Connor Fox set to open dream tattoo shop in Sutton Bridge
A traditional tattooist who is long overdue his big break is finally opening his own shop in his home village.
Connor Fox (30) has been tattooing for several years having completed an apprenticeship with Sam Cole in Sutton Bridge ten years ago.
Despite a number of setbacks, next week he officially opens his own shop in the village in a dream-come-true move.
“This is my first proper studio on the high street,” he said
“I love tattooing and if I could give everything up and just do that full time I would.
“However, it’s a risk I’m taking so I’m still going to be working in the factory while doing this part time.”
Connor has been working in factories for the past ten years while offering tattoos from his home studio in Holbeach.
He had originally planned to set up his own shop in 2020 - but then the pandemic struck.
“Just before Covid I was ready to go, I had built up my clientele and was going to open up on my own but then when that happened it stopped me from being able to do anything,” he explained.
“I had only just got started.
“It wasn’t until last June when I was able to get back to it.
“I work full time in a factory - and have been for ten years - but when this place came up it was an absolute steal so I thought it was time to make that jump.
“It will be ‘appointment only’ to start with and then I will have designated walk-in days as well.
“With appointments, it means that people have some privacy as no-one is going to just walk in while they are having their tattoo done. I think that’s really important.”
Connor, who grew up in Sutton Bridge before moving to Holbeach three years ago, is renting 170 Bridge Road, which used to be a salon.
He’s currently in the process of giving the building a lick of paint.
“I’ve gutted it and started again,” he said.
“It’s definitely looking a lot better than it did and will be ready in time for opening. I’m excited.
“There aren’t any other tattooists in Sutton Bridge and, as far as I know, there aren’t any from King’s Lynn to Holbeach and then up to Wisbech in that triangle.
“I’m a little bit nervous but I’ve had a really good reception so far.”
Connor hopes to be able to offer tattoos full time in the future - but needs to see success before he can take the big plunge.
“I’ve set myself a six month timeline to see how I’m doing,” he added.
“If by then I’m nicely booked up I’ll look at what to do next.
“I’ll be working Monday to Saturday doing different hours each week so there will be plenty of chances for people to get booked in with me.”
Connor Ryan Tattoo opens on Monday, April 3 from 10am to 4pm - and anyone interested in getting inked is encouraged to have a chat.
More information and examples of Connor’s work can be found on the Connor Ryan Tattoo Facebook page.