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

Hi Sam, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
Most conventional business advice is profit driven. Bottom line first etc… While profitability is important, our model focuses on culture and creativity first. The quality of the work and the happiness of our team is our top priority. Always. Staying true to your vision, and putting the well being of your team above the profit margin will take you further than anything else.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started tattooing in 2000, in my home town of Las cruces New Mexico. I quickly moved to Dallas Texas and was heavily influenced by the tattooing and tattooers there. During this time I was exposed to my first high quality large scale Japanese style tattooing, and I immediately knew that was the direction I wanted to take my work in. This was a huge challenge. At the time reference material was very limited and difficult to acquire. Knowledge was guarded, and the scarcity mentality of the industry was a huge hurtle. Building a community of supportive like minded individuals turned out to be the key to success. Working with people every day who motivated and challenged me to progress and evolve was everything. In 2013 we opened Dedication Tattoo with the ethos to support artists, get better every day, and have fun doing it. In short, Dedication above all else.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Definitely do some hiking or outdoor activities! Golden gate state park, the Apex, or the Flatirons. Cook delicious breakfasts at home. Attend some Yoga classes, and hang in the back yard. Dinners at our favorite restaurants, Temaki den, Izakaya den, Hop Alley, and Hillstone. Hopefully take in some live music, and drinks. Most of my best friends are tattooers, so of course, spend some time making art, and tattooing together..

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents, my wife Christy, business partner Brian Thurow, and the entire Dedication Tattoo team are the biggest influences in my life. They support and motivate me at every turn. They deserve more credit than I can express.

Website: Www.dedicationtattoo.com

Instagram: @therealsamyamini

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dedicationtattoo/

Yelp: https://m.Yelp.com/biz/dedication-tattoo

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXXO7ThEn8nO5ThO_FqeY6Q/videos

Image Credits
CJ Shea and Eric Casanova

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.