Today we’d like to introduce you to Broc Boatwright.
Hi Broc, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started as a 19-year-old kid wanting to do anything but the normal path in life. Quit college to pursue tattooing when I was randomly offered an apprenticeship at the local shop in town. I got together with my amazing “now” wife shortly after starting my career. We’ve known each other since I was 4; she had the hots for me back on the playground. I always told her no matter what, I would find a way to make it work. When I was working for the shop where I learned, we found out she was pregnant; it was time to be a grown-up on my end. It wasn’t just me anymore. Fast forward briefly, we were engaged, pregnant, and planning a wedding and decided to take a trip to where I was born in Florida to visit family. While going, the shop owner I worked at decided to close up the shop. Again I told her no matter what, it would be fine—I managed to get in touch with the landlord of the building and get a lease. Come back from vacation and instantly started this journey, had a sign made as well as business cards. It was a slow process to build my business.
Being in a small town, people thought I had bought the old owner out, and it took a while to get people to understand I didn’t. They wanted me to honor some stuff he left in the air. I did my best to salvage whatever I could with customers. I only advertised the first year in business; after that, I relied solely on my ability to do what I was doing and give people quality artwork, whether a memorial, funny, random, or simple tattoo. Everyone, in my eyes, was responsible for supplying me with the means to support my family. Fast forward several years, family vacations, 4 kids later, and still having my fantastic wife by my side, I’m now just over 10.5 years into being in business on my own. I’ve always worked for myself, and it’s a blessing. I’ve made it a point in life to make sure and take family time, leave work early for my kid’s sports, and remember that life’s not all work. I’m blessed to be able to divide my time between work and family.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenge I have faced in the 14 years of my career just recently came about. It’s one I knew was there but refused to accept. This past year I got diagnosed with full-blown rheumatoid arthritis. While it was a blow in confidence, it also allowed me to take a step back after years of hustling and realize if I wanted to continue doing what I enjoy, I needed to reevaluate the future. So medication and taking better care of myself have made a huge improvement. I faced many other small obstacles and challenges; there is no such thing as an easy road. Everyone has their battles. Just have to find a way to face it and move on.
We’ve been impressed with Olde Anchor Tattoo, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Just a small-town tattoo shop, doing what I enjoy and supporting my family along the way, picking my business name was essential. I wanted something that was a constant reminder. So I came up with an old anchor. The anchor plays a role in being a daily reminder, one that reminds me to be anchored to my morals, values, and path in life. I have an anchor tattooed on my face. It’s a reminder every morning, being it’s one of the first things I see. ‘Olde’ comes into play with my love of vintage and antiques, which the shop fits the name of, being it is full of old goodies. As far as an art style, I enjoy working in the traditional tattoo style the most, I can do more styles, but it’s my preferred by far. I pride myself on doing people right. If it’s a piece out of my comfort zone, I regularly recommend other artists who fit that need better. I’d rather customers get what they want. I’m most proud of starting something that allows me to give my attention to my family when needed. Not everyone has that ability, and I’m forever grateful I did and do. I enjoy what I’ve been given a chance to do; it’s been a great career so far, and I look forward to many more years of giving customers a forever piece.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some changes you expect to see over the next five to ten years?
The tattoo industry is ever-evolving with products, art styles, and equipment. But it is an industry that is truly hand done. I never see the process of how tattoos are applied to change. It’s been done relatively the same way for a long time.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies on each piece
- There is a shop minimum
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @oldeanchortattoo
- Facebook: Facebook.com/oldeanchortattoo
Image Credits
Alyssa Cook at W I L D Roots Productions. For the personal photo and photo of the lobby
