Meet Angela Whitt | Owner and operator of Whitt’s True Tattoo

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela Whitt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, how do you think about risk?
I have always been taught to do things scared. Never stay comfortable. My Dad used to tell me “Do whatever it takes to get your foot in the door, you will be so glad you did!” Paired with My Mothers advice of ” Everybody has to be an actress from time to time.” I have been able to go on some awesome adventures and met some amazing people by following those bits of advice. I have met some amazing artists and all-around interesting people in the business world by just walking through closed doors. It has also taught me to think outside the box when it comes to business and making money.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Her at Whitt’s we employ 6 artists and 3 piercing technicians. We offer almost every kind of style of tattooing. We have 3 piercers that can pierce whatever you like. Running a shop like this has been easier for me as I grew up in the business and I have seen the do’s and don’ts along the way. I have just learned if you treat people well and give a good solid product you will be successful. Here at Whitts we are a family, and we treat all of our clients just like family too. We get to be a part of so many special parts of people’s lives it is truly an honor to be a part of their Journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ok! Knoxville can be a lot of fun. I would start out with taking them to Market square. They have awesome spots to eat, shop, and hang out. There is everything from parks to awesome museums, nice venues for plays, live music, and concerts. Then there is the old city. Lots of places for dinner, dancing or hang out with your friends. Lots of specialty bars and we even have a speak easy with killer cocktails. Next, we would have to move to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg! We have Cades Cove, Part of the National parks of Smoky Mountains. You will see things that are only here. Take a great hike on one of the hundreds of trails the park has to offer. Go have dinner and a show. Shop the Tanger Outlets, best shopping ever!!! Go rent a Cabin or a condo here in the smoky mountains. You won’t ever forget these views!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow! How did I get here?? It started with My Mother and Father. My parents started a company so that people who were deemed not good enough or people who couldn’t pay upfront for a tattoo apprenticeship still got a chance to come and work in a clean and safe space to create their own art and be trained correctly and be supported in a positive way. After my dad died my brother opened Whitt’s Legacy tattoo. He continued to work and create beautiful art for 12 years. After the death of my brother the shop was offered to me and with the help of my longtime friends and some new friends we started Whitts True Tattoo. An awesome shop who takes care of you and your family. We decided to run it exactly like my parents would have. Safe, clean, positive, and fun! We treat each person like family and with the utmost respect.

Instagram: Whittstruetattoo

Facebook: Whitts True Tattoo

Image Credits
Kevin Lemere Photography