic Cummins Station. In 2021, Black 13 relocated to East Nashville, continuing its evolution.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
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 16+ 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. These processes took about two years from the date we purchased the property to being able to complete the work and occupy the building. As we can all relate, COVID presented an interesting time with our business being forced to close for roughly two months and our new building purchase and build out being challenged with material costs soaring and the general processes being delayed. The good news? We made it!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
While I own and run Black 13 Tattoo, 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 14 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’ve enjoyed pursuing real estate both commercially and on the residential side.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Black 13 Tattoo is located in East Nashville at 1313 Dickerson Pike. We’re 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Saturday and those interested in our services are welcome to stop by anytime! We’re also available via email at [email protected] or by phone, 615-750-3741. Check us out online at black13tattoo.com and on social media, @black13tattoo. Black 13 accepts walk-ins along with offering appointment options.

Pricing:

• Tattoo services start with a minimum of $100 and go up from there based on size and detail.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://black13tattoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/black13tattoo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/black13tattoo/