Erin Burgess

A young woman from Prestatyn whose passion for tattooing has helped her to overcome her personal struggles has started a thriving studio with help from Big Ideas Wales.  

Erin Burgess launched her personal tattoo studio ‘Tattoos by Erin Sapphire’ in October 2024 in Mostyn, North Wales, offering bespoke and customized tattoo designs.  

Erin’s journey into tattooing began when she was an apprentice at North Wales Ink studio in Prestatyn and despite the challenges she faced, tattooing provided a unique opportunity to connect with clients in a one-on-one environment. Over time, Erin found that these interactions helped her to build her confidence.  

Erin said: “I’ve always found it extremely difficult to be in loud environments or around lots of people at once, so I knew I wanted to pursue something that would create a comfortable environment for me. Tattooing has helped me build confidence and connect with others in a way I never thought possible. Starting my own business was something that I knew I always wanted to pursue but it was after speaking with regular clients that I decided to pursue it properly.”  

In May 2024, Erin attended a “Guide to Self-Employment” workshop in neighbouring town, Rhyl, where advice was offered on how to start and manage your own business. The workshop introduced her to mentor and Big Ideas Wales Business Advisor, Peter Donovan, who signed Erin up on the spot.  

Erin said: “Peter has been a huge help with brainstorming marketing ideas and he’s always sending me new resources to help grow my business. He has been very hands-on and regularly checks in on how the business is doing. His support has been crucial in navigating the rules and regulations of running a tattoo studio."  

Peter also assisted Erin with funding by helping her to fill out an application for the Young Person’s start up grant, which she was awarded and used towards helping set up her business purchasing stock, her tattoo bed and shelving units.  

Erin also tries to buy as sustainable as possible, aiming for her single use products like gloves and needles to be biodegradable and environmentally friendly. She has also committed to the Green Growth and Equality pledges and is dedicated to running a socially responsible business. 

Erin’s immediate goal is to build a loyal following and grow her client base over the next year and she would eventually like to expand her studio by hiring additional artists.  

She said: “One of the things I love most about running my own business is the freedom it gives me, I can choose my own hours and work at my own pace, and I get to create something for myself that I can watch grow and thrive.”  

Big Ideas Wales Business Advisor, Peter Donovan, said: “Erin is very driven and offers a personal experience to each customer who visits her studio. There is nothing similar in the surrounding area. I believe she has everything in place to grow her business and I’m excited to see it progress as we continue to work together.”