Meet Shawn Denoyer | Artist

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

Hi Shawn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Since I was 14 I’ve continued to clock in and be loyal to companies and businesses that always treated me like I was just a expenditure no matter my sacrifices for them. One day I went to a meeting with a company I had been with for years and the owner was tearing everyone apart. I expressed that he was handling it wrong, he said, “If you don’t like it, there’s the door.” So I left! The next morning I started my first business!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I try to be as versatile as I can! I dabble in a lot of mediums and styles but tattooing is my passion. Its the one form of art I can’t throw away or erase. Which makes it the hardest in my opinion. Each piece has your name in their stories for their lifetime, so they better trust you! Tattooing has evolved from spontaneous rebellion to self expression and art collection. No different then buying a painting off the wall but now you get to take them with you! My favorite work is when its something life changing. Could be a piece for healing and remembrance, could be a piece for self confidence or to cover something you don’t want to remember! Getting to where I’m at in my journey only feels like I’ve only begun but I’m about 13 years in! It wasn’t easy getting to this point, there were a lot of sacrifices learning the craft. Missed sports games with my children, missed dinners, family functions and more til I was able to work for myself! I have learned you don’t get those times back and somehow everything works out. At my studio Solstice Ink, I thrive to give artist everything I wish I had in my early years! A fun non judgemental powerhouse of entrepreneurs that want to teach eachother everyday. The freedom to do what you want when you want with the support of a team! We have become a art gallery that happens to do tattoos!

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?
When friends come to visit we always head to the hills! My favorite spot to eat is Dairy King up in Empire! They make you family the second you start ordering and their food looks better than any commercial! If we go dancing or for drinks we often go to the Rockrest in Golden. Again just a great environment and amazing food! All ages, people and music! Unfortunately as tattooed as we are we’re not allowed in a lot of establishments especially downtown, so we are limited to going out! Lol

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Not only wouldn’t be here I couldn’t be here without the immense amount of belief and support of my wife and the kids! Let alone my countless clients and community relationships!

Website: Solsticeink.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/solsticeink
Facebook: Facebook.com/solsticeinktattoo
Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/AwflyiMDCab