Troyden & Co Tattoo grows from hobby to commercial expansion in Oonoonba

Spending the last of his money on an eBay tattoo kit started this determined Townsville man on the road to success. Read about his business expansion.

Troyden & Co Tattoo owner Troyden Haupt at his growing tattoo parlour in Oonoonba. Picture: Supplied.

We all have to start somewhere, and for successful Townsville tattooist Troyden Haupt, it was with the purchase of a tattoo kit off eBay at a time in his life when he could barely afford to eat.

Self-taught by watching YouTube tutorials, Mr Haupt quickly fell in love with the art of tattooing, taking what started out as a hobby and transforming it into the thriving business Troyden & Co Tattoo.

“After tattooing friends and myself in my spare time, I worked my way into a tattoo studio. Seeing how poorly employees and clients were treated, and underpaid artists, I knew I wanted to get out, do my own thing, and change the game,” Mr Haupt said.

“As time went on I left the first studio and licensed my home studio for two years before opening my first shop and employing my first apprentice.

“I stayed in that first shop for two years taking everything I made and putting it back into the business.”

Troyden Haupt starting out with his eBay tattoo kit. Picture: Supplied.

Troyden Haupt tattooing in his home studio. Picture: Supplied.

While tattooing was something that could bring so much joy, he said it took its toll, where you were your own worst critic and “constantly feel like you need to do better”.

Through boxing and then Muay Thai at Ronin Academy, he was able to strike the right life balance and “use what I learned the hard way to help others get on a better path also”.

Inside Troyden & Co Tattoo at 62 Abbott St, Oonoonba. Picture: Supplied.

“Last year we moved into a nicer building at 62 Abbott St, Oonoonba. Our family has continued to grow, our clients have stuck by us and I am very thankful for that,” he said.

“I have tried to create a work space that is a safe place for my artists. We talk, we joke, we all have our ups and downs but we are a family.

The Troyden & Co Tattoo crew at 62 Abbott St, Oonoonba. Picture: Supplied.

“We have since taken over the entire building now so we can continue to grow, but still not be jammed in like sardines in a can. We have better parking and amenities.”

There were future plans to attract guest artists to Townsville from around the country and the world.

“I can provide accommodation and a place to work, as well as help advertising and getting work in for them,” he said.

Sample of the tattoo art at Troyden & Co Tattoo. Picture: Supplied.

Colliers leasing executive Shaun McLaren. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Colliers Townsville senior leasing executive Shaun McLaren helped Mr Haupt secure the space for his tattoo studio, signing a five year lease, with an option for another five.

“He needed something that was affordable, with good parking and exposure was preferred,” Mr McLaren said.

“Due to the recent upgrades to this tenancy on Abbott St, it suited all of his needs and has been set up very well.

For more information, visit Troyden’s Custom Tattoos on Facebook and Instagram.

Originally published as Troyden & Co Tattoo grows from hobby to commercial expansion in Oonoonba