Interview with Frank DeLisi, owner and operator
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: Moving from New York in 2004, my wife and I started a new life here in Colorado to be close to my family. After working at a cement distribution center in Commerce City for seven years, I felt it was time to open a tattoo studio. Previously owning a tattoo studio in New York, I started taking steps to create my dream and opened Six Gun Tattoo.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: I have been tattooing professionally for more than 20 years. After the construction of the new shop, I was searching for another tattooist and found James Lapolla. James has been with Six Gun Tattoo since we opened the doors in 2011, doing tattooing and piercing. In 2012, Carl Barkley, the former owner of Anchors Away of Denver, was hired and helped get the shop off to a good start. In 2013, we acquired Eddie Van Camp, an amazing upcoming tattoo artist from California now living in Colorado Springs. Eddie was looking to make a move to the Denver area and now has become a resident artist here. We have created a comfortable atmosphere with the most up-to-date equipment and sterile procedures, keeping an artistic element throughout the customer’s experience. We educate our clients and guide them to the best tattoo projects.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Tattooing is a business like no other. I can create art on people of all kinds and everyone has his or her own story. The challenges of not knowing what kind of job is going to walk in every day. This career also allows me to be able to spend quality time with my family.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: When we opened in 2011, we had no clients. We have built a solid clientele in four years.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: How professional and friendly we are.
Profile
Business: Six Gun Tattoo
Address: 11614 W. Belleview Ave., Unit I, Littleton
Hours: 1-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2011
Contact: 303-997-5160;
Employees: 3
