Archana Nakhua BhanushaliFounder & Artist at ACE Tattooz Published On: Friday, July 01, 2016 Views 5280

"It all starts with a dream..."

A visualizer for Ace Tattooz, Archana is one woman who’s made it big in a male dominated tattoo industry. Already working as a freelance visualizer, Archana decided to tattoo people for a living when she came across Kãt Von De on TLC. She was so amazed by Kat’s work that she couldn’t wait to take this up as a profession.

With the support of her husband, she finally stepped forward to live her dream, thus, ACE Tattoozwas born. Today, she owns two tattoo studios in Mumbai & Ghatkopar, and has served more than 8000 clients over the past six years. Her growing popularity has also inspired Bollywood, as every once in a while a celebrity steps in her studio to receive a life-long memory on their body.

Please provide a brief overview of your product/ service.

We majorly do the permanent tattoo, Temporary tattoo, and Canvas Paintings. Our art and design section also deals with logo Designs, company stationary, and personalisations.

What inspired you to build the above product/ service?

There used to be a tattoo show “LA Ink ” on TLC ,where there was a female artist “Kãt Von De” inking permanent tattoo, she inspired me the most. When I used to see her clients with that big smile on their face for the happiness they

were going to carry forever, I always thought I would love to do it myself. Further support from my family and my husband also an integral part of ACE Tattooz was the most important thing that inspired me to jump into the business.

Archana Nakhua Bhanushali

What is your life mantra?

My life mantra is “you are the creator of your own destiny,believe and never give up” I am a strong believer of “the secret ” and the universe has always been very loyal to my commands which in reality keeps me striving to achieve something I haven’t every day.

What was the most challenging part of your journey till now?

Me and my husband work together,me as an artist at ace and Mr. Nikhil Bhanushali manages and takes care of the marketing part along with Designing. Making our stand in the Indian tattoo industry was a big Challenge for us. And the most challenging part of our journey was the struggle to manage two studios at a time & the work-life balance.

How did you overcome those challenges?

We started attending conventions and managed to receive accreditations for our skills and passion for providing people with a lifelong memory, we started realising and implementing just one strategy which was building up a team and help others with the same skills and inspiration in a way help ourselves climb the ladder, our team has been extremely supportive now. We started realising how a team can work together and bring the best out of you.

Share some details about the investments that you have been able to Fetch for the business till now?

This is a self-invested proprietary firm that we have started.In the near future, we are looking forward to expanding in other metro cities in India. We are also planning to go International to cater Indian art outside India. So we might look out for Investors &raise funds in the near future.

How do you protect yourself from the problem of Brain Drain?

Brain Drain is something we just don’t come across quite often for the fact that our passion is our profession and what could be better than that. Though in rare cases when things like these happen we make a shout out to our team, we strategize, scrutinize and then implement which help things turn well again. We share ideas and concepts,help each other grow.

According to you, what are the three qualities an individual must have to achieve success?

Dream towards something and hunger to always achieve it
Command to the universe
Work hard and don’t give up

Which online tools/ services/ apps do you use the most and would like to recommend as well?

We love doing customization and so the need for tools reduces, though Pinterest andGoogle are something that keeps us aware of things around, gives sound knowledge and lastly helps us to get good references and inspire us with new ideas. Still, I would recommend artists to sketch more instead of using online apps.

Share any one habit which you think makes you more productive?

Yoga is one thing that keeps me more active and hence more productive unlike my few tattoo artist friends who have complaints of backaches and body pain. I try my best to practice yoga every day and my art productivity enhance for the face that I sketch / paint in my free time. I don’t really encourage an ideal mind or body.

Share any one habit which you wish to change in yourself.

I think I need to improve my time management skills to get more productivity out of me and highlight my Tattooing skills.

Answer in less than 50 words

One tip to success

Follow your dreams. Don’t let people decide what you should do. Decide yourself and don’t regret.

One mistake you believe every individual must avoid

Don’t forget people who helped you reach your goals . Fly high but with your feet strongly rooted.

One most important lesson that you have learnt till now

Good things happen only when you make them happen. So one needs to stay consistent towards it. I’m a strong believer of Karma and I’ve learnt the circle has to complete someday. So make your circle beautiful. Do good & the grass shall always be green everywhere for you.

What are your plans for next 3 years?

We plan to have 4 – 5 additional outlets in the next three years spanning to key Metro cities and also plan to go international and launch two more outlets

If you get a chance to start your career again what would you do differently this time?

I would just repeat everything as it is …I feel it’s perfect.

What are your top three getaway destinations?

1) Himalaya

2) Greece

Share a quote that inspires you the most.

“It all starts with a dream”

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