Meet Sara Fogle of Chico Lou’s Fine Tattoos in Athens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Fogle.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I had always know that I loved to draw but had no idea how I could make a living with my art. After dropping out of college I started tattooing. The first few years were rough and after an injury forced me to take time off I went back to school to study cosmetology. As I was finishing up cosmology school I began tattooing again. I also became an assistant to Elizabeth O’Shaughnessy at Model Citizen Salon. One day she took me aside and told me I had to choose between hair or tattoos because I’d never be good at either until I fully committed to one. It was one of those defining moments. I said without hesitation “Tattoos!” It had at last become clear to me that this was what I wanted to devote my life to fully. Two years later I found myself back at Model Citizen but this time it was to open my own private tattoo studio. Chico Lou’s Fine Tattoos is a small studio that exists in tandem with Model Citizen Salon.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say that it’s been a smooth road to get to place I am but I’ve had the help of some great friends along the way. As someone dealing with chronic illness I know that importance of relying on those around you. I am fortunate to have been surrounded by great people both at home and at work. I am living with an auto-immune disease called scleraderma. Scleraderma is an overproduction of collagen that often results in hardening of connective tissues. One symptom is Raynaud’s phenomenon. My hands are very sensitive to cold and vibration. I’ve been told by doctors that I should choose a new profession but, tattooing is what I love. I’ll continue as long as I am able. I plan on that being a very long time.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Chico Lou’s Fine Tattoos – what should we know?
Chico Lou’s Fine Tattoos is a private studio named for my Chihuahua Chico who passed this year at the ripe old age of 19. My art teachers used to tell me that I had to pick a style if I ever wanted to get anywhere but, I never could. I guess I still haven’t. I love many different styles of tattooing. I enjoy everything from gray scale realism to black work. The one constant is that I love to do animal tattoos. I get to tattoo lots of tributes to pets and I love being a part of that.

I’ve been lucky enough to work with some great animal charities through Chico Lou’s Fine tattoos. Most recently I got to participate in Boo-Le-Bark on the Boulevard, a costumed dog parade in the Athens Boulevard neighborhood.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My goal in creating Chico Lou’s Fine tattoos was to create a space that wasn’t intimidating. I strive to really listen to my clients and help them express themselves through tattoos. I want to give people tattoos that they will love for a life time.

Pricing:

• $125 per hour

Contact Info:

• Address: 497 Prince Av Athens 30601
• Website: www.chicolousfinetattoos.com
• Phone: 7065433656
• Email: machen.sara@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saramachenart/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saramachenart/?ref=bookmarks

Image Credit:
Sara M Fogle

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