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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 1, 1999)
6 Smoke Signals husinM Spotlight m if - ssjpaiDadl toflfi Mark and Patti Grosser can measure their success by one simple business rule: the client's happiness comes first. IVZPG TATTOO 141 Lancaster Drive N.E. Salem, Oregon Phone: (503) 588-2082 Fax: (503) 363-7982 HOURS: 1 1 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday-Monday By Tracy Dugan Mark and Patti Grosser have earned themselves quite a reputation in Salem's tattoo industry. And it's all good. In the past four years, their business has grown by leaps and bounds. What started out as a home based business is now a full-fledged separate operation, complete with a staff and contracted tattoo artists. Mark and Patti, who both used to work for the Tribe, quit several years ago to pursue their dream of own ing their own tattooing business, something they did as a part-time project for many years. But their client list kept growing, and in the tattoo market, word-of-mouth recommendations account for a large part of the business. "We really came into this during a time when the tattoo industry was exploding," said Mark. "We wanted to be different, develop a superior reputation." Part of what MPG does to set a high standard is not only meet but consistently exceed state regula tions when it comes to health and safety. The state of Oregon does a surprise inspection once per year, and in six years, MPG has never had a violation. MPG uses single-use disposable needles, and autoclave sterilization practices. To Mark and Patti, the satisfaction and safety of the client is what is most important. "We are an alcohol and drug-free shop," said Patti. "We don't tattoo pregnant ladies, and we counsel ev eryone who comes in here. They have to be sure, because a tattoo is forever." MPG's motto is, "We Cater To Cow ards" which means if someone comes in who is scared or nervous Patti talks with them and encourages them to think about their decision. They can also do a temporary air brushed tattoo that washes off after a few days so the client can have a chance to see what the real thing might look like. "The client is always in control here. We don't pressure people," she said. Located on Lancaster Drive in Sa lem, the Grossers have been rent ing their current shop space since 1998. Before that, they converted part of their home into business space, though that is where their office still is. And during the sum mer, their children sometimes help out in the shop, or get into creating their own art. fiX mww ii r, j" i 7 ri ' ,: il If M . V ft f 5' " Patti and Mark Grosser and some of their tattoo designs. Photo by Tracy Dugan "We create a lot of designs on the computer," said Patti. "All the busi ness paperwork is done from home." The Grossers say that the popular ity of the designs vary, with about half of their customers choosing something they have created. Patti said that it has been popular for women to pick a design that will have the initials of their children or loved ones hidden in their tattoo. "We can create something very per sonal," said Patti. "Many clients want to know that no one will ever have another one like theirs." Mark, who is a tribal member, said that Small Business Development has helped them with a business plan and preparing their taxes. Also, Mark said that the Member Benefit Fund has been nice, because those dollars are also put back into their business. This past year, Mark and Patti both became licenced to teach the art of tattooing, and MPG Tattoo will serve as a career school for those in terested in earning a tattoo licence. "It's a nine month course," said Mark. "We will teach the mechan ics of tattooing, sterilization prac tices, bookkeeping, colorization, and skin disorders, as well as basic pro cedures." Mark said they will accept students based on their schedule and availability of openings. Mark and Patti are both licenced to tattoo, and their four contractors are: Eric, Brett, Randy, and Cathy. The minimum price for an MPG tattoo is $35, but prices vary depend ing on how large a design is, and what part of the body the client wishes to have tattooed. Business classes cancelled You and Your Business Idea Starting A Successful Business The business classes that the Small Business Department usually of fers twice a year (once over twelve weeks in the fall, then again in the spring) WILL NOT BE OFFERED THIS FALL as originally sched uled. In addition, at least twelve students are needed to offer the classes in the spring. If you had planned on taking either of these classes this fall, you can still take them through ONABEN's Portland office. If enough students register, they will be offering the class beginning Thursday, September 9, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. It will be held every Thursday thereafter for a total of 12 weeks at the Siletz Area Office in Portland. Anyone inter ested in taking these classes, please call Kristy Kelso with ONABEN at 1-800-854-8289 or (503) 243-5015 - ASAP. Small business loans may soon be available The Tribe's Small Business Development Department receives several inquiries regarding small business loans. The Tribe does not have a loan fund of any type. However, ONABEN is working with the Union Bank of California on a loan program specially designed to serve the needs of start-up busi nesses. One of the eligibility criteria for this loan is that the loan appli cant complete ONABEN's Starting A Successful Business Class. If you think you might be interested in taking out this business start up loan your opportunities for participating in this class begin Sep tember 9 in Portland and then every Thursday thereafter for a total of 12 weeks or wait until January and see if enough students sign up to offer it in Grand Ronde. For more information, please call the Small Business Development at 879-2487 or 1-800-422-0232.
