Meet Jillian Johnson | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jillian Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jillian, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
It all came together and opportunities came forward. At the very beginning it was rough. We weathered some interesting circumstances, I learned lessons, and it was hard. Be persistent and keep pushing forward. We have now ended up in an awesome new spot with a team of amazing artists. More lessons to be learned but I see nothing but flourishing happening.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Full time I’m a Finance Manager at Autonation Subaru West and owner of Phoenix Tattoo Co. I’ve worked my way into both industries after over a decade around both. I don’t tattoo but a few years ago a friend and artist, came to me and wanted to partner in a shop. We have since went different directions and we went through some rough lessons together. In the end you need to be mindful of what having a business partner means. Before opening the Denver shop, I owned a shop in Pueblo. I would host traveling artists and their bookings. I love art and I’m a collector of tattoos. Going into our 3rd year in business, Phoenix Tattoo has had a full reconstruction. We moved onto South Broadway which is a dream for any business owner! I’m sure more lessons will be learned but I stuck through rough times to finally see some great things blooming!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Unfortunately we are in a time that all of my most favorite places have closed due to Covid. I’m a huge supporter of our Denver music scene. I’d have suggested 3 kings, Streets, or Tooeys. RIP & RIP Jon Streets. Luckily 3kings was taken over by some rad dudes and it’s HQ now, go get a drink and hear some rad bands after you get some pizza from my friends at Benny Blancos on 13th St. Walk down Broadway to my buddies at Mutiny and grab some coffees. Also just go outside, Colorado is beautiful!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I learned so much from all of the amazing artists who run with me on this wild journey! My family who puts up with my crazy busy schedule and the projects I’m always coming up with. My team at Phoenix includes Alex, Heather, Nikolay, James, Kita, and Tylor. Without them we wouldn’t have any of this.

Instagram: miss_5280_denver