Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tony Wong, Owner of Alt F4 Studio, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Alt F4 Studio is a Tattoo studio that also acts as a place where we celebrate our community's love for art and gaming. We provide Tattoo Services, Local Art Retail, and Fun Events. Alt F4 and our customers enjoy the same interests, such as the love for tattoos, gaming, pop culture, and art. We are proud that we can provide a space for them to enjoy these things with us.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Tony. I am also known as Sedated Sloth on Instagram. I own a tattoo and art studio called Alt F4 Studio. Our shop is relatively new. We just opened this year during the pandemic. There were some hiccups here and there, but we managed to open a shop! Hopefully, we get to stay here for a long time. People asked me what inspired me to open a shop, especially during the pandemic. I'd say, "if you do what you like, you'd never work a day in your life." Because of that phrase, I convinced myself to chase what I liked, no matter the situation. Opening my shop motivates me to pursue my arts at my own pace and how I see things. It has allowed me to expand on my passions and help others!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My wife and I always wanted to open our art shop. We planned that she would manage the art, and I'd tattoo at the back. Now that I am allowed to make something of my own, I want to give other artists opportunities to thrive alongside me! That is because I was grateful enough that my first shop gave me a chance to try and grow as an artist. In my belief, the shop is about giving back to the community or creating one for artists to come together and collaborate.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think the hardest thing about being a business owner is trying to do too much. When I started, I wanted it to succeed to the best of my ability, and I still do. I would work after hours and have work constantly on my mind. However, I quickly learned that it is also our job to take care of ourselves first! Burnout is never worth it!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Three tips for anyone starting a business are to remember to respect your team, to thank your community, and to remember your main goal. Your team is a big part of your business that keeps it going. Your community gives you their trust in your business; there wouldn't be one without them. Your main goal is what motivates you to keep you on track.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
The journey is difficult, but remember to have fun doing it!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.altf4studio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltF4StudioTO
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altf4studio/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/altf4studio
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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