WRD: How, when, and why did you start your business?

Alexi: I started tattooing in 2008. I spent the first ten years of my career gaining experience through a couple local tattoo studios where I grew and formed my philosophy on how to run a successful tattoo business. In 2018 my wife Megan and I felt ready to open The Seven One Five Tattoo Collective in the Wausau River District. We wanted to provide great tattoo experiences with a great atmosphere. I was also personally ready to give back to our local tattoo community by having the opportunity to teach the next group of local artists who were ready to start learning how to tattoo through apprenticeships and also established tattoo artists that were ready to take that next step in their tattoo journey.

What makes your business unique?

Our studio is a private studio; unlike a traditional walk-in tattoo studio, this means you have to make an appointment in advance if you’re looking to get tattooed by one of the artists that work at our studio. We occasionally host pop up “Get What You Get” Flash tattoo days, host fundraising tattoo events, and host guest tattoo artists. There are a couple artists, Ryan Samuelson and myself that create commissioned artwork such as drawings and paintings.

Why did you locate your business in the Wausau River District?

We chose downtown Wausau to contribute to the lively art scene that has been established here. We love giving back to this community by providing great tattoos with great experiences. I grew up in the Wausau area - it’s only right to give back.

How do you measure/define success?

Success is being happy in life. Doing what you love and being happy. If you lead your life like this, you will be/are successful.

How do you generate new ideas?

I generate new ideas by going through new experiences and revisiting old experiences in life. You like what you like throughout the years whether it be in marketing or art. These feelings and experiences from past and present generate the seeds to new ideas in the future. You have to like the ideas to be fully invested or else they won’t take shape.

Talk about your staff.

The staff here is amazing. The comradery is awesome. We are a tight fit with clients and artists together. All the artists share knowledge, not only with the other artists they work with, but also with the clients. The positive attitudes and the dedication to the tattoo craft is priceless.

What excites you most about the future of the district?

The most exciting thing about the future of the district is the new growth opportunities that present themselves. Also, the commitment of the small businesses that are still pushing forward and adapting to new ways of marketing excite and inspire me.