My Obsession with Tattoos
Jump to 1988. On my 18th birthday I got my very first tattoo, which was a Panther on my arm that was done by Jan on Broad St in Columbus Ohio.
After high-school, I had thought I wanted to be a chef and so by time I graduated from culinary school in California in 1993, I had 6 tattoos.
Enter the Tattoo Apprentice
In November of 1996, I began realizing that a career as a chef was not going to work for me. So I packed up my art work and started knocking on the local tattoo shop doors, looking for an apprenticeship. Back then there were maybe 22 or so local shops in town, and 21 of them said NO. It was Kevin who finally said YES and gave me a shot.
Over the next 6 months I would earn the chance to learn tattooing techniques and styles, by serving as the shop bitchThis meant everything from cleaning toilets, washing windows, making needles, and even painting walls. In the end it was worth it. Kevin taught me how to tattoo.
Founded Body Language Tattoo Shop
Most people don't know this, but in January of 1999 I actually opened Body Language in the exact spot it is today on S Hamilton Rd in Columbus, Ohio. This was my primary business for about the next 10 years.
My Fitness Businesses
I have a lot of other passions and one of them happens to be endurance racing. So in In 2011, I opened my second business, founding a triathlon store called Triformance Swim Bike Run.
A few years later in 2014, with the triathlon shop up and running, I sold part of Body Language to my former apprentice, Joey Knuckles, and he came on as my business partner at Body Language.
In 2018, continuing down the path fo fitness-oriented businesses, I sold my remaining shares of Body Language to Joey and founded a gym called the Self-Made Training Facility.
Full Circle Tattooing
The year 2020 was my rebirth into professional tattooing. Like a lot of businesses at the time, the COVID-19 pandemic would pretty much crush my fledgling gym business. That whole experience made me realize that how much I truly love my career as a professional tattoo artist.
Looking back now, it was the BEST decision I've ever made. I love tattooing, and I love meeting new people in the shop. Most of all, absolutely love the reactions I see in a satisfied clients face, as they look in the mirror for the first time at their brand new tattoo.
Honoring our First Responders with a $50 Gift Card
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible work our first responders do every day. You are the unsung heroes of our communities, always ready to put yourselves in harm's way to help those in need. To help celebrate, I'm giving out "Wes Cash" to our first responders for their next tattoo.