Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Whelchel.
Shane, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Started sweeping floors and cleaning toilets at a little local shop to get my foot in the door. Did a …let’s see what you can’t do tattoo on a friend and owner told me I was an artist too, stop playing and start making shop some money… I did. After a few months and owner going through some troubled waters I decided to open my own studio that I could control my environment in and build according to my values.
Today life is incredible. Sponsored many charities such as am Vet Riders, Georgia Military Riders, many benefits, Rape Crisis Center, T Ball, etc. Even had the first Annual Agape Ink Christmas Dinner where we fed many families and Santa and elves gave several gifts to all the children that otherwise wouldn’t have gotten any. Even had turkeys and hams and gifts left over we were able to send to mothers and children at the local battered women and children’s center. Went from making the newspaper for bad decisions to making front page of Christmas edition for spreading love. I have now been blessed with the task of assuming partner ownership and management of men’s recovery center which is known as The Agape Way.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Been a tough but amazing road. Started with no money, no license or car or even home after years of addiction to a life I never dreamed possible.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Agape Ink Tattoo – what should we know?
Our main motto is… “Not Just A Great Tattoo But A Great Experience.” I personally specialize in portraits and photo realism as well as the impossible cover ups… My shop manager Matt Brown, youngest son of Danny Jo Brown…lead singer of Molly Hatchet, specializes in ink free hand drawing on skin into incredible works of art. Lex Stinchcomb, who was my apprentice, specialize in Neo Traditional, and we have an incredible piercer Jenn Doyle that does wonderful things with even the most unusual piercings. Most proud that we have a heart. My 4 year old son was in the womb when I opened and we are a family place where he is the boss every Friday. Art station for kids, Toys …Netflix, kids on big screen etc. Full custom no flash. If you can think it, we can ink it.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have been blessed with some truly amazing guides both in my years of recovery but on personal as well as business ethics.
Contact Info:
- Address: 669 Atlanta Hwy., SE Ste. A
Winder, GA 30680 - Website: agapeinktattoos.com
- Phone: 6784250307 or 4704229608
- Email: agapeinktattoo@gmail.com
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