A mobile tattoo studio located in Port Alberni, Vancouver Island, is up for sale on Facebook Marketplace for $13,800. The unique venture, built by Mark Rodgers over several years, offers a rare opportunity for anyone looking to enter the tattoo business with a mobile setup.
Rodgers, who has been in the tattoo industry for decades, has a fascinating backstory. His journey began in 1975, when he was just 17 years old and had no experience tattooing himself. After getting two tattoos from a local artist, Rodgers found himself in an unexpected situation: the local tattoo artist went missing. That artist, it turned out, was Garnet “Mother” McEwan, the president of the notorious Satan’s Choice Motorcycle Club.
Rodgers, eager to get into tattooing, approached McEwan, telling him he was capable of tattooing. McEwan, skeptical, responded, “But you’re just a kid.” Rodgers, undeterred, fabricated a story about having an older brother with tattoo gear. Impressed by his confidence, McEwan gave him a trial.
The first challenge? Tattooing a 300-pound biker with a banner containing the serial number of his Harley Davidson. Despite being nervous and inexperienced, Rodgers completed the tattoo, and the biker was pleased with the result. McEwan, though initially furious, ultimately praised Rodgers for his courage and hired him on the spot.
Since that fateful day, Rodgers has tattooed in various shops, including those in Sooke and Vancouver. About 10 years ago, he decided to turn his dream into reality and build a mobile tattoo studio. Rodgers purchased a toy hauling trailer and spent over two years converting it into a fully functional tattoo studio. The goal was to be able to travel to events, tattoo remotely, and bring his motorbike along for the ride.
“The idea was to create a rich environment that not only enhances the tattoo experience but also distracts from the pain,” said Rodgers. Despite working in Alberta on oil drilling rigs at the time, Rodgers dedicated his spare time to building the studio.
However, with his demanding work schedule, Rodgers found it increasingly difficult to maintain his tattooing skills. Now, after years of success in the business, he’s hoping to pass the torch to someone with the same passion he once had. He believes the mobile setup offers a unique opportunity to avoid high landlord fees and take tattooing directly to smaller communities.
The studio comes fully equipped, with a stencil machine, photo copiers, a TV, a sound system, a rotary machine, power pack, and boxes of disposable needles. It’s health board approved in both Alberta and British Columbia, making it ready for business immediately.
Rodgers hopes to sell the studio to someone who shares his dream and is looking for an affordable way to enter the tattoo industry. “All it takes is a few dollars and a dream,” he said.
Though the studio has garnered some interest, Rodgers is still waiting for the right buyer to offer the price he’s looking for. Anyone interested in purchasing the studio can contact him via Facebook Marketplace for more details.
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