Kyle went from being turned down by over 100 shops for an apprenticeship, almost working at a shop that was selling guns and guns, and driving across the country for an apprenticeship that was then taken from him (from some of the biggest conventions) to owning an amazing shop in Boise and being a multi award winning artists!

In this raw and real episode, Jesse sits down with Riley, Maisie, Garrett, and Million from the B Team to talk about the side of tattooing no one posts about. They cover burnout, failure, mental health, imposter syndrome, and what it really means to succeed in the tattoo world—without chasing clout or follower counts. From running shops to surviving isolation to building real community, this episode is a must-listen for every artist who’s ever questioned if they’re doing enough, good enough, or even belong in the industry. Spoiler: you’re not alone.

What does it really take to be a successful tattoo artist, a present parent, and a productive creative? In this episode, we sit down with multi-award-winning tattoo artist and father of seven, Steven Hecker (aka WhatTheHecker88), to talk about time management, motivation, and how to build a life you’re proud of — without making excuses.

We get real about:

• Why “I don’t have time” is usually a lie
• How to stay productive without burning out
• The biggest communication mistake tattoo artists make
• Why success isn’t sexy — it’s boring and consistent
• And how to build a schedule that works for your family and your art

Whether you’re booked out or just starting out, this episode will challenge the way you think about your time, your clients, and your priorities.