Sola Salon Studios: 77Ink Tattoo Studio

Photos by Emma Highfill, Rose Wheat Photography

As an artist and owner of 77Ink Tattoo Studio, Qi Pan is dedicated to creating designs that her clients envision and setting them in permanent ink to be enjoyed for a lifetime. She takes her work very seriously.

“To create the best design and best tattoos is the most important and meaningful thing for me,” Qi said. “I
have always loved art, and I have a solid background in drawing and painting skills, as well as a master’s degree in design.”

After completing her master’s degree, Qi worked for an architecture company as a designer. A friend asked her to draw several tattoo designs, and Qi loved it.

“I found out being a tattoo artist is the passion of my life after professional training from good tattoo artists in Topeka,” Qi said. “I opened my own tattoo studio in August 2020 because I want to provide the best tattoo experience for people.”

High standards for quality and cleanliness are crucial to running a successful tattoo studio. Qi uses the best equipment, machines, needles and inks available, to ensure a stunning outcome every time. Relationship building with clients is also essential because committing to a tattoo means taking a leap of faith in an artist.

“Tattooing is a matter of trust,” Qi said. “I know my responsibility. I work for my clients like I would for my own family. People need to feel relaxed and know that they are in good hands.”

Qi points out that tattooing is not a fast procedure, and the design work sometimes takes longer than tattooing itself. She uses a mix of online and direct communication to work with client schedules during planning. Clients are able to see the design as it progresses and give feedback, so that they will be satisfied with the design before they come in for their appointment in the chair. Qi believes this helps clients to relax and feel in control of the process. She also ensures a quiet space free of distractions, where clients can choose a movie or music to set them at ease, and she provides snacks and drinks.“I try to create an environmentwhere clients feel comfortable,” Qi said.

Qi chose Sola Salon Studios because it was perfect for her needs. She wanted privacy and peace for her clients. She also loves that the building is newly renovated, classy and modern.

“Whenever you are inside of Sola Salons, the buzz and the laughs from all the customers and stylists is really wonderful,” Qi said. “It’s a very enjoyable relaxing atmosphere.”

Sola Salon Studios also provides a convenient online booking platform that saves a lot of time for the professionals, and Qi loves that she does not need to take care of building maintenance or issues.

Qi says that at Sola Salon Studios, she has a built-in network of support.

“With more than 30 studio owners running their business here, I’m independent but not alone,” Qi said. “I’m very thankful that other studio owners who lease with me are boosting my business, they are really helping me build my own business network in town.”

Qi is just getting started, but she’s excited about the future of her tattoo studio and her art. In time, she would like to compete at international conventions with the best tattoo artists in the world. For now, she’s excited to continue building her portfolio and bringing her clients’ visions to life.

“Clients tell me their wishes and I make it happen,” Qi said.