Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Lisa Doll, Founder and Owner of Rose Red Tattoo Studios and Lisa Doll Academy.
Lisa Doll, an accomplished tattoo and permanent makeup artist who has been tattooing since 2011, is the brain and owner behind Rose Red Tattoo Studios. She aimed to create a turn-key solution for tattoo and permanent makeup artists to explore a better life as entrepreneurs by providing opportunities to enterprising artists who are seeking to grow their financial portfolios with a brand that has a meaningful mission. Known for her advanced skills, reputation as an artist and trainer, Lisa has built Rose Red Tattoo Studios into one of the most sought-after places to work and receive a tattoo; it is known for its forward-thinking, professional artists, excellent client service, mentoring, and quality work.
As someone who is always looking for a new way to express herself creatively, Lisa has built a name for herself as a fun and whimsical artist who loves to embrace color and vibrancy. Lisa launched her career as a tattoo artist in 2011 and has since gone on to open her own studio in 2014 and her own training academy in 2020.
Nothing is more important for Lisa than focusing her business and services on what her clients actually want for themselves – not industry trends or other artists’ styles. Instead, she takes a fresh and clean approach to each new client she has the pleasure to work with. Lisa enjoys the opportunity to connect with a client personally. She helps to bring their vision to life in a new and modern way.
As someone who would rather look ahead to the future than look back to past traditions, Lisa is constantly striving to innovate, create, and ideate in the field. After building a successful tattoo studio, Lisa decided to take her drive for innovation to the next level by opening up an engaging and immersive training academy for others who want to become tattoo and perm makeup artists.
Lisa’s academy provides students with comprehensive training and a welcoming environment in which they could thrive. As a firm believer that all students must meet a high bar of standards to consider themselves competitive tattoo artists, Lisa’s rigorous training course helps prepare students for the professional responsibility they will take on once they break out into the tattoo market. She reminds every student that once they graduate from her training program, they will be the ones to carry the torch and leave the old fringe world of tattooing behind.
Throughout her career, Lisa has been recognized for her work, entrepreneurial spirit, and successful business, along with her successful training academy. Her work has been featured in several publications, including Tattoos for Women Magazine, NPR, Patient Resource magazine, etc. Additionally, Lisa is a certified member of The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals and a board-certified Gold Member of the American Academy of Micropigmentation.
Hi, please tell us more about Rose Red Tattoo Studios.
We are one of the few women-owned tattoo businesses in Maryland, known for its inclusive environment where all clients feel welcome, unlike many traditional studios. This is home to award-winning artists, a working space where resident artists’ careers have always skyrocketed once they’ve joined.
The company aims at combining the two worlds of artistic and cosmetic tattooing into one studio that raises the bar on professionalism from its artists and staff. For the artists, Rose Red provides career growth and empowerment. Artists will benefit from business mentorship, helping them transition to being independent and successful sole proprietors. Artists do not have to start from scratch; they are given a platform to establish their business using a well-known brand name, an establishment that has a strong base and high reputation. They also benefit from running their own business within a community, networking with other artists, and having access to cross clientele in a studio they trust. Private rooms provide the artists and clients with the privacy they need. Artists enjoy a reception area that is fully equipped. Artists will get the feeling that they are leveling up and joining a forward-focused studio for more success. For the clients, Rose Red provides professionalism and artistry they don’t typically come across in a tattoo studio. They will find high-quality artists who want to focus on their artistry and control. The studio offers a unique combination of professionalism, private rooms, spacious studios and has been, over the years, a home for many women artists.
Please share some insights about Lisa Doll Academy.
Since I have 10 years of experience and education in both body and face cosmetic tattooing, I can offer my students an edge over most other training programs with in-depth curriculums designed to set them up for success. My training courses are not meant to just make money and churn out under qualified students who would likely fail at any sort of tattooing career. My goal is to have alumni I would be proud of and carry the professional ethics and modern approach to tattooing they were taught.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
I have been successful by catering to what the clients want, not what the tattoo industry cultures try to push on the public. Clients don’t want an underground, poorly run, fringe tattoo studio. They want skilled, friendly artists who are proficient in their craft and understand the importance of being on time and prepared with good communication skills. They want this in a professional creative environment.
I also run my tattoo services as a beauty career, which focuses more on the “Why” (to adorn their body/feel sexy/attractive/unique etc.) of what the demographic is getting than the “what” (getting art in the form of a tattoo.) This is definitely the key!
Any message for our readers.
The message I’d like to get across is that I’m a confident and innovative businesswoman who is also creative (which is rare!). My visionary approach and willingness to be different are what has made me successful.
Fantastic! So tell us, how can people find out more about you?
You can visit my website. You can also check out my personal Instagram @ladylisadoll and Rose Red Tattoo Studios Instagram @roseredtattoo.
Thank you so much Lisa for giving us your precious time! We wish you the best for your journey ahead!