We had the good fortune of connecting with Char McGaughy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Char, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started Gold Dust in 2013, there wasn’t really any studios doing what I was doing. I wanted to create a relaxed environment that was more centered around art and the individual client rather than the traditional “street shop” vibe that was kind of the norm. I really just wanted a space of my own that I curate and be comfortable in.
At the time I had zero dollars and zero plan on how to accomplish it but here we are almost 11yrs later.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think my resilience sets me apart from most. I came from pretty humble beginnings and a troubled background and was somehow able to channel that into a very successful art career and thriving business. Nothing worth doing comes easy. It’s taken a lot of blood sweat and tears to get here but I wouldn’t change any of it. Being a small business owner definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. The industry and economy are ever changing so you have to be receptive and always willing to adapt.

I think my story probably isn’t super uncommon but I’d like to reassure young entrepreneurs that you don’t always have to be a product of your environment. I grew up pretty poor, barely graduated high school then before I was 30 I opened Gold Dust Tattoos & Fine Art-the first LGBT and fully female owned tattoo studio in Dallas.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Favorite hangout and music- Revelers Hall
E-Bar is my favorite texmex spot
FOE -casual drinks at the pool
White Rock Lake for fishing, cycling, and picnics

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All the powerful, resilient women in my family and life but especially my gf Tay for always supporting my crazy ideas.

Website: Https://golddusttattoo.com

Instagram: @tattoosbychar

Facebook: Https://facebook.com/tattoosbychar

Yelp: Gold Dust Tattoos & Fine Art

Other: HTTPS://www.instagram.com/golddusttattoos