Celebrity Ink is a unique business concept offering huge potential for individuals with absolutely no experience in the tattoo industry.

This smart retail business is making its mark selling something very different from neighbouring stores – a premium tattoo experience. Yet keen entrepreneurs who invest in a Celebrity Ink studio don’t need to sport a tattoo themselves.

Savvy, everyday Aussies are spotting the benefits of this distinctive brand and investing in the standout business model.

General manager Tanya Byrne says the business appeals to anyone from any background. Current franchisees include a doctor, an accountant and a stay-at-home mum.

No experience, plenty of freedom

“This is a unique opportunity for people without a retail background or tattoo experience. It is an amazing concept that many people won’t ever have considered, because it’s so different,” she says.

“This is a fun and engaging industry, but franchisees don’t necessarily need to work in the business themselves,” says Tanya.

Franchisees can build the best business and still enjoy a high level of freedom and flexibility. Small, well-trained teams can manage the studios while franchisees leverage Celebrity Ink’s superior tech tools to monitor business performance.

Premium support

“Technology allows franchisees to stay in constant contact with their studio. They receive live data so can make informed decisions on the go.”

A custom-built CRM (customer relationship management) system that accelerates the brand in the marketplace is a powerful tool for franchisees. They can access local and national live data to pinpoint demographics, identify popular themes, and create a marketing strategy to maximise customer potential.

“It is a fantastic way to monitor the customer journey and work on improvements. We can drill down to the finest detail from a customer’s initial enquiry to the time their service is completed in the studio. This data can also assist us with the lifetime value of the client, by re-marketing and continuously engaging with our customers,” says Tanya.

Innovation at Celebrity Ink

The team at Celebrity Ink HQ, on the Gold Coast, has continually innovated to better help franchisees boost their business.

Celebrity Ink broke new ground by partnering with financial services brand Afterpay, offering customers a flexible way to pay for their tattoo art.

“We focus on differentiation and maintaining a strong brand image by consistently delivering outstanding services, investing in innovation, and using effective marketing strategies to stand out in the marketplace and ensure we are three steps ahead of our competitors,” says Tanya.

“Celebrity Ink strategically places studio sites in high foot traffic areas including shopping centres. We analyse the local market and demographics to ensure the best possible opportunity for success for our franchisees.

Premium locations

“All the demographics for towns and regions we want to target have been researched and mapped out by a demographic mapping company. The firm highlights the best shopping centre for our brand.”

The Celebrity Ink team also negotiates with shopping centre landlords like Westfield. The tattoo chain’s brand power means franchisees can receive contributions towards their  fit-outs and refurbishments.

Once a franchisee signs up for a location, the Celebrity Ink team steps in and transforms the store. The franchisee is quite literally walking into a fully-finished studio.

A turnkey operation

“It really is a turnkey operation. The fittings, decor, and branding elements that our team chooses, help to establish a unique and recognisable identity for our studios,” says Tanya.

“This helps our customers feel comfortable and inspired, which can, in turn, enhance their overall experience and make them more likely to become repeat customers.

“This process is all about making sure franchisees get the best-looking store in the right location.

“There is so much potential,” she points out. “Studios have extended opening hours in line with the shopping centres, which delivers more opportunities for customers to visit.”

More Celebrity Ink opportunities

Once franchisees have reaped the rewards of operating one store, they are eager to further leverage the brand power and invest in a second studio, she says.

“An ambitious franchise buyer with big goals could also purchase an exclusive territory upfront. Then, in consultation with Celebrity Ink, they can expand to multiple studios within their area.”

“Celebrity Ink is an attractive investment opportunity even in a challenging economic climate. The unique qualities and competitive advantages of our franchise model help us stand out,” Tanya says.