Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Mezzera.
Hi Sarah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started out in graphic design. I’d work in local coffee shops, sketching out my designs, and people would stop and say they’d want it as a tattoo. I had several tattoos but never thought of myself as an artist. I didn’t even think it was an option. After 4 years of this constantly happening I decided to find an apprenticeship. I lived in California and apprenticed with Rob at Black Ink in Fresno, CA. After my apprenticeship I got a booth spot at Faithful and True. It was at the beginning of Covid so I had to go home and find a way to not lose my momentum. I began offering any piece of art I could to help create a following. When the doors to the shop opened back up I had a community ready to get some ink. After tattooing for 3 years in California, my family and I decided to move back to Missouri where I’m from. Even though it’s unadvised to open your own shop only 3 years in, I got the support and encouragement from my tattoo artist community in California to go for it. I wanted to create a space for a small town community to feel welcome and removed as much intimidation as I could. I created Hawthorn Tattoo Studio in an old full service garage gas station. It’s colorful, full of books and plants, and I now have two other female artists working with me. I’m honored to have past clients from California fly in. I have clients from Kansas City and St. Louis, and locals from my area. I struggled to build my clientele back up so I reached out to a local famous TikToker and we traded promotion for a tattoo. It helped me tremendously to be recognized in the Midwest.
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?
Overall I felt that my process to become a tattoo artist and shop owner was a smooth road. Before choosing this career path, I spoke with as many female tattoo artists as I could. I listened to their advice, learned from their experiences, and took their warnings to heart. Because of those conversations, I was able to move forward with clear boundaries and a watchful eye. I’d say the hardest part of my career was moving states. There’s a completely different approach to clients in the Midwest and a smaller community than in California. I try to host more local events. I host paint nights, walkins, or attend local businesses for their pop ups.
As you know, we’re big fans of My business is Hawthorn Tattoo Studio and my artist name is ButterBee Tattoo . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I pride myself on being welcoming and respectful to everyone who walks through my door. I recognize that everyone has a beautiful story that compels them to get a certain tattoo. I’ve created a safe space to allow people to share their stories with me. We laugh and cry. In the years of tattooing I now come to work more excited to meet my client that the specific artwork they’re getting.
A big part of my process is being a custom tattooer. Clients send me their stories or vision and I create the tattoo design. They see it the day of their appointment and enjoy seeing their vision come to life.
I’ve also started writing a book for tattoo apprenticeships. I want to frame their mind around valuing the importance and honor of their job. Understanding they are applying permanent artwork to someone’s body, whether it’s a big or small design, it’s important to them. I want them to study artists from the past and know who paved the way for them. I want them to see everything that goes beyond the machine and ink.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Outside of tattooing, I’m also a seamstress. I love thrifting old quilts and giving them new life by turning them into jackets, coats, hoodies, and purses. What started as a creative hobby accidentally grew into a small business.
I’m also married to my husband, a firefighter, who just so happens to have been my very first boyfriend. We’ve been married for 15 years after meeting at a Bible college in Chicago. Together, we have two incredible kids who keep us busy. If I’m not tattooing, drawing, writing, or sewing, you’ll probably find me at one of their sporting events, cheering them on.
And if you know me, you know I have a serious love for coffee. It’s become such a big part of my life that I’m working on bringing great coffee into the tattoo shop, too.
Pricing:
- $100 deposit for me to create your custom tattoo and hold your appointment.
- $150/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Butterbeetattoo.com
- Instagram: Butterbeetattoo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FGEs1ytPS/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: Butterbeedesign@gmail.com
