Today we’d like to introduce you to Randy Janson.
Randy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Born in California, grew up in the skateboard, surf culture. Worked in the skateboard industry prior to tattooing. Skateboarding had a follow “no rules” element to it, upon exiting that industry, tattooing had the same appeal in 1991. Freedom and ability to expand my artistic mind lead me to tattooing. I was given my break when I was hired at Avalon Tattoo in 1992. I spent close to 12 years working there, I traveled all over the states and Europe during this time making a name for myself and learning tons.
I went off on my own late 2002 and opened a private one-man shop Innu Tattoo. The solo shop allowed me to explore other enterprises, custom motorcycle building, film making.
Some years later, I dreamed up the idea of a tattoo, barber and coffee shop under one roof. I created Two Roses in Barrio Logan and opened it in 2008. A valuable lesson was learned in the opening of Two Roses, partnerships can be the worst business deal you may make, in my case it turned out to be just that. I exited with zero assets and started El Rey Tattoo & Barber, sold and engagement ring in a pawn shop and used the money and a lot of do it yourself know how and built the shop. I have survived on giving my best and in turn word of mouth has giving me the success that I have gained over all these years. A true artist art isn’t the art that is created but the lifestyle that is surrounded in making the artwork.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Living the life of an artist is always a roller coaster ride. The ebb and flow of finances is not for the weak at heart, you have to stay positive and keep moving forward. It’s never a smooth road but these experiences along the way help teach you new ways to make things happen with little finances. I do well on my own but knowledge and encouragement is always good from others, I draw the line here and won’t go down the path of partnerships again. Generally, is the combination of the creative one and the financial one and the financial one seems to always line his pockets on the hard work of the creative one.
El Rey Tattoo and Barber – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
El Rey Tattoo & Barber has a traditional barbershop in the front half of the building, specializing in the traditional practices of barbering in modern day luxury. There are three barber stations decorated with beautiful barber chairs from the early 1950’s. Hot towel straight razor shaves are the norm in the barbershop. The entire shop is decorated in bigger than life tattoo flash designs hand painted by Randy. The tattoo area houses three tattoo stations. Custom tattooing takes place here, customers come in with ideas and leave with great tattoos. Randy is known for his portrait work and photo realism, Japanese work, free hand designs and his ability to adapt to any style.
El Rey Tattoo & Barber has a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere, we try to make everyone feel welcome and give them an enjoyable, memorable experience. All of us who work here are one big family and we treat our customers as friends and family. We are thankful to all who visit us and spend time sharing stories with us.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I would define success as the balance of knowledge gained and happiness with the occupation done day after day. Making money and hating what you do isn’t success to ma at all. I am lucky, I love what I do. I look for like-minded people to work with. Passion over pay checks. If you have the passion and put in the hard work the reward will come your way.
Anyone can hustle and make a buck but very few can choose a profession, make a living, put in the years and at the end of it say they loved every minute of it.
Contact Info:
- Address: El Rey Tattoo & Barber
4018 43rd St
San Diego, Ca. 92105 - Website: elreysd.com
- Phone: 619-501-0359
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: el_rey_barbershop el_rey_tattoo
- Facebook: El Rey Barbershop El Rey Tattoo
- Yelp: El Rey Tattoo & Barber
Image Credit:
Ryen McPhearson
Jaime Favorite
Mike Camacho
Brian Sliter
Randy Janson
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
walt tiedge
December 21, 2017 at 6:41 pm
Randy is one of the finest dud I have ever had working for me, it was easy to give him a free hand at his craft whether
it was skateboading or his music. and he is one of the most honest employee that Gullwing ever had , he was always working for the company and his riders as well as his craft, I never have had any doubt that he would be successful in any endeaver that he had the guts to do. love you DUD walt