No Excuses: How Stephen Hecker Balances Tattooing, 7 Kids, Writing Books, & Success
- S2E41
- 33:59
- June 30th 2025
What does it really take to be a successful tattoo artist, a present parent, and a productive creative? In this episode, we sit down with multi-award-winning tattoo artist and father of seven, Steven Hecker (aka WhatTheHecker88), to talk about time management, motivation, and how to build a life you’re proud of — without making excuses.
We get real about:
- Why “I don’t have time” is usually a lie
- How to stay productive without burning out
- The biggest communication mistake tattoo artists make
- Why success isn’t sexy — it’s boring and consistent
- And how to build a schedule that works for your family and your art
Whether you’re booked out or just starting out, this episode will challenge the way you think about your time, your clients, and your priorities.
The Tattoo Marketing Podcast
🎙️ Welcome to The Tattoo Marketing Podcast — the ultimate podcast for tattoo shop owners looking to take their business to the next level! 🚀 If you’re ready to grow your shop, attract more clients, and master the art of marketing, this is the show for you.
Join us as we explore proven strategies, creative branding ideas, and the latest trends in the tattoo industry. From social media hacks to in-shop promotions, every episode is packed with actionable tips designed to help you build a thriving tattoo business.
Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been inking for years, we’re here to inspire, educate, and empower you on your entrepreneurial journey. 💼
👉 Tune in every week for expert interviews, marketing insights, and practical advice to help you stand out in the tattoo world.
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If you're interested in seeing if we'd be a good fit for your shop's marketing, go to www.ink-link.com
Hey there! I'm Jesse, owner of Ink-Link. We help tattoo studios get more clients through their door every month. A little about me: My first tattoo was a girl's name when I was 18 (don't judge. I was 18). Over the last 17 years I've managed to cover most of my upper body and have fallen in love with the art. One of our favorite traditions is getting tattooed when traveling to new countries. So far the list contains Thailand, Belize, Portugal and Vietnam. At 29, I made an ambitious leap and started my own business. Despite being a busy father and going back to school, I went full throttle to learn about marketing for my new endeavor! Within 3 years the fruits of my labor were seen as I grew my first company to over $500K. As word got out regarding my successful approach at handling my businesses' marketing, friends began asking me to help with their companies too; thus transforming what was once only a side hustle into a booming full-time gig. Now Ink-Link has 7 employees with an office located in downtown Wenatchee WA! If there’s one thing that we love - it's helping Tattoo Studios get more clients through their doors every month! Our goal is to triple the clients of 300 shops by 2024!!
Hey there!
I'm Jesse, owner of Ink-Link.
We help tattoo studios get more clients through their door every month.
A little about me:
My first tattoo was a girl's name when I was 18 (don't judge. I was 18).
Over the last 17 years I've managed to cover most of my upper body and have fallen in love with the art.
One of our favorite traditions is getting tattooed when traveling to new countries. So far the list contains Thailand, Belize, Portugal and Vietnam.
At 29, I made an ambitious leap and started my own business.
Despite being a busy father and going back to school, I went full throttle to learn about marketing for my new endeavor!
Within 3 years the fruits of my labor were seen as I grew my first company to over $500K.
As word got out regarding my successful approach at handling my businesses' marketing, friends began asking me to help with their companies too; thus transforming what was once only a side hustle into a booming full-time gig.
Now Ink-Link has 7 employees with an office located in downtown Wenatchee WA!
If there’s one thing that we love - it's helping Tattoo Studios get more clients through their doors every month!
Our goal is to triple the clients of 300 shops by 2024!!