Khary Cave at Studio 69
After training as a geologist, and 7 years working as an environmental consultant, Khary Cave saw friends around him taking the plunge and starting their own companies, and felt the drive to go into business for himself.
However, it was after a long stint working in France that gave him the inspiration to dramatically change his career. After visiting his friend (and future business partner) David’s studio in Paris, Khary knew he’d found the business for him – a tattoo and piercing studio.
At Studio 69, Khary aims to bring a personal and distinctive touch to the industry. They provide high quality tattoos and piercings in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere so that each and every customer feels comfortable.
Even after some unexpected setbacks – like a car crashing through the studio window – Khary’s calm composure and meticulous planning mean that he is ready for anything – even for the uncertainties of being a small business owner.
Khary Cave runs Studio 69, a tattoo and piercing studio in Walthamstow in London, you can get in touch on 0208 531 4947 or through their website www.studio69tattoo-piercing.co.uk
What does your company do?
We are a tattoo and body piercing studio and we also sell a range of body jewellery.
What makes your business different?
We are a fairly small and recently opened studio. The atmosphere in the studio is very friendly and relaxed and we always make the effort to remember every customer’s name. We’ve managed to keep our prices very low without compromising on the quality of the service offered. Our tattoo artists have distinct but complementary styles, so you can always get the perfect tattoo at Studio 69.
What inspired you to start this business?
I’ve wanted to start my own business for quite a long time, probably because so many friends around me are successful entrepreneurs. After seeing the success and professionalism of my business partner’s studio in France, I knew this was the business for me.
Have you previously run any other businesses? Could you tell us a little bit about them?
No, this is my first business venture. I am actually a trained geologist and worked as an environmental consultant in the north west for 7 years before opening Studio 69.
Studio 69's tattoo artists are highly skilled
How are you funding your business?
We managed to secure a business loan for 50% of our start-up costs.
Do you have any staff or partners in your business?
My business partner David is a piercer with 15 years’ experience and two successful, established studios called 2GY in Paris. We also employ two tattoo artists, Tommy and Desmond, and a piercer called Ruth. We all get along brilliantly, I feel very lucky that we’ve managed to assemble such a great team.
Where do you see your business in 3 years?
I would love to expand the range of products and services we offer, and would definitely not rule out having a second studio opening within 3 years.
What characteristics do you have that will help you make your business a success?
My passion for business is my main attribute. I also have a very friendly and outgoing personality, which helps with making all our customers feel welcome. I am very driven, and dedicated to making sure that every single one of our clients has an enjoyable visit – and I’m confident that to this date I have been able to deliver that.
What are you most keen to learn that will help you grow your business?
I would love to learn to pierce in the future, and although I have an accountant I think it’s probably a good idea to do a basic bookkeeping course.
Are there any brands, companies or personalities that you most admire or aspire to?
I really admire the Innocent Smoothie brand and its founders Richard Reed, Adam Bacon and Jon Wright. Innocent came from nowhere in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and now dominate the UK market.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your company?
Although we have managed to break even in our first month after opening two and a half months ago, cash flow is a challenge that we try to mitigate by meticulous planning. Marketing and promotion – and just getting our name out there is also a challenge.
Is being a business owner how you expected it to be, or have you had any surprises along the way?
No matter how much planning and research you do prior to opening there will always be surprises. For example, after careful financial planning to ensure that I could pay my staff and bills, a car ran into the front of the studio, destroying the electric shutters and shattering the glass.
I am insured, but in order to secure the shop I had to pay for repairs myself whilst waiting on the insurer’s response. This happened only 2 months after opening, so it was a major shock – not to mention a drain on limited resources.
www.studio69tattoo-piercing.co.uk
What is your main goal for your company?
My main aim is to create a strong, instantly recognisable brand and to continue to provide tattoos and piercings of the highest quality.
Do you have any advice for people thinking of starting their own business?
My main piece of advice would be to do your research in the planning stages. A business plan is essential, not only to secure a loan or funding, but it also forces you to think about all the things you need to think about.
Finally, I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but location is very, very important. Get your business premises location wrong and it will be a lot harder to get your company off the ground in that crucial first 6 months.
