As a tattoo artist, Derek Holliman turns customers’ ideas into walking works of art.
“I enjoy creating custom artwork on someone’s body that they will have with them forever,” said Holliman, owner and operator of Hogs Head Tattoo and Piercing Studio in Sherwood.
“I have met some really cool people who all have unique stories and special meaning behind their tattoos,” he said. “I enjoy doing all types of tattoos, whether it be something as small and simple as a name to detailed work specifically tailored to the individual I’m working with.
“I’ve always enjoyed art and am thankful I’m able to put that art on an individual’s skin.”
After months of preparation, Holliman opened his tattoo shop in February 2025. He received startup and business planning guidance from the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
“I can honestly say I don’t believe my business would be open and running if it were not for them,” he said.
Specifically, Holliman praised his ASBTDC business consultant, Nicolas Mayerhoeffer.
“Nicolas spent well over a year with me to help create and perfect my business plan. He was always quick to respond to my questions and always went above and beyond,” he said.
“The support I received from the ASBTDC was extremely helpful and appreciated. By the time I opened my doors for business I felt fully ready and prepared, thanks to the ASBTDC.”
From Army Soldier to Tattoo Apprentice
Holliman served six years in the U.S. Army, which included two tours in Iraq.
After the military, he worked in construction and then moved into security. Ultimately, that job ended up leading him into body art.
“During my time working in security, I would frequently visit my brother at the tattoo shop that he worked at. At times I would help out working the front desk, which led them to eventually asking me if I would be interested in an apprenticeship,” said Derek, who jumped on the opportunity.
Over the next three-plus years, he became a licensed tattoo artist and piercer, working at the shop for nearly a decade.
Then in 2023, he and his wife Lexi moved to Arkansas. His goal was to open his own tattoo business.
But starting over in a new place was hard.
“One big challenge was moving to a new state and not having the clientele here that I had built in Mississippi. Going from 10 years of building my name to having a new shop has been challenging but also rewarding,” said Derek.
Holliman took part in the Veteran Readiness and Employment program offered through the Veterans Administration. The VA is where he learned about the ASBTDC.
With Mayerhoeffer’s support, he obtained a VR&E program grant for startup funding.
A Side Business to Start
For now, Hogs Head is a side business. Derek is still working another job while running the shop.
He’s not doing it alone, though. “I’m lucky to have a supportive wife that works alongside me to ensure the business is growing,” said Holliman. Additionally, he knows Mayerhoeffer and the ASBTDC are only a phone call away.
His advice to others interested in starting a business is to “really make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Be overly prepared. Have a great support system with friends and family. This journey is not easy or a short one. It takes a lot of dedication and sacrifice. It is all worth it, though!”
Holliman does tattoos of any size, from designs that take minutes to full-day sessions. Located on Kiehl Avenue, Hogs Head is open three days a week and by appointment on other days.
To learn more, visit the business website or Instagram page.