Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Rieb.
Hi Jake, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began tattooing in Topeka, KS. in 2015 as an apprentice and worked in a shop for around 6 years. After my time with the first shop, I transitioned to a new space in Lawrence, KS. in the heart of downtown. I struggled with the idea of staying busy initially after moving as I had a bit of imposter syndrome and was told by the previous shop owners that I “wouldn’t have a career without them”. Once I made the move I almost immediately was reached out to from you guys for my first interview and that helped myself gain more confidence in my move and my career moving forward. I spent around a year and a half at that shop with the idea that I wanted to open my own space and not work for someone else, especially if it wasn’t a tattooer owned shop. In November of 2022 my business partner and I found a space that we decided would work for opening a shop and signed a lease to get started. The shop, Black Chapel Tattoo, was then opened and in operation in the beginning of February 2023. After a handful of months, the business and personal relationship fell through and I started to move towards buying out my business partner to take over full ownership of the business. After a while of back and forth and not agreeing on terms, we eventually came to an agreement, and I took over ownership in July of 2024. Immediately after taking over, I made changes with how the shop was operating and brought in new artists that were motivated to work and do good tattoos. In September of 2024 I took on my first apprentice, although I never wanted to train someone as it is a big task and I wasn’t the most confident in my teaching abilities. After some time, I got better at instructing on how I apply my technique and was able to teach my apprentice into a successful tattooing career. After the partnership falling out things became less eventful around work and business was steady. We then did a collaboration with our local Humane Society in November of 2025 expecting a small turn out to raise some money for them, but we all were quickly surprised with the almost 50k views on Instagram and over a 100 people showed up to support us and the Humane Society. Unfortunately, we were only able to tattoo around 40 people, but we were able to raise around $5,000 for them and we are planning to do another flash day event this Halloween with new spooky inspired designs!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been the complete opposite of a smooth road. I have had to deal with toxic shop owners in the beginning, then a not so suitable shop immediately after that. The whole business partnership falling out was a massive stressor in my life at the time but staying consistent with myself and pushing forward I eventually got through that. After I took over the business everything chilled out, minus typical business hoops you have to jump through to make sure everyone is happy and making sure the business keeps clients coming in the door.
As you know, we’re big fans of Black Chapel Tattoo. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a tattooer owned and operated, as well as having a majority of the artists in the shop being women. We have varying styles and experience levels with each of our artists and excel at what we do. We set ourselves apart from other shops by creating more of a community within the space and keeping the atmosphere welcoming and inclusive. The thing I am most proud of when it comes to my business, is that people feel comfortable coming here to get tattooed regardless of their background or lifestyle. We try our best to treat each client with respect and do the best we can when taking on any project.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The one thing I think that has got me to where I am, is staying true to myself. Not worrying about the failed relationships along the way and just doing what is best for me in the moment. Unfortunately, you can’t make everyone happy, but you shouldn’t worry about pleasing people that don’t want you to succeed.
Pricing:
- Our prices vary with each artist
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @blackchapeltattoolfk
- Facebook: Black Chapel Tattoo
