Well, I just admitted defeat; Calling it quits on the business I've owned for 12 yrs!

[S.Filpansick]

I have co-owned a tattoo/piercing studio since December 1998 (we opened Jan 1999); she's my baby! And... I just gave up on her.

I've been trying to hold on for the "revitalization" of Flint, but it's just not happening fast enough. The entire industry is based on people having "extra" money, which is non-existent in Flint Michigan. I was even considering getting another job, to help pay the bills at the shop, but that just doesn't make any sense... it's time to walk away.

Here's the email/blog/note that I just sent out to the world to break the bad news:

"So, it seems my time at Consolidated Ink & Steel has run its course. I've been struggling with the decision of whether to stay or go for well over a year, and could never really make up my mind; it's been almost 12 years there; I've had some great times, met some great people, and made some great memories... but, as they say, all good things must end.

Over the last several years, the city has changed, the people have changed, the shop has changed, the industry itself has changed, and I, personally, have changed. I'm not saying that any of those changes were necessarily for the better or the worse, all I'm saying is that 107 W. Kearsley St. no longer feels like "home".

I still have a major love for the art of body piercing, and really all forms of body modification; and there's a good chance you'll run into me in the industry somewhere down the road; but at this point, I just don't know when or where.

For the time being, I'll still be piercing at Consolidated every Wednesday and Friday, 5pm til 10pm, to try to burn up some of the supplies I'm still sitting on, but my last day at the shop is going to be Friday, August 27th, 2010. If you (or anyone you know) wants to get anything done by me, try to get in asap.

If any of you want to contact me about anything, the best bet is to call my cell (xxx.xxx.xxxx), email me (steve.filpansick@xxx.xxx), or send me a message on Facebook or Myspace (Steve Filpansick on both of those).

My little "network" of interweb friends is somewhat small, so I'd really appreciate it if you guys could/would all repost this for me (or pass it along in any other way that you see fit). I've had a lot of customers over the years, and I'd like to try to get this info out to as many of them as possible.

Any of you that know me, know that I'm typically not a very emotional person; but from the deepest reaches of my heart and soul, I want to throw a giant "Thank you!" out there to all of you that supported me (and the business) for all of those years; I couldn't have done it without you!
I'd like to throw an extra "thanks" to Jay and Johnny for covering my ass while I tried to figure out which direction I wanted/needed to go.


It's been truly great, and hopefully, I'll see you around!
Steve"

[joeydego]

Wow, that's bad news. I got my 1st tat about 3 months ago and I love it. I wanted to go right back for another, but funds are lacking. 300 bucks is a lot of scratch with my bills these days. I bet most of your clientel is in the same boat.

[tampa]

Sorry to hear that man. That sucks. Good luck.

[AllAboutTone]

Man even though I am against marking up the human body I am so sorry that your love of art is closing down, I respect that 100 percent, I hope you can find something else that you will love and make great $$.

Good Luck.....Hope everything works out no matter what.

[BeK$]

Should have lived next to DarwinJames...

In all seriousness best of luck in your future endeavors.

[Sqye]

.

lol, bek$.


sorry to hear that, man.

best of luck to you in your future efforts!

sounds like you got the entrepreneurial spirit.

you'll rock it out!
thumbsup

.

[Horst26]

i've seen two tattoo parlors close in Clio and Montrose in the last year all thats left around here is electric chair and in my opinion they overprice, its sad to see so many good businesses die in flint and its surrounding areas.

[The MPCist]

Sorry to hear that. Even though this might seem like a big bump in the road, it'll probably open up doors to things even bigger and better. Keep the faith bro.

[Thomas W. Bethe]

I guess it is not only you that is having problems owning a tattoo establishment.

We had a tattoo parlor open up here in town. They started up with only one station of three being used. It seemed like they had a lot of business at first and were making plans to open more stations. After a year they were closed. No one really knows what happened but I think it was the recession and the lack of disposable income. They were very good and their prices seemed in line with other establishments in this area. Another parlor opened in a city near here and since they opened two years ago have gone through three owners and three name changes.

People have to be working and earning a good wage to be able to afford their passions.

Hopefully things will continue to improve and you will find some work that is rewarding both mentally and fiscally.

Best of luck!

[S.Filpansick]

Thanks everybody!