Member Profile: Queen Bee Tattoo and Salon
Get to know Chamber Member Queen Bee Tattoo and Salon! To learn about their business and the people who make it special, we spoke with owner and artist Erin Smith, who opened the studio in 2015.
Where and how did you get started in this type of business?
Our family has always had a passion for art and creativity, and tattooing felt like the perfect way to turn that passion into something meaningful. Riley [Smith] started by apprenticing under a talented artist who taught him the technical skills and the importance of connecting with clients. Over time, I learned from Riley, we built up our team, and eventually opened Queen Bee Tattoos to bring the best tattooers we could find under one roof.
What services do you offer and what makes Queen Bee Tattoos unique?
At Queen Bee Tattoos, we specialize in custom tattoo designs that bring our clients’ ideas to life. Whether it’s intricate black-and-gray work, vibrant color pieces, or delicate fine-line designs, we tailor each tattoo to reflect the individual’s story and personality. What sets us apart is our focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel comfortable and excited about their experience. We also take pride in our commitment to safety and cleanliness, ensuring every procedure meets the highest standards.
What do you like most about this work?
The best part of this job is the connection with people. Every tattoo has a story behind it, and it’s such a privilege to help someone express themselves in a permanent and meaningful way. Seeing a client’s face light up when they see the finished piece is incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder of why we started in the first place.
Do you have any advice for others?
If you’re thinking about getting into the tattoo industry, my biggest advice is to be patient and persistent. It takes time to develop the skills and go through the learning and licensing process, but if you’re passionate about it, the hard work is worth it. Make sure you go to a reputable tattoo school. Trends and techniques evolve, so staying curious and open to growth is key. For clients, my advice is to do your research – find an artist whose style resonates with you and don’t be afraid to ask questions, and be sure to look at healed examples of artists’ work.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I just want to say how grateful I am for the support of our community. Queen Bee Tattoos wouldn’t be what it is today without our amazing clients who trust us with their stories and ideas. We’re always looking forward to creating new art and building lasting relationships. If you’ve been thinking about getting a tattoo, come by and chat with us – we’d love to help bring your vision to life!
