Tattoo artist makes her mark
A Blantyre tattoo artist who set up her own self-love parlour last year after documenting her mum’s mental health battle through her art is expanding.
Chloe Isaac launched the Self Love Club Tattoo studio on Carluke High Street after years spent tattooing part-time while studying a criminal law degree at the University of the West of Scotland.
When the pandemic hit, Chloe moved home with her mum who, during that time, was struggling with her mental health, so Chloe would tattoo her every day, with each tattoo representing a self-love slogan or image.
Chloe soon realised the meaningful impact of the tattoos, which gave her mum something to reflect on and be proud of.
Determined to help people feel good about themselves and raise awareness of mental illness, she sought to turn it into something positive for others and her idea for the Self Love Tattoo Club was born.
To help turn her dream for a business into a reality, Chloe approached Business Gateway for advice.
She was supported with a range of services, with guidance from her local adviser, Lisa Cullen, helping her to develop her first detailed business plan.
After help from Lisa in finding and securing her premises in Carluke, she applied for the Lanarkshire Business Start Up Grant, which is funded by South Lanarkshire Council, and received £2500, which helped her equip her tattoo studio.
Chloe uses her studio as a place for all walks of life to come along and feel safe and comfortable. It is a mindful space, complete with privacy screens and noise cancelling headphones.
And, after a year in business, she has expanded her premises and team.
She said:“i would not be where I am if I didn’t have Lisa from Business Gateway. I had no idea about planning permission, no idea about establishing a business plan or the importance of cash flow.
“Contacting Business Gateway is exactly what I needed to do to get my business off the ground. I wouldn’t have a shop if it wasn’t for them.”
Chloe also accessed funding from the Elevator Foundation.
Most recently, she was guided to apply for the E3 Give it a Go Grant of £300 that supports younger people getting into business and this provided a connection to a wider network, with other young entrepreneurs and like-minded people in her local area.
The business thrives on Tiktok and has accumulated an international following, with tourists from all over the world wanting to come and visit the studio.
Due to popular demand, Chloe has expanded by buying the property next door and hopes to make her studio even more accessible, with the addition of accessible beds and a bathroom.
Lisa Cullen, Business Gateway Manager, said:“i first spoke with Chloe in May 2021 and instantly loved her character, personality and her whole business ethos.
“I helped her throughout each stage of the journey, from getting a Business Plan in place, being on the end of the phone to hash out any thoughts or just to be there at times when things seemed impossible.”