A traditional tattooist, who has been waiting for his big break, is opening his first shop in his village.
Connor Fox (30) is a tattoo artist who has been doing the job for many years. He was trained by Sam Cole in Sutton Bridge ten years ago.
He finally opens his shop in the village the next week, after overcoming many obstacles. It was a dream come true.
“This is my first proper studio on the high street,” he said
“I love tattooing and if I could give everything up and just do that full time I would.
“However, it’s a risk I’m taking so I’m still going to be working in the factory while doing this part time.”
Connor has been working in factories over the past ten years while also offering tattoos from his Holbeach studio.
He originally had planned to open his own business in 2020, but then the pandemic hit.
“Just before Covid I was ready to go, I had built up my clientele and was going to open up on my own but then when that happened it stopped me from being able to do anything,” he explained.
“I had only just got started.
“It wasn’t until last June when I was able to get back to it.
“I work full time in a factory – and have been for ten years – but when this place came up it was an absolute steal so I thought it was time to make that jump.
“It will be ‘appointment only’ to start with and then I will have designated walk-in days as well.
“With appointments, it means that people have some privacy as no-one is going to just walk in while they are having their tattoo done. I think that’s really important.”
Connor is a Holbeach native who grew up in Sutton Bridge and moved to Holbeach three years ago.
He’s currently in the process of giving the building a lick of paint.
“I’ve gutted it and started again,” he said.
“It’s definitely looking a lot better than it did and will be ready in time for opening. I’m excited.
“There aren’t any other tattooists in Sutton Bridge and, as far as I know, there aren’t any from King’s Lynn to Holbeach and then up to Wisbech in that triangle.
“I’m a little bit nervous but I’ve had a really good reception so far.”
Connor dreams of being able to offer tattoos full-time one day. But he needs to succeed before he takes the plunge.
“I’ve set myself a six month timeline to see how I’m doing,” he added.
“If by then I’m nicely booked up I’ll look at what to do next.
“I’ll be working Monday to Saturday doing different hours each week so there will be plenty of chances for people to get booked in with me.”
Connor Ryan Tattoo will be open Monday, April 3, from 10 am-4 pm. Anyone interested in getting inked is welcome to come and have a chat.
More information and examples of Connor’s work can be found on the Connor Ryan Tattoo Facebook page.
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