Art, Ink, and Entrepreneurship: The Story of Lucid Dreams Tattoos

Amber Owens is the owner and operator of Lucid Dreams Tattoos in Anniston, AL. The Alabama SBDC at Jax State provided assistance in 2024 as she relocated her business from Oxford to the Historic Downtown Business District in Anniston.  The SBDC helped her craft a successful business plan that resulted in being awarded a commercial loan for $120,000 from First Bank of Alabama. The SBDC also provided guidance and facilitated multiple meetings with the City of Anniston for a rezoning request to allow her business to operate in the current location. The SBDC served as a mentor during an application process with the Main Street Anniston pitch competition as well; Lucid Dreams finished as runner up in the competition that had thirty-two applicants.

Amber is very thankful for the assistance provided by the SBDC at Jax State. She plans to expand her business offerings to incorporate the upstairs studios of her building to offer training and mentoring to aspiring artists. She states that she will call on the SBDC as she navigates that transition.

“I reached out to the Small Business Development Center at Jacksonville State University to help me create and edit a business plan, which I presented to the city to petition for my business, in hopes of relocating into historic down-town Anniston. The associates at the SBDC and I would meet regularly to discuss updates in the process and practice presenting. Having that extra help ensured I was going into these city council meetings prepared. Their encouragement and the level of care they showed my unique situation is a testament to the range at which they are able to provide assistance to local businesses.“