On Experimentation And Making Space For Your Ideas: Emily Ng
This week, we’re preparing for the second conversation in our Money Mindsets series, a three-part conversation with local Austin leaders at the Capital One Café downtown on November 21, December 7 and December 19 exploring money setbacks, leveling up and staying financially informed.
Today, we’re publishing an interview with Emily Ng about her award-winning stick-and-poke shop, newly opened in East Austin.
ABOUT EMILY NG:
Emily Ng is a tattoo artist, musician and the owner of No Good Tattoo, a female-driven contemporary studio in Springdale General.
Describe the way your business and projects have grown and/or changed within the last three to five years.
No Good Tattoo has only been open for about six months, but a lot has changed since I decided to open the studio. It was originally going to be a private studio with just one other artist and I. The studio now hosts six full time artists and a constant stream of guests from around the US. This decision was based on the needs and wants I was constantly observing from my community. It was clear to me that there was a demand for more variety in the tattooing scene in Austin. It was also clear that many women, LGBTQ+ and non-binary folx and people of color were not being given chances to work in traditional shops. The decision to grow took all that into account. I started with three artists, including myself, and we have hired three more since. The shop is now full for the most part, and after putting some finishing touches on it early next year, I'll be working on opening a second location.
What's a money tip or trick that you've learned recently?
Don't fall trap to the "if you build it, they will come" mindset. Make sure people want to buy what you're selling before investing a lot of your own money or going into debt! You can do this by doing preorders or making an "MVP" (minimum viable product) that gives just enough of what you're trying to sell. If you can get a lot of people to commit to that, then you can feel confident making bigger financial investments.
What advice or lesson would you share with someone who’s at the start of doing their own thing?
Don't let yourself become paralyzed by big decisions. If you're waiting on someone more experienced to give you an answer, it might never happen. Do the research and then just go for it! Nothing is final; you can always change it later.
Design by Danni Wright
want more?
Join us at Money Moves and Mindsets this Saturday, December 7 from 10 AM to noon at the Capital One Café to hear Ng’s story. Thanks to Capital One’s commitment to supporting women in entrepreneurship and small business owners, this event is free and open to the public with RSVP.
Can’t make it? We highly suggest learning more about our biannual conference WORK, a one-day event that presents new ideas and approaches to creative and entrepreneurial work. Hosting 300 guests every summer and winter, this biannual, one-day event's panels, workshops and speaker sessions touch on personal and professional development, marketing, wellness, business management and entrepreneurship. ✨The next WORK conference will be held in January 2020 at the University of Texas at Austin’s Rowling Hall.