Whiskey business: New tattoo studio draws on experience

Inspired by his dad who was a tattooist himself, one local who did his first tattoo at the age of six, has started his own business.

Scott Hornery (left) and Ben Smith from new business Whisky Time Tattoo. Picture: Nev Madsen.

He gave his dad a tattoo when he was just six-years-old and now a popular artist has started his own business.

Tattoos have been a part of Ben Smith’s life for as long as he can remember.

Inspired by his dad who was a tattooist himself, Mr Smith knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps from a young age.

Scott Hornery (left) and Ben Smith have opened Whisky Time Tattoo in Ruthven St. Picture: Nev Madsen.

So at 16-years-old he started his tattooing apprenticeship.

Now after working in the industry for more than 20 years, 17 of which he has spent in Toowoomba, Mr Smith has opened his very own store – Whisky Time Tattoo.

“For a long time my dad told me to go out on my own but I just never got around to it,” Mr Smith said.

“But at the start of the year I just thought ‘why not give it a go?’ so I did.”

Scott Hornery from Whisky Time Tattoo in Ruthven St. Picture: Nev Madsen.

His new business is set to open its doors in the coming days alongside 2IC Scott Hornery and pays respect to their drink of choice.

“Scottish whisky is spelt without the ‘e’ and we’re more partial to Scottish whisky so that’s how we decided on the name,” Mr Smith said.

“Scott and I have worked together for about 10 years now – we get along so well and really understand each other.”

Ben Smith (seated) and Scott Hornery have opened Whisky Time Tattoo in Ruthven St. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The pair said no designs are off limits within reason.

With many designs in their portfolios, the quirkiest concept yet may be putting their own spin on the classic Bunnings Warehouse snag and KFC bucket, in true Aussie fashion.

With the assistance of Toowoomba businesses, the stores’ renovation took about a month to complete.

Whisky Time Tattoo is at 577 Ruthven St and is set to open in the coming days.

Trading hours will be Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm. To book an appointment phone [phone].