Opening a Tattoo Shop

I am thinking about starting to get my ducks in a row to open my own shop. I just wanted to get your input.... I have been working in shops for the past 10 years. I was a piercer for 8 of those years, i quit piercing completely and pursued tattooing. I have been tattooing for about the past year out of my apprenticeship. I have helped friends start-up 4 shops and have dealt with everything from zoning variances, budgeting, marketing, and taxes/bookkeeping. I have an associates in small business management and regularly pursue continued education. I have become fairly successful both in tattooing and in the local art community and have a devoted clientele who i am certain would follow me. I am considering opening because I am unable to find a shop where I can grow artistically and continue to have conflicts with my coworkers due to my short time in the industry and that i make a considerable amount more than most because i am so busy. I also can not stand the dishonest and drug-induced work environments that shops around here provide. I wish not to work with drug addicts, thieves and liars. My big hang-up....I don't really think someone with only a years experience has any business opening a shop. So I am in a pickle. What do you think?

Is there a place we can see your art? (you can email if you want).

With the experience you say you have I see no problem in you opening shop kiddo. This with the understanding that as Gabe said your artwork and tattooing skills are up to par. Sometimes ya just gotta take that leap of faith and GO FOR IT naysayers be damned. You say you have helped open 4 shops? Then why couldn't you open your own? Good luck!