Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Alfonso .
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Well, my journey to owning and managing the studio began in 2010, when I first met my husband Jp Alfonso. I didn’t know anything about tattoo culture or tattoo artists, but he and I fell in love quickly, so I had to learn, LOL. I realized immediately that any preconceived notions I had about tattooers, did not apply to Jp. He worked constantly. Always searching for the best ways to improve.
He treated his career with the same passion and determination of many other professions that were considered main stream. He was inspiring, but he needed help. As with many creative people, he did not possess the ability to focus 100% on his art, while also trying to keep up with clients and navigate many of the situations in his personal life that were challenging. He asked me if I could help.
Having experience running a small business, and being an organized person with knowledge and resources in the business world, I was honored to help take over, pretty much every aspect of his career, other than art.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Jp and I have had many challenges and heartbreaks along the way. We tried a couple of times to open a studio, before Jp Alfonso Studios. We were successful with one, but decided to close in the first year, so Jp could travel and learn from many artists. During that time, he was able to make a name for himself and win close to 80 awards for his work. After that, we felt we were ready to open our studio again. That was just the beginning of a new set of challenges. We did not know how difficult it would be to open in Gwinnett County.
Old stereotypes and government policies made the process extremely difficult. It took a year for us to open and we’re fortunate to become the first tattoo studio in 25 years to be granted permission to open in our county. Now, new shops are opening all over Gwinnett. I’m happy that we were able to help open the door for others with our same dream. O
ver the last 5 years, we have been blessed with an amazing group of super talented artists. Each had a unique skill set and a lot of challenges. Jp worked to help everyone with their art and I helped anything and everything else. I really saw a void that was present in our industry and work every day to fill that void and give our artists the support and resources to focus on their talent and their families. I am so fulfilled in helping grow our people. I’m so proud to see them getting booked beyond their dreams, buy their first homes, travel, get married and start families. Whatever dream they have, we are there to support and help them achieve that.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jp Alfonso Studios?
My role is in the background. The work that all the artists at our studio create is truly inspiring. They are ALL amazing artists and even better people Check them all out. 🙂
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson for me is to follow my heart. I must honor whatever decisions will bring the most peace to my life. As a woman in a male dominated industry, this is not always easy to do. Many of the people I turn to for advice have a very black and white approach to what a boss looks like. For me, a boss looks like many things. I choose to be fluid and open to the many differences that each situation brings me. People, especially artists, are not one size fits all.
Contact Info:
- Email: Jpalfonsostudios@hotmail.com
- Website: www.jpalfonsostudios.com
- Instagram: @jpalfonsostudios
Image Credits:
@jp_alfonso
@tattookies
@peraltattoo_art
@aprilshowerstattoo
@tarobushido
@floodtattoo
@mrgingerjaw
@alemantattooscuba
@art.by.saro
@sharleenerivera
@stephaniejadepmu
