Nuwu Sessions Podcast | EP. 50 Bobby & Ryan of Koolsville Tattoo | Ink, Cannabis & Vegas Culture

In Episode 50 of Nuwu Sessions, Koolsville Tattoo owner Bobby and artist Ryan join Tom inside Sky High Lounge at Nuwu Cannabis to talk Las Vegas tattoo culture, cannabis, entrepreneurship, community, and the story behind one of the city’s most recognizable tattoo brands. From Koolsville’s early days in Las Vegas to its famous $10 and $20 tattoos and the opening of its 10th Las Vegas location inside Nuwu Cannabis, Bobby and Ryan break down how the brand built its reputation through affordability, quality, word of mouth, conventions, social media, and decades of staying connected to the Las Vegas community. The conversation explores the natural crossover between tattoo and cannabis culture, changing tattoo trends, Koolsville’s award-winning artists and custom work, the philosophy behind making tattoos accessible, and the importance of creating an experience that keeps customers coming back. Bobby also opens up about his upbringing, time in the foster care system, supporting local communities and foster youth, building a team around respect and fair treatment, and the business philosophy that has guided Koolsville for decades: slow and steady wins the race. From advice for emerging tattoo artists to staying humble, finding mentors, adapting to change, and building something that lasts, Episode 50 is a conversation about Koolsville Tattoo, Las Vegas culture, cannabis, creativity, community, and longevity in business. Tap in, learn something new, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping cannabis and Las Vegas culture. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 00:30 – Welcome to Nuwu Sessions Episode 50 01:04 – Meet Bobby and Ryan of Koolsville Tattoo 01:32 – Bobby’s introduction to tattooing 03:55 – Early cannabis stories 06:26 – How tattoo and cannabis culture connect 08:06 – Koolsville’s Las Vegas beginnings 11:28 – The Sky High Lounge session begins 12:22 – Building the tattoo business in Las Vegas 15:01 – How Koolsville got its name 16:00 – Building the business with family 18:06 – Koolsville’s 10th location at Nuwu 20:01 – What makes Koolsville different 20:58 – The philosophy behind affordable tattoos 23:29 – Current tattoo trends 25:18 – Koolsville is more than $10 tattoos 25:45 – Social media and growing the brand 28:44 – Las Vegas culture and the Arts District 30:41 – Why affordability matters to Bobby 34:01 – Misconceptions about $10 tattoos 37:03 – The future of Koolsville 39:03 – Keeping 10 locations consistent 40:16 – Supporting the Las Vegas community 43:03 – Bobby’s foster care experience and giving back 46:50 – Staying relevant without losing the original vision 47:52 – Building the Koolsville team 48:21 – Treating and paying people well 51:16 – Slow and steady wins the race 54:48 – The experience Koolsville wants customers to have 56:09 – Advice for the next generation of artists 58:55 – Where to follow Koolsville 59:16 – Why Nuwu feels like home 1:00:09 – Outro FOLLOW KOOLSVILLE Instagram @koolsvilleofficial YouTube @koolsvilletattoo FOLLOW NUWU @nuwulv @nuwusessions Must be 21 years or older. Please consume responsibly. #NuwuSessions #KoolsvilleTattoo #CannabisCulture