Today we’d like to introduce you to Nacion Botello.
Hi Nacion, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Born & raised in the Westside of SanAntonio. Growing up it was a tough but smooth ride. I was a smart decent kid but didn’t grow up with Role Models so I started hanging around in the streets. When you live in the hood, you see the real deal, from drugs, shootings, death, gangs & everything in between. I saw a part of life that most people don’t see at a very young age. I surely knew it wasn’t for me after a couple of years, so I started doing graffiti to keep away from that lifestyle I could have been trapped in. From Graffiti, I developed as an Artist. Being a curious person I soon got introduced to Tattooing.
This was around mid-2013 when I was working at PizzaHut calling center, after a few weeks I couldn’t handle it, I knew having a job wasn’t for me. Trading your time for money, being stuck in a place you hate before you even clock in & you need to ask for “vacation” or “days off” didn’t sit well with me. I ended up quitting on Christmas Eve 2013 to pursue my passion & my dreams. I had No Experience/Clients/Equipment or money and didn’t even know where to start. But the most important thing I had was a burning desire. That’s the main reason my shop is called “Off The Clock Tattoo”.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a rollercoaster. One quote I stand by is, “The Bigger The Dream, The Harder The Hustle”. A few struggles were a lot of people didn’t wanna give me chances when I started or some only gave me barely enough information.
It was hard and its a struggle climbing to the top. The heaviest things I’ve been through were losing my Grandpa, Godfather, Mother, sister, a lot of friends & my girlfriend I was with at the time.
Going to so many funerals, and dealing with the harsh pain that runs so deep inside your soul leaves a numbness. All these emotions I’m going through while trying to pursue a dream. That would knock someone down to quit or make any excuse not to continue. I have a lot of odds against me, ALOT.
But pressure makes diamonds. It only made me stronger & added some heavy fuel to the fire that was already lit inside of me. I have every reason not to give up now.
We’ve been impressed with Off The Clock Tattoo, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am The Owner of one of the top-rated Tattoo shops in San Antonio, which will be making a huge impact not just in Tattoos but in communities & inspiring millions of people. We are very diverse from other shops. We are a Family first, we have passion in what we do, our customers come first & we give our very best in every & each tattoo we do.
We specialize in Portraits, Lettering, and Colorwork, everything we do is really custom drawn or freehand.
I am most proud of the changes my brand has made & the direction it’s going. We will be making a stamp in this country, not just in our city.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love SanAntonio, I’m still figuring out the city. There have been a lot of changes & development. So many inspiring leaders in this city.
I’m glad to be part of it. My favorite thing would be the culture.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.offtheclocktattoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nayshin93
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Nacion-Botello/100011730965993/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/offtheclocktattoo
Image Credits
@eggcellentvp and @koolaidpapi.jpg
