10 Mar 2016

Having passion for body art and piercing has inspired, Oteng Bolokang, 25, a Botho College graduate to start his own tattoo and piercing business named Sudden Smoke.

Bolokang, who has qualifications in blasting, owns a body art business that deals with piercing ears, tongue and making tattoos.

In an interview recently, Bolokang said he started his business after working for a short period at Pandamatenga quarry.

“It was then that I realised that I do not have passion for the job I was doing at that time,” he said, adding that he then started to save money for his dream job.

After the Pandamatenga sojourn, Bolokang said he noticed that Batswana were interested in tattoos and he decided to take advantage of the situation by venturing into the business.

He started operating his business in Francistown with his own money. He also has other branches operating in Gaborone, Palapye, Selibe Phikwe and is now based in Maun with the intention of creating awareness about body art as well as reaching out to his customers.

The young dreamer said the business was doing well as he has partnered with a friend to help with advertising.

Moreover, he said after opening facebook and whatsapp pages, customers have been showing interest in making tattoos and piercing.

However, Bolokang does not draw or pierce just anyone who comes along, but has a policy that guides him. “I work with clients who are 18 years and above, but can work with a minor only when there is approval from a parent or guardian,” he said.

Despite the success of the body art business, there are people who still consider tattoo and body piercing as satanic, and Bolokang said he was faced with the challenge of teaching clients first before he could perform his duty.

He said tattooes could have a meaning depending on how a client feels. Some people draw their partners faces while some draw cupid and others draw hearts.

“Body art is not all about being Satanic, but a way of showing how you feel,” he explained.

Bolokang also said it was difficult for him to be funded since body art was not considered to be something that one could make a living out of.

He adviced the youth to chase their dreams and to do what they know best in order to survive.

“As long as you believe in your project you must do it, use the little that you have eventually the government will help you with what you have already started.” Ends