Nuwu Sessions Episode 50: Koolsville Tattoo on Ink, Cannabis & Las Vegas Culture
A Las Vegas Tattoo Legacy Comes to Nuwu
Tattoo culture, cannabis, creativity, and Las Vegas history come together in Episode 50 of Nuwu Sessions, filmed inside Sky High Lounge at Nuwu Main.
This time, Tom sits down with Bobby and Ryan of Koolsville Tattoo to talk about the journey behind one of Las Vegas’ most recognizable tattoo brands, the philosophy that made affordable ink part of the Koolsville identity, and the brand’s newest chapter: opening its 10th Las Vegas location inside Nuwu Cannabis.
From old-school tattoo culture and early Las Vegas stories to social media, community outreach, entrepreneurship, and cannabis, Bobby and Ryan share what has kept Koolsville moving forward for decades.
Inside the Session: Ink, Cannabis & Las Vegas Culture
From Early Tattooing to a Las Vegas Institution
Bobby’s relationship with tattooing started long before Koolsville became known throughout Las Vegas. Growing up in Los Angeles, he was introduced to the art form at a young age through a childhood friend whose father operated a tattoo shop.
After coming to Las Vegas in the late 1980s, Bobby and his family began building what would eventually become Koolsville Tattoo. The business evolved over the years, including a name change in the late 1990s, while maintaining a focus on approachable tattooing and a welcoming shop environment.
Today, Koolsville has grown to 10 Las Vegas locations, with its newest shop bringing the brand directly inside Nuwu.
Why Affordable Tattoos Became the Koolsville Signature
Koolsville may be famous for inexpensive flash tattoos, but Bobby explains that affordability was never meant to be a gimmick.
“I just think everybody should be able to afford a tattoo.”
— Bobby, 21:06
The affordable tattoo model became even more important during the recession, when Koolsville adjusted its pricing to keep tattooing accessible. The concept also offers first-time clients an approachable introduction to getting tattooed without immediately committing to a large piece or hours in the chair.
The team says they regularly see first-time tattoo customers, while rotating flash sheets keep the designs connected to current events, holidays, pop culture, concerts, and changing trends.
More Than the $10 Tattoo
One misconception the team addresses head-on is that an affordable tattoo automatically means lower-quality work.
Koolsville’s artists work across a range of styles and projects, including larger custom pieces. Ryan explains that the team includes experienced and award-winning artists, and if an artist isn’t the right person for a particular piece, they would rather connect the customer with someone who is.
That approach keeps the focus on the finished tattoo and the customer’s experience instead of simply making a sale.
Where Tattoo Culture Meets Cannabis Culture
The opening of Koolsville inside Nuwu brings together two communities Bobby and Ryan believe have overlapped for generations.
During the episode, they discuss cannabis as part of creative culture and how naturally tattoo artists, musicians, cannabis consumers, and other creatives tend to cross paths.
For Bobby, the partnership also has a personal connection. He shares that he was already visiting Nuwu before Koolsville opened its newest location here and remembers the early days of legal cannabis consumption at the property.
Now, visitors can experience even more of Las Vegas culture in one destination, with Koolsville joining the dispensary, Sky High Lounge, courtyard events, entertainment, and other experiences available at Nuwu Main.
Building a Business Around Community
Some of the episode’s most personal moments come when Bobby explains why community support matters so much to him.
He talks about growing up in a large working-class family, spending several years in California’s foster care system, and understanding firsthand what it feels like to have limited resources.
Those experiences helped shape both Koolsville’s affordable approach to tattooing and Bobby’s commitment to helping people and communities that may otherwise be overlooked.
The Koolsville team continues that philosophy through local donations, community support, and a workplace culture centered around helping one another.
Treat People Well and Build Something That Lasts
When Tom asks how Koolsville maintains a large team, Bobby’s answer is refreshingly simple: compensate people fairly, treat them with respect, listen to them, and remember that the people working alongside you are people first.
That same philosophy carries into his approach to business.
“Slow and steady wins the race.”
Rather than chasing overnight success, Bobby focuses on consistency, adapting when necessary, helping people, and continuing to move forward.
When asked how Koolsville stays relevant after decades in the tattoo industry, his answer comes back to evolution.
“When things change, we change with it because if you don’t evolve, you’re going to get left behind.”
— Bobby, 46:59
Advice for the Next Generation of Artists
Toward the end of the session, Bobby and Ryan share advice for artists hoping to turn their passion into a career.
Their message: find a mentor, surround yourself with people who are better than you, keep learning, and stay humble.
No matter how experienced an artist becomes, there is always something new to learn.
For Bobby, humility may be one of the most important pieces of longevity.
“Be humble and be glad for what you have and the people that appreciate you.”
— Bobby, 58:36
Visit Koolsville at Nuwu Main
Koolsville Tattoo’s newest Las Vegas location is now inside Nuwu Main, bringing one of the city’s most recognizable tattoo brands together with Nevada cannabis culture under one roof.
Nuwu Main
1235 Paiute Circle
Las Vegas, NV 89106
Come for the cannabis, explore the property, experience Sky High Lounge, and make your Vegas visit permanent with some fresh ink.
Catch the Full Session
Watch Nuwu Sessions Episode 50 to hear the full conversation with Bobby and Ryan, including stories from Koolsville’s early days, the evolution of the $10 tattoo, cannabis and creative culture, giving back to Las Vegas, building a strong team, and the lessons learned from decades in business.
Follow Koolsville
Instagram: @koolsvilleofficial
YouTube: @koolsvilletattoo
Follow Nuwu
@nuwulv
@nuwusessions
Must be 21 years or older. Please consume responsibly.