My journey into the world of tattoos started in a way many do – with a friend, a needle, and a bit of youthful curiosity. Back in 1976 in Stamford, CT, my friend Tony Esposito was just beginning his tattooing journey. Always up for an adventure, I volunteered my arm and became his canvas for my first tattoo. Little did I know, watching Tony tattoo countless people throughout the 80s would plant a seed that would eventually blossom into Body Branding Tattoo Emporium.
Alt: First tattoo experience in Stamford, CT with friend Tony Esposito in the 1970s, marking the beginning of interest in tattooing.
The allure of the tattoo world deepened in 1977 when I stepped into Big Joe’s Tattoo Parlor in Mount Vernon, NY. Even though I wasn’t considering becoming a tattoo artist myself at the time, the atmosphere was captivating. “Chicks, Tats, bikes, and everything I liked,” as I remember thinking. It sparked a vision: “I’d like to have a place like this someday.” This early exposure fueled a fascination that would simmer for years.
Throughout the late 70s and early 80s, my interest evolved from simply getting tattoos to studying the artists themselves. I became a collector of ink and knowledge, closely observing the techniques of artists like “Shorty” from Port Chester, NY, Lee Kutamsh in Bedford, NY, and, of course, my friend Tony Esposito. Each artist had their unique style and approach, further enriching my understanding of the craft.
Life took a detour in the mid-80s. Marriage, kids, and a job as an Incinerator Operator for the city of Stamford filled my days. However, the desire for a change, both in career and environment, began to grow. Concerns about the local schools and the daily grind of my job pushed me to seek something more. So, in 1987, my family and I packed up and headed south to Naples, Florida, chasing sunshine and palm trees.
Alt: Sunny Naples, Florida landscape with palm trees, representing the move to a new life and business venture.
Initially, my entrepreneurial spirit led me to open a bike shop called “Jimbos Hog Parts.” Unfortunately, a divorce led to the shop’s closure and a major life change. Yet, as is often the case, what seemed like a setback turned into an opportunity. During this period, I befriended Suzy, a great listener and confidante. One day, Suzy, knowing my past fascination with tattooing, asked, “Jimbo, you’ve talked about your tattooing experiences, do you think you could teach me what you know if I buy the equipment?”
Intrigued, I agreed. Suzy invested in a Spaulding & Rogers deluxe tattoo setup, complete with Tattooing A-Z, a sterilizer, and even a Revolution Machine. Our backyard orange tree became our practice ground. We tattooed oranges hundreds of times, far more than we ever ate. This hands-on experimentation was crucial in developing our initial skills.
As our orange-peel canvases piled up, friends noticed and started requesting tattoos themselves. We diligently followed Hucks Spaulding’s “Tattooing A-Z” as our guide, treating it like a bible for beginners. We also sought inspiration from local tattoo artists like A.J. Johnson, now the owner of Looking Glass Tattoo in Bonita Springs, FL, and Ed “Cash” Coventry, who would visit Naples and tattoo at Mickey’s Place. Watching Ed “Cash” work was particularly inspiring and solidified my aspiration to fully commit to tattooing as a profession.
Later, I connected with Deano. Suzy’s interest in tattooing had waned, and I found a new partner in Deano. I set up a studio in my house, acquiring machines from Big Joe. While Deano was drawn to the party scene, I preferred the stability of my home studio, prioritizing sterilization and a controlled environment.
Working days in my pressure cleaning business and nights tattooing in my home studio kept me busy. We were doing a significant amount of tattoo work. One night, at a bar, Deano jokingly challenged me, “I bet you a dollar you couldn’t open up a legitimate tattoo parlor in Naples.” At the time, tattooing was widely believed to be illegal in Naples. I took the bet.
Alt: The opening of the first licensed tattoo parlor in Naples, Florida, marking a milestone in the local tattoo industry.
It took nearly two years of intensive research into state tattoo laws and local ordinances, along with navigating county commission hurdles. Finally, in 1994, I received the call: my license was approved. I had successfully opened the first legal tattoo parlor in Naples. That dollar bet became the catalyst for a significant turning point.
With the tattoo parlor legally established, business took off. Initially juggling the pressure cleaning business and the tattoo shop proved unsustainable. In 1995, after four months of running both, I sold the cleaning business to focus solely on tattooing. A year or two later, Todd Vargas, a visiting artist, worked at my shop temporarily. He encouraged me to join the National Tattoo Association (NTA), and thanks to his connection, my membership was quickly approved.
Body piercing emerged as another growing trend. Serendipitously, Nemesis, a piercing shop owner from Seattle, WA, came into my shop looking to establish himself in the area. We struck a deal: I would learn piercing from him while he built his clientele. After about a year, feeling confident in my piercing skills, Nemesis moved on to open a shop in Ft. Myers Beach.
Seeking to further enhance the professionalism and safety standards of my shop, I joined the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). Their stringent criteria aligned with my commitment to hygiene and best practices in the industry. Around this time, while researching business names, I came across “Branding.” While not yet a widespread trend in the early 90s, I felt it had a catchy appeal and potential, especially for the East Coast market. “Body Branding Tattoo Emporium” was born. Although we have offered branding services, tattoos remain the core of our business.
And what about that dollar bet? Years later, Deano returned to Florida, paid me that dollar from 1992 in 2015, and now even has a chair at Body Branding Tattoo Emporium – all thanks to a dollar and a dream. My journey, from a curious observer getting my first tattoo to owning a thriving tattoo shop, has been filled with unexpected turns, challenges overcome, and a deep passion for the art of tattooing and body modification. Body Branding Tattoo Emporium stands as a testament to that journey, offering a professional and experienced space for those looking to express themselves through ink and, yes, even branding.
