(Editor’s note: This is the 32nd installment in a monthly series speaking with minority business owners and leaders. Each will be asked their views on minority-business conditions in the state and for ways to improve those businesses’ chances for success.)
For Joseph Becton, owner and artist at F.I.N.A.O. Tattoo Ink in North Providence, “Failure Is Not An Option” is more than just his business’s namesake.
“That’s pretty much the way my life has always been,” Becton said. “I choose not to accept the failure part, so that’s not where my story ends.”
This mentality was necessary to get into the tattoo industry, Becton says. He first began apprenticing at a tattoo shop in high school when he decided to pursue his talent for art as a senior project.
But finding a shop that would take him on as an apprentice proved to be difficult, Becton says, and remains a barrier into the industry for many upcoming tattoo artists today.
“It’s almost like a closed-off circle where they don’t want to let anyone in,” Becton said. “I don’t really know why, but I know when I was getting into it, I was told to not even bother with the business, or to basically do free labor.”
Becton, 39, took a break from tattooing as an apprentice after a few years, but previous clients continued to ask for him. So Becton eventually set out to continue his work in a way that aligned with his values.
But soon after launching his first F.I.N.A.O. Tattoo Ink location in North Providence in 2010, Becton found himself needing to rebuild once again: several months after opening, his shop burned down.
“That was very difficult, but I really didn’t give myself any time to think about it,” Becton said. “I knew what needed to be done ... I wanted to make sure I kept moving forward, and I didn’t want to focus on the negatives. I only wanted to focus on the positives.”
And having overcome obstacles in the industry himself, he now strives to create a business model that prioritizes collaboration and artists’ professional growth.
“I really just want to make sure that I put the artists first, their needs first,” Becton said. “I don’t want to get away from that. … And if they do decide that they want to go, I’m not going to hold them back. I want them to succeed, whatever is the best way.”
This concept has paid off: nearly 15 years after opening his first shop, Becton’s business now includes 17 tattoo artists and four apprentices across two shops in North Providence, as well as a supply store. And a third shop, located in the Centerdale section of town, is on the horizon. That will allow for six more artists.
Meanwhile, in contrast to the staffing difficulties that have beset many other businesses in recent years, F.I.N.A.O. has a healthy stream of applicants.
“I’m not saying my way is the only way, but I like to give people a shot,” Becton said. “I like to give them an alternative.”
1. Do you believe racism is keeping minorities from starting businesses in the Ocean State or succeeding when they do? It is my personal belief that nothing can keep you from doing what you desire to do and are willing to work for. I do not believe in failure, so I do not fail. I know several other minorities with successful businesses, and many others who failed by not even taking the first steps or have failed despite making an effort to start a business. In addition to doing the work, you need to be willing to dedicate your time and every moment into your business.
2. How dependent is your business on the support of other minority groups? Is that a sustainable business model? My business is almost entirely dependent on my loyal and dedicated customers and those of the artists who I work with. Many of my customers have been with me since the beginning, 12 years ago. They remain instrumental to my success. In my retail business, I am dependent on others in my industry, as they purchase the products that I sell. The most sustainable business model is one that meets the needs of your target audience and satisfies all customers.
3. What one thing could Rhode Island do to boost the odds for minority-owned business success? Favorable tax advantages for small-business owners who have startup companies would be extremely helpful. Having state grants for first-time business owners, similar to first-time homebuyers, would also be beneficial.
4. Have you had to turn somewhere other than a bank for a loan? Do you believe the state’s lending institutions generally treat minorities fairly? I have chosen alternative funding sources by choice at times, due to my own preference. The vast majority of my businesses have been entirely self-funded. It is hard to say which contributing factors make obtaining funding difficult. It could be age. It could be race. It could be socioeconomic status or credit history. Or in my case, it could be the industry I am in. No one says, “We are not going to give you funding because you are a minority.” However, it could be a contributing factor.
5. If another minority entrepreneur asked you where they could turn to for support for their business, where would you direct them? I encourage entrepreneurs to talk to anyone willing to talk to them. You never know where an opportunity lies. Talk to people in the industry, talk to people in the demographic area you wish to service, talk to anyone who has been through the process of starting up a business. All information is of value, and honestly, you never know where the most valuable advice will come from. You receive a great deal of unsolicited advice, but even some of that has some benefits. Additionally, there are organizations such as the chambers of commerce, the Rhode Island Black Business Association and the Biz Bodega through the Innovation Studio Inc. These are among countless resources available, and other organized groups that can assist a business owner by being a good resource.
