Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their very own.
Nestled within the coronary heart of San Francisco, Black Serum Tattoo is a sanctuary of artwork and empathy, curated meticulously by its proprietor, Brücius Zylander, to assist first-time shoppers and tattoo fans alike really feel relaxed in a judgment-free area.
Earlier than he had his studio, Zylander felt intimidated by tattoo artists. “Once I was younger and I went right into a tattoo store, my concepts had been turned down. I used to be just about kicked out,” he says.
Now, as a enterprise proprietor, he emphasizes treating shoppers with the utmost respect and consideration. “I prefer to deal with the shopper the best way I want to be handled,” he says. “Usually, my shoppers haven’t got many tattoos — some haven’t any — and I really feel honored that they arrive to me for the primary one or their just one.”
This philosophy has formed how Black Serum operates, making it a welcoming area for everybody, no matter their tattoo expertise. Hearken to the episode beneath to listen to immediately from Zylander.
One other expectation Zylander units is being candid about his creative preferences and limitations. Being sincere with potential shoppers about his capabilities helps preserve a excessive customary of labor.
“I am unable to tattoo huge items as a result of I exploit a extremely small needle,” he explains. “For me, it is [about] element in subject material, not dimension.”
His specialization in detailed, smaller tattoos, notably of animals and birds, permits him to excel and stand out within the trade. Relating to designs exterior his experience, Zylander is simple about his limitations. This transparency ensures shoppers are at all times matched with the appropriate artist for his or her imaginative and prescient, whether or not at Black Serum or by way of a referral to a different studio.
This degree of customized and conscientious consideration extends by way of the Black Serum expertise, notably when establishing buyer consolation and belief.
“If the artist sympathizes with the shopper, understands the shopper, and connects with them, [then] we ensure that the shopper is snug in some ways,” Zylander says. “Some come to get a tattoo that’s so important — perhaps it is a memorial tattoo, perhaps it is a damaged coronary heart or only a activate occasions of their life — so we now have a duty. It’s a critical matter.”
Constructing upon the customized expertise, the studio operates by appointment solely, which permits for detailed consultations and a relaxed environment. This mannequin attracts many purchasers who aren’t as prone to pop right into a tattoo studio on a whim.
“Most of our shoppers are in science, nature, antiquity,” he says. “My studio and I draw a sure form of shopper to the area, and I guarantee that my artists are tuned into that. [This] mixture culminates within the piece that they at all times wished [but] had been shy about getting, and did not discover the artist to do it till they researched [and found Black Serum].”
By means of its dedication to artistry and customer support, Black Serum Tattoo exemplifies how understanding and addressing the precise wants of your shoppers can result in a extremely profitable and sought-after enterprise. Zylander’s dedication to creating a snug, respectful and artistically enriching setting is a testomony to the ability of mixing ardour with distinctive service.
Zylander’s strategy to working Black Serum Tattoo presents priceless classes for different enterprise house owners:
- Personalization is essential. Adapt your providers to satisfy every shopper’s distinctive wants. This customized strategy enhances the client expertise and fosters loyalty and referrals.
- Embrace your area of interest. Know your strengths, and be open about your limitations. This honesty helps handle buyer expectations and builds belief, serving to guarantee shoppers at all times obtain the absolute best product.
- Create an inviting environment. Your online business’s setting performs a vital position in how prospects really feel. Creating an area that displays your corporation’s values and tradition could make shoppers really feel welcomed and comfy.
Subscribe to Behind the Evaluation for extra from new enterprise house owners and reviewers each Thursday. Obtainable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Pandora and Soundcloud.
Editorial contributions by Kristi Lindahl
This text is a part of our ongoing America’s Favourite Mother & Pop Outlets™ collection highlighting family-owned and operated companies.




