From playground entrepreneur to Warrington’s top tattooist

Fast forward seven years, and the talented tattooist has just been named Warrington’s Best for Tattoos 2024.

Sam Small

In April, we launched our Best of 2024 competition and we’ve given out nine awards.

Best for Hair - Kate Lucy Hair Studio

Best for Pies - Tomlins Bakehouse

Best for Nails - By Maisie Beck

Best for Roast Dinner - The Blue Bell

Best for Cocktails - Dead Eyes

Best for Breakfast - The Blue Bell

Best for Fish and Chips - Plaice Station

Best Beer Garden - The Ferry Tavern

Best for Fitness – Tommy O’Connor

Voting for Warrington’s Best Independent Shop or Business is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Dessert.

Vote for Warrington’s Best Independent Shop or Business 2024

Nominate your favourite for Warrington’s Best Dessert 2024

Ten top tattooists in Warrington made the shortlist for this year’s Best for Tattoos and Sam Small Ink has taken this year’s coveted crown.

Sam started tattooing in 2017 and opened the business on Rylands Street three years later in 2020 between Covid-19 lockdowns.

Sam opened Sam Small Ink in 2020

Sam, who is 27 and lives in Penketh, said: “Since I was a kid, I have always wanted to have my own business.

“I used to sell chocolates and drinks in high school to the disapproval of my teachers.

“I remember I was caught selling sweets in my business studies class and my teacher took me outside.

“He started asking me about how much I was buying them for and how much I was selling them for.

“I thought I was being told off then he said it was a very lucrative business and told me not to sell anything in his class again!

“I remember a teacher asking me what I wanted to do when I left school and I knew I wanted to be a businessman or entrepreneur.

“This is the first studio I’ve ever owned.

“When I first opened, it was a really nerve racking experience and I remember when I first got the keys I just stood in the big empty room feeling excited for what was to come.

“I think for me being my own boss was my only option.

“I’ve always been very focused and had big dreams.

“I had a couple of jobs before I started tattooing, like working in a coffee shop and a charity shop.

“I always wanted more room to grow and do things my way which is a privilege of being self-employed.”

Sam’s first tattoo was on himself on the first day of his apprenticeship.

It was a small black heart on his ankle and it represents the beginning of his tattooing journey as well as forming the studio’s logo.

Sam has always been interested in art and some of his earliest memories are of drawing at his grandparents’ house.

Sam did his first tattoo in 2017

The former Penketh High School pupil said: “I’ve always been good at art and it brings me a lot of joy.

“I also love meeting new and interesting people.

“Every day I’m excited to go to work and over the past seven years I’ve heard so many incredible stories and met so many amazing people and formed friendships that will last a lifetime.

“People see the name “Sam Small Ink” and think that I exclusively offer small tattoos but I actually love tattooing pieces of all sizes!

“I’m probably best known for my dot work and fine line work.

“I really enjoy tattooing flowers, animals, insects and mythical creatures to name a few.”

What sets Sam’s business apart from others in the business?

Sam said: “When I was applying for apprenticeships, I quickly realised that tattooing is a very male dominated and to me an intimidating industry.

“I wanted to be that change.

“My clients love the decor and the music and the vibes aren’t that of a stereotypical tattoo studio - the classic dark room with heavy metal blasting over the speakers.

“Over past couple of years, I’ve noticed a lot more LGBTQ+ artists and spaces emerging – it’s so great to see the industry changing.

“The tattoo industry is art and art is for everyone.

“I like to think that I’ve created a welcoming and comfortable environment for all types of people.

“I don’t see my clients as just clients, we are friends as well.”

Sam specialises in dot work and fine line work

What do customers think of Sam Small Ink? Why did they want him to win our latest Best of 2024 title?

One nomination said: “There’s such an amazing atmosphere and they produce the most amazing tattoos!

“I have had endless compliments on my tattoos – they are part of me and I adore them.”

Sam said: “I think the reason my customers keep coming back is because some tattoos can take a while and instead of sitting in silence we talk.

“I’m a very good listener and I love to offer support.

“I think people value having someone listen and be empathetic.

“People get tattoos for a bunch of different reasons and usually they signify big life changes whether that’s a relationship or in memory of a loved one or even a favourite band or hobby.

“I love to hear people’s stories and I have created a space free from judgement.

“I have clients that pop in just for a chat and I’m so happy that I can offer that to people.

“I love being able to take someone’s idea and turn it into a design.

“I love when a client first sees their new tattoo and they are happy and I love to bring smiles to people’s faces.”

When Sam heard he’d made the shortlist for Warrington’s Best for Tattoos 2024 he was shocked and excited but felt that making the top ten was an achievement in itself.

He said: “I still can’t believe that I’ve won.

“When I heard the news, I was shocked and rang my granddad straight away to tell him.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that has supported me and everyone that voted for me.

“Thank you to all my amazing customers.

“I’m honoured to be recognised by the Warrington Guardian readers for this award.

“It’s nice to see that people in our community recognise all my efforts.”