Crew
Wade Elder
In ’97 I served a brief apprenticeship at Ink Pot Tattoos under Jim Roosseau. Jim was a 80’s era tattooer and biker that looked the part. I scrubbed toilets and mopped floors while Jim taught me what he knew.
I met California Ralph in late ’99. Ralph offered me a job at his shop and I jumped at the chance. It was a gift to be able to learn from a true tattooer. Ralph was brought up on the Pike and that energy was alive in him. I went through sort-of a second apprenticeship with Ralph. He taught me the trade of tattooing and refined my technique. I prefer traditional, americana tattooing but I’m happy to tattoo whatever on whoever. Thanks to Jim and California Ralph.
Steve Owings
In march of 1994 I moved to Asheville,NC. to work with Ralph at his newly opened “California Emporium of Tattoos” where I worked for Ralph until his passing in march 2011.
I credit my mentors Ralph, Charlie Green and Jeff Cohen for molding me into the tattooer I am today. I consider myself a “street shop” tattooer doing a mix of walk in and custom appointment tattooing. My favorite style of tattoo and painting is traditional americana and japanese influenced imagery.
Brody Flynn
I was Raised in Chapel Hill. Luckily, I found California Ralph and became his last apprentice in 2009. I’ve worked here since and enjoy doing all styles of tattooing, especially black and grey work. I’m extremely grateful to be at this shop, in this line of work. Thanks California Ralph and the crew!
Tony Eterno
I began tattooing in 1997. I am grateful for the experience I have earned while tattooing in various shops throughout the states but I like to call Asheville and Victory Blvd. Tattoo home. For me tattooing is an art that has survived on the fringes of popular culture. I am drawn to traditional american tattoo imagery. You can reach me at the shop tuesday through saturday. Email me at knowhope71@yahoo.com
Eli Williams
I started tattooing in 2007 after an apprenticeship under Mario Bell at Two Kings. I was given a “traditional” apprenticeship, scrubbing, cleaning, tracing, tuning, errands, etc. After a decade at Two Kings, I went to tattoo in downtown Hendersonville at Revival Tattoo, where I stayed until a better opportunity arose in the form of Victory Blvd.
When not tattooing, you may find me singing and playing bass in Electric Phantom.
I aspire to give every person the tattoo they truly want, whilst maintaining the values of what makes a good tattoo.
Bold or fine line, color or black and grey. Your design or mine, choose as you may!
Artist, musician, freethinker.
Sean McCabe
After traveling around the country for many years, I started my apprenticeship in Portland, Oregon under Travis Thompson. My family & I moved back to Asheville in 2020 and I tattooed at Hi Octane Ink in Fletcher, NC until I recently made the move to Victory Blvd Tattoo where I immediately felt right at home. I enjoy tattooing American traditional designs, but I’m always happy to work on other styles. I’m happy to do custom work, as well as walk-ins. You can email me with any tattoo inquiries at stinktattoos@gmail, or you can reach me at the shop after 3pm Tuesdays-Saturdays
