Salvage

The story

I wanted to create an environment that broke the mold.  Where the artist's lines were neat and not cut. A place where drugs and alcohol were not brought though the doors, where artists had clean & sober habits and personal issues were left at the door. A place where adulting was given a 1 star rating. A peaceful studio that was family-friendly with wonders and intrigue in every corner. A space which could promote beauty and art.

I wanted to change the view that Durban had the artists that could not make it in the big cities. I wanted to create a space that would host some of the greatest talent in the country if not the world and put magic into the art of tattooing.

The name Salvage came from me wanting to build something Salvaged from what I had and where I did not have it - build it by hand. In truth Salvage was something personal, I was trying to Salvage my life. I wanted to build another life and hang blue shutters, to be more than I was or told I could be.

I am still building and don't think I will ever stop tinkering and "making". Salvage has given me the space and freedom to do that.

Being a studio owner I saw the industry desperate and falling apart through the Covid pandemic. I wanted to find a way to help all the industry. Salvage evolved and from it come Salvage Supplies. I saw the tattoo and PMU industry crying out for help and I was going to try be the one to bring that change to the South African market.

I went on the hunt looking for the best products I could find. I wanted to make the best more affordable hoping it would help studios keep their doors open and help put food on the tables of artists in the industry I love. Keeping art and beauty alive.

I started Salvage Supplies and with it come the first planet in the Salvage Supplies Solar System. Pluto (its a planet), the little guy, the underdog. The plans for Salvage have only but begun and there is still so much more I hope to do. We now build towards the end goal of The Cre8tive Space with the love and support of an amazing team I have surrounded myself with. Sharing a vision we strive to change the way business is practiced in the South African market. I will die trying at the very least. If each person can find a way to employ 1 other eventually we will have a 100% employment rate.

You either create or you consume. Make something. Make magic. The best part about being human - we can make something out of nothing.

Love,

Rob