Meet Mike Paquette of Aftershock Tattoo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Paquette. 

Hi Mike, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always been into art of one medium or another. The high school that I attended had a lot of great artists there. To this day, my favorite teacher of all time was my art teacher, Steve Tripp. He definitely encouraged all of us to create however we felt was needed or desired. Tattooing was kind of the preferred profession of a few others and I ended up following suit. Several of us ended up landing jobs in some of the local studios. On my 18th birthday, I did my first tattoo in a small studio in Westport. That studio is no longer there. The first studio that I worked at, well, things didn’t end very well But I didn’t let that discourage me. I relocated to Hanover PA, I worked at a studio there for a while, but returned to Kansas City and started at another studio in Overland Park. I stayed there for a few years until another studio offered me a lot more money, better hours, and more opportunities to grow as an artist. When the owner of the current studio I was at refused to match their offer, I left. I worked at the other studio just north of KCMO for about four years. That studio changed ownership multiple times during my time there. With pretty consistent changes, broken agreements, attitudes, power trips, and drama, I figured it was my time to go out on my own. 

I found a small building in downtown Overland Park at 82nd & Metcalf. I had $3000 to my name. Signed the lease in August of 2000 and officially opened for business October 1st, 2000. 

One other artist that I worked with in the past decided to come on board with me and give it a go. He knew a body piercer that was looking to relocate as well. And away we went. 

Three years later. I opened my second location in Olathe, KS. Things were progressing in Olathe very well. But after about 12-18 months, the Overland Park studio wasn’t doing so well because of the dishonesty of some working there. So, once again, I cut ties with those involved. Brought one artist to Olathe with the rest of us and closed the doors in Overland Park. 

The Olathe location was thriving for 8 years. So much that we moved four blocks down the road to a larger location. 9 years after that, we grew and grew. Coming up on my 20-year anniversary, I wanted to do something big. It was time for a huge upgrade. With my lease coming to an end soon, and additional growth, I started looking for another building. One that was more suitable for the crew that I was honored to acquire over the years. I have a few people who have been with me 9, 10, and 15 years now. So, we decided to move to South Overland Park. Offering tattoo artistry from five of the most talented and friendly artists around. Body Piercing from the friendliest and most calming piercer. Brows and permanent makeup coming very very soon. 

Over the prior years, I worked for a few other studios. I had the pleasure and honor of working with some really good artists that didn’t look at me as competition, they pushed me. Guided me and help polish my skills to be better and better every day. I also work for some studio owners that taught me a lot. A lot of what to do. And more so, I learned what not to do. How to treat people, artists, and clients alike. I’ve definitely learned about loyalty and respect. You take care of those who take care of you. 

But here I am. 20 years later. Growing more and more. Getting bigger and bigger. 

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?
Lol, definitely not. The first couple of years were tough. I worked 6-7 days a week. 12-16 hours a day. Unfortunately, I had a few people work in my studio that ended up not being the most loyal or honest. So those ties had to be severed. But things always had a way of working out. Cutting ties with a few people turned out to be a blessing in disguise. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Aftershock Tattoo Co. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We’re definitely not your typical “tattoo shop”. We strive to set the bar high. Cleanliness and safety is our top priority. We take extra precautions and have our own methods of practice, sanitation that are not required by state law nor state regulation. 

We specialize in not have any particular “specialty”. All of us are very well-rounded and versatile. We can accommodate anyone who visits our facility. 

We are members of the Alliance of Profession Tattooists. Additionally, I am the Kansas State Representative for the APT. Our Piercer is a member of And Association of Professional Piercers. We’re approved trainers thru the Kansas State Board. 

I don’t have big ahead. I’m not a rock star. I’m a very down-to-earth man with a phenomenal family life. 

I’m no better than anyone else. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Come see for yourselves what made me stand strong for 30+ years. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.aftershocktattoo.com
• Instagram: @mikepaquetteatc
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MikePaquetteATC