Fireside Yacht Club
A Private Leadership Retreat for High Level Tattoo Studio Owners
Hosted by Russ Abbott & Jake Meeks
π Heber Springs, Arkansas | π September 27β29, 2025
You Built a Great Studio, But Itβs Running Your Life
Fireside Yacht Club is an intimate retreat for tattoo studio owners who are still in the trenches running teams, building brands, tattooing full-time, and trying to grow without burning out.
Set on beautiful Greer's Ferry Lake in Heber Springs, Arkansas, this three-day event is a rare chance to connect deeply with other artist-owners who get it. No vendors. No big stage. Just real conversations, hands-on workshops, and slow moments on the water.
Who This Retreat Is For
This is a curated, application-only event for:
β’ Tattoo studio owners who are also accomplished tattoo artists
β’ Leaders managing resident teams
β’ People actively seeking growth in both their artistic practice and business structure
What to Expect:
β’ Daily 2-hour morning sessions with Russ & Jake
β’ Candid discussions about studio operations, leadership, and artist fulfillment
β’ Hands-on design and critique exercises
β’ Fireside-style evening conversations
β’ Afternoon downtime on the lake (yes, Jake captains the boat)
β’ Good food, great company, and room to breathe
A Closer Look: Fireside Yacht Club Retreat
Sept 27β29, 2025
Breakfast & Morning Sessions
Each day starts with a shared breakfast and a focused 2-hour session led by Russ and Jake. Topics range from studio systems and leadership to creative longevity and design masteryβwith space for honest conversations and real insight from fellow artist-owners.
Boat Time, Lunch & Personal Breaks
After morning sessions, we slow things down. Youβll spend the afternoon on the lakeβsharing lunch, breathing in the quiet, and letting your mind unwind. Thereβs space to reflect, journal, nap, or do absolutely nothing. No pressure, just presence.
Evening Agenda
Evenings are intimate and reflective. Weβll gather around the table for good food and dive into prompts that matter like what it means to feel like an artist again, or what your studio could become. Itβs the kind of connection you donβt get in big rooms.
Lodging & Logistics
Weβll select a private lakeside property with shared lodging, private bedrooms and restrooms, and kitchen. Shuttle service from Clinton National Airport, Little Rock, AR. is included.
Meet Our Guest Teacher:
Russ Abbott
Russ Abbott is an acclaimed tattoo artist and owner of Ink and Dagger Tattoo in Roswell, GA. Known for his ornamental and Geometric style tattoos, Russ has been tattooing professionally since 1998. Abbott is also the founder of TattooSmart, a company providing digital design tools for tattooers. Russ is a forward scout for all things business and technology in the tattoo industry
Your Captain and Instructor
Jake Meeks
Jake has been tattooing since 1996. In 2013, he launched the Fireside Tattoo Network with a vision to build a supportive community for tattoo artists, helping them develop, refine, and uncover their unique styles. Through Fireside, Jake has created a space where tattooers can exchange knowledge, enhance their skills, and draw inspiration from one another. Today, he continues his craft from a private studio in Memphis, TN, dedicated to both his art and the community heβs built.
TESTIMONIALS
What Others Are Saying
"Bridging Generations: A Hands-On, Tailored Learning Experience for Tattoo Artists"
It was great to connect with tattooers from a newer generation. As I get older there's starting to be more of a divide, So I want to understand where they're coming from.
I feel like I made some really good connections, and it's so amazing that there are young tattooers who're hungry for knowledge. Tattooers who are eager to improve their skills, learn more, and become a bigger part of the industry they're taking part in.
I really like working with smaller groups of students. It's a lot more hands on, and I can tailor instruction to what I see each student needs. I want understand where they're at to give them better advice and instruction that benefits them personally, instead of a one size fits all.
These type of events can be a supercharged learning experience that's really tailored to the individual.
- Nick Baxter
"A Transformative Experience: More Than Just a Vacation"
This trip was such a unique escape, without escaping the developmental mindset that I like to carry in my tattooing. It wasn't just a vacation. It was an experience!
I never would have expected to be part of this, especially in a tattoo space.
The portfolio critique portion was one of my favorite parts. I was able to get group feedback by my peers, led by Nick Baxter. I got advice I could apply tangibly not only to that tattoo, but on future pieces, and that was extremely valuable.
- Lana K.
"Beyond Expectations: A Journey of Growth, Connection, and Inspiration"
The people that came have the same mindset as me. We all want to get better, we all want to grow, and figure out the next rung to climb on.
This is my first time doing something like THIS, and it's just been everything I didn't even know it could be. I just expected a vacation, and it was more than that.
- Chad D
"A Magical Escape: Art, Adventure, and Unforgettable Moments"
The waterfall was amazing, I've never done anything like that before! I've never done plein air painting, and they made it really exciting and interesting. They found the most beautiful spot and we got to hike down and paint this waterfall.
It was so ~magical~. I;ve never done anything like this. Just being in this type of community, it was something I've never been around especially coming from my hometown.
It was the perfect balance of vacation mode, we got to sit in the sun and sit on the front of this giant boat and jump off cliffs. It was just so fun.
Being able to watch the sunsets and just being around such a great group of people, I feel so inspired.
- SJ W.
"Loved everything"
Home cooked meals, really good critiques, and meeting good folks. The small groups feel more personable, and we exchanged numbers to keep up with each other!
Nick's critique was probably one of the best I've had in tattooing. He broke it down analytically, gave a red line drawing and a copy of the notes, and gave me new tools to reevaluate my tattoos.
Being in a group setting with different styles gave me multiple perspectives on how to approach problems in my work.
-Jody H.
Not a Conference. A Reset. For Real Studio Leaders.
You donβt need another packed conference or a loud room of strangers.
You need space to think, talk, and feel understood.
Fireside Yacht Club is that space.
Come rest, reconnect with your vision, and leave with the kind of clarity that sticks.
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