The art of telling stories in permanent ink – Tongaat

What began with a homemade tattoo machine made with a safety pin and a small electric motor has evolved into a legitimate business for an innovative Tongaat resident.

From the deep rural valley of Emona outside Tongaat, Nhlakanipho Sibiya took a step into the unknown two years ago when a school friend who wanted a tattoo asked him to do the deed.

“I had no clue how to do it, but he had a homemade tattoo machine. He was very impressed with my work, a rose on his arm, and that is how it started,” said Sibiya, who had always had a flair for drawing.

More people started approaching him, asking him to do their tattoos and his hobby grew into a lucrative business.

After finishing matric in 2016 he decided to make his hobby a full-time career but was scared to make the big step of renting a studio.

“I worked from home until February this year when my clients persuaded me to open a studio in Tongaat. It made a huge difference as I get a lot more customers compared to when I was working from home.”

The enthusiastic entrepreneur believes that his passion to always produce quality tattoos is what has grown his reputation.

“You have got to have a good relationship with your clients and ensure that they understand what needs to be done after you have done their tattoo.”

One of his most difficult projects to date was a client who wanted his entire head tattooed, a mammoth operation.
“It was difficult but I managed to do it for him and he was happy. That really boosted my confidence because I am now sure that I can do any tattoo requested on any part of the body,” said the 21-year-old Sibiya.

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