Tattooing is your craft, and every purchase is an investment. In today's economy, getting more for your money is non-negotiable. That’s why we created Maverick Rewards, where your loyalty pays off. Join our program, earn Penguin Points, and watch your supply runs turn into future savings. Get rewarded for the hustle!
Tired of rising shipping costs eating into your profits? At Maverick Tattoo Mercantile, we understand every dollar counts. That's why we're proud to offer free shipping on all orders, giving tattooers a real savings on the high-quality gear they need. As a tattooer-owned business, we're built from the chair out to deliver top-notch supplies without the surprise fees.
📍 Naugatuck, CT
@rightinthetrash
Get ready to meet Michelle Stecker, an artist whose journey into tattooing began with a twist of fate! Unlike many who "fall into" the industry, Michelle's path started with a school personality test that suggested she become an accountant. Thankfully, her sister had a much better idea, and from that moment on, tattooing was the only thing Michelle ever wanted to do. Now, a talented artist in Naugatuck, CT, Michelle has turned her childhood dream into a rewarding career. One of her most meaningful experiences was tattooing her very first pet portrait—a memorial piece for a client's beloved dog. This pivotal moment set her on a new path, leading her to become the shop's go-to artist for pet portraits, a specialization she absolutely loves. Her immense love and devotion to her craft shine through in every piece, making her journey from a childhood dream to a fulfilling career an inspiring one.
What made you realize you wanted to be a tattoo artist?
When I was 11 or 12 I had to take a personality test in school where you find out your "ideal career" at the end (mine was like accounting or something haha so don’t trust those tests). I hated the idea of having a normal job and I’ve been into art as long as I can remember, so my sister was helping me brainstorm some better options and suggested tattooing. It’s been the only thing I’ve wanted to do ever since then!
That’s such a hard question! If I had to pick just one it would probably be the first pet portrait I ever did. I was about 5 months into tattooing at the time, and my client knew it was going to be a first but still decided to trust me with a memorial portrait of her dog. I was so nervous, I remember massively over preparing for the appointment (even made a color coded version of the line drawing where each color was a different line weight - luckily I don’t do it like that anymore!). It came out alright all things considered, and my client was really happy with it which felt rewarding because I knew it meant a lot to her. I didn’t know it at the time but that tattoo was a big step for me, I never set out to have a "thing" but I’m the pet portrait person at the shop now, and I’m a huge animal lover so I’m pretty happy about that!
One challenge you've had to overcome in the industry and how it has impacted you?
I’m an introvert, so it’s always been sort of hard for me to put myself out there and talk to people or post on social media. I wouldn’t say it’s something that I’ve overcome but it’s definitely gotten easier over time. I’m more used to talking to people since tattooing is such a one on one thing, I have some clients who feel more like friends at this point. And I feel very at home at the shop where I work so that helps a lot too!
Hey Maverick fam, we know your grind is real. Between client consultations, designing, social media fatigue, and the hours on your feet, every minute counts. At Maverick Supply Co., we're all about making your hustle a little easier—and a lot more rewarding. That’s why we’ve launched Maverick Rewards, the only loyalty program built specifically for tattooers.
Ready to turn your regular supply runs into a profit-stacking game? Grab your coffee, water, or tea and let’s talk about how to get rewarded for doing what you already do.
What is Maverick Rewards? Tattoo Smarter, Earn More. Think of it as your secret weapon for your tattoo business. Every time you shop with us, engage with us, or just celebrate your birthday, you’re earning Penguin Points. These aren't just any points—they’re your ticket to future discounts, free merch, and exclusive perks. It's our way of saying thanks for choosing a tattooer-owned business.
How to Earn Penguin Points (The Fun Part!)
Earning points is ridiculously easy. You can start stacking points right now, today, just by doing a few simple things.
The Welcome Wagon! Just for joining Maverick Rewards, we drop a cool 50 points into your account. Consider it our welcome gift.
Shop 'til You Drop! This is the biggest one. You earn 1 Penguin Point for every $1 you spend. Your cart is literally filling up with future savings. Stocking up on needles? Boom, points. Grabbing some new ink? Double boom, points!
The Shout-out Time! Your voice is a valuable tool.
Product Review Power: Love a product? Tell us! Write a valuable review on Judge.me and snag 10 points for each one. Your feedback helps other artists make smarter choices, and you get rewarded.
Social Butterfly Perks: Connect with us on social! Following our Instagram gets you 25 points, while a quick "Like" or "Share" on Facebook earns you even more.
The Birthday Bash! We love to celebrate your special day. Make sure your birthday is in your profile, and we'll gift you a massive 125 points every year. 🎉
The Friend Frenzy! Got a buddy who’s just getting their setup dialed in? When you refer them to our store and they make a purchase, you both get $5 off! It's a win-win for everyone.
Redeeming Your Points: It's a Breeze! Once you’ve stacked up those Penguin Points, turning them into rewards is simple. When you get to checkout, you'll see your available rewards balance. You can easily apply your points for instant savings on your order. It's that easy.
Your Questions, Answered.
Do my points expire? Yes, so don’t let them sit for too long! Your valuable Penguin Points are good for 6 months from the date you earned them. We want you to use them and get rewarded!
Can I refer someone who isn’t a tattooer? Absolutely, YES! Our community is for everyone. If you have a friend who's a fan of unique merch or just wants to check us out, you can still refer them and both get that sweet $5 discount.
How do I level up? The more you earn, the higher your loyalty status soars! Keep stacking points from shopping, reviewing, and engaging with us, and you'll unlock even bigger benefits and exclusive perks.
Ready to Start Earning? Your loyalty means the world to our small, tattooer-owned business. We're proud to give back to the artists who make this industry what it is. Head over to our site, sign up for Maverick Rewards, and start your journey to earning awesome perks today.
Running a clean, safe tattoo shop doesn’t have to be wasteful. From compostable wheat-based ink cups to eco-friendly rinse cups and smart ordering tips, here are 7 easy ways to keep your station green without losing performance or style.
