Joseph Thomas

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Joseph Thomas, but everyone knows me as Philly Joe. I'm originally from Philadelphia, born and raised in some of the city's tougher neighborhoods. Growing up, I didn't have much, but I found my purpose through art, first through graffiti and then through tattooing. Today I'm based in Newtown, Bucks County, PA, where I own and run Philly Joe Tattoo Studio, the first tattoo shop ever approved in Newtown. I've been tattooing for 13 years and have worked in multiple states and countries.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

I love that Newtown is a tight-knit community that's ready for something new. I'm not just doing business here; I'm part of building the culture. Being the first approved tattoo shop in town means every person who walks in is part of something that's never existed here before.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

Philly Joe Tattoo Studio is a dark art surrealism tattoo studio and creative space in Newtown, PA. I started tattooing 13 years ago after finding my way out of a rough upbringing through art. In 2019 I became a business owner, and I fought to open the first approved tattoo shop in Newtown. We offer custom tattoos, cosmetic and permanent makeup services, and piercing, and we host events like comedy shows, karaoke, and poetry nights. We're also building Beyond Ink, a membership lounge with a pool league, drinks, and a space where people can connect.

It helps my customers because a tattoo is personal and permanent, so we treat every client like they matter. They get quality art, a clean and professional space, and an experience they remember. Our goal is to build long-term relationships, not one-time transactions.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

Start before you feel ready, because you'll never feel ready. Be willing to be the first, even when people doubt you. Build systems early so your business can run without you, because if everything depends on you, you don't own a business, you own a job. Surround yourself with quality people, stay consistent when it gets quiet, and don't let where you come from decide where you end up. Your struggle is your story, so use it.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

One of the best compliments I've received is when clients tell me, "You didn't just give me a tattoo, you gave me my confidence back." Some people come in carrying scars, loss, or stories they've never told anyone. When they leave and say that the art made them feel whole or seen, it reminds me why I do this.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I see Philly Joe Tattoo Studio growing into a multi-million dollar operation with a strong team, a recognizable brand, and systems that run without me in the middle of everything. With Beyond Ink and our clothing line, I want to build a lifestyle brand that goes beyond ink, with events, a membership lounge, merchandise, and a place Newtown can call its own. The goal is a business that creates repeat clients for life and opportunities for the artists who grow with us.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

The biggest misconception is that tattoo artists are reckless, unprofessional, or just rebels. The truth is that this industry is built on skill, discipline, and trust. We're artists, business owners, and licensed professionals who take health, safety, and craftsmanship seriously. People also assume tattoos limit your success, but I've tattooed athletes, professionals, and some of the best people you'll ever meet. Tattoos don't define character, people do.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

My biggest struggle came long before I owned a business. My father left when I was young, and I had to learn how to become a man and an adult on my own, with no blueprint. I came up in some of Philadelphia's toughest neighborhoods and went through hardships that could have ended my story early. Instead, those years are where I decided who I was going to be. Art was the one thing nobody could take from me, so I built everything on it.

That mindset is what carried me into Newtown. I was walking into a town that had never approved a tattoo shop, as someone people could easily judge, with a vision they didn't understand yet. I dealt with it the way I've dealt with everything: stay consistent, be transparent, do the work when nobody's watching, and let results speak. Today the same community leaders who could have said no attend our events and recognize what we've built. Every obstacle taught me something that made me and this business stronger.

What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Eminem, without question. He came from nothing, got doubted, and outworked everyone. That story hit home for me. My favorite athlete was Allen Iverson. He was undersized, from the bottom, played with heart every night, and never changed who he was to make people comfortable. That's Philly. That's how I run my business.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

To my fiancée Melissa, who has been in this with me every step. None of this runs without her. To my team of artists and apprentices who show up and represent the brand every day. To the Newtown community and the local leaders who gave us a chance when it would have been easier to say no. To every client who trusted me with their skin and their story. And to the kid from Philly who didn't have much: we're not done yet.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Website: https://www.phillyjoe215.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joetattoos215

Visit us at Philly Joe Tattoo Studio in Newtown, PA, and keep an eye out for Beyond Ink. Something's coming.