Founder Interview With Martin Gratton, Skin & Tones
Martin Gratton is the founder of Skin & Tones, a brand in the tattoo aftercare industry. Based in Canada, Martin has always been passionate about entrepreneurship and tattoos, which inspired him to address the gap in the market for high-quality, convenient tattoo aftercare products. With a strong background in creative pursuits and a commitment to innovation, Martin partnered with world-class chemists to develop Skin & Tones, a brand that stands out for its unique approach to tattoo care.
During our interview, Martin shared his approach to creating Skin & Tones, challenges, and long-term vision for the brand. He emphasized the importance of self-confidence and self-love for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and highlighted the need for diversity and representation in the tattoo industry. Martin's commitment to respect as a core value and his strategies for self-care amidst challenging times further illustrate his holistic approach to business and life.
Check out the interview below!
Can you share the inspiration behind Skin & Tones and how you got started?
The inspiration behind Skin & Tones came from my own experiences as a tattoo enthusiast. I've always been passionate about tattoos, and there was a gap in the market for high-quality, convenient aftercare products. The idea struck me one day after a tattoo session when the artist recommended a random assortment of products for aftercare. I thought, how convenient would it be to have a complete aftercare kit available directly from the tattoo shop? From there, I started developing the concept, partnering with world-class chemists to create a product that wasn't just a basic moisturizer but something innovative and specifically designed for tattoo care. This project has been years in the making, evolving through extensive research and development to bring something truly unique to the tattoo industry.
What does your creative process look like when considering new products or campaigns?
I like to allow myself to experience new things every time. I have amazing creative friends who are photographers and singers, and we often have brainstorming sessions together.
My approach always needs to fit the mission of the business—its essence and what we want to achieve. It’s easy to get excited and shift paths, so I always bring it back to the mission. This helps in maintaining the soul of the brand and ensuring that everything we do is aligned with our core values.
In terms of creative directions, we pitch ideas and, when something resonates, we go all out. The sky is the limit!
What is one challenge you have faced as the Founder of Skin & Tones, and how did you navigate it?
One significant challenge was navigating the complexities of the cosmetics industry. Developing a unique product that truly stands out required partnering with world-class chemists and going through a lengthy process of research and development. It was crucial to push the boundaries and create something innovative rather than just another moisturizer. This journey involved a lot of learning, adapting, and perseverance, but seeing the final product and the positive feedback has made it all worthwhile.
What is your long-term vision for Skin & Tones?
The long-term vision for Skin & Tones is to shift the perception of the tattoo industry. Traditionally, the industry is often seen as rough and aggressive. However, nowadays, a more diverse group of people are getting tattoos.
My goal is to create a universe where everyone feels represented, regardless of how many tattoos they have. Additionally, I aim to address the lack of diversity within the tattoo culture by showcasing a wider range of skin tones and backgrounds. It's crucial to push diversity forward and ensure that everyone feels seen and respected in this space.
Photo Credit: Skin & Tones
Tell us about one of your values and how you’ve incorporated it into your brand?
One of my core values is respect. Growing up, respect was a fundamental value in my family, and it has been a core value for me since a young age.
When you respect yourself, it becomes easier to respect others without judgment.
This value is deeply incorporated into Skin & Tones by ensuring that we create a brand that respects and represents all individuals, regardless of their background or how many tattoos they have.
If you could give one piece of advice to future LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, what would it be?
The most important piece of advice is to cultivate self-confidence and self-love. It's crucial to love yourself for who you are and not try to replicate others. Appreciate and enjoy who you are, and lead with that confidence. For me, practicing mindfulness and meditation helped a lot in realizing my value and building self-confidence.
Once you start to love yourself, opportunities will come your way, and the process of entrepreneurship becomes much more fulfilling.
Photo Credit: Aidan Tooth
How do you take care of yourself, especially during this moment in history (a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills being passed, an increase in violence against our community, etc.)?
I try not to focus too much on negative events, although it’s important to acknowledge them. I do a lot of mindfulness exercises and work on maintaining a balance of body, mind, and soul. I work out regularly, meditate, and spend time with friends to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook.
What LGBTQ+ owned brands are your go-to and why?
I'm a bit biased because they are my friends' brands, but I genuinely love them and believe they need more visibility. One of my friends, Kit, hand-sews tote bags, and her brand is called K.I.T. Another is HausRetro, a studio space in Toronto where I sometimes film my content. Both brands are fantastic, and I love supporting them.
Who is your favorite LGBTQ+ celebrity and/or icon, and why?
My favorite LGBTQ+ celebrity is Bretman Rock. I admire Bretman for his authenticity and ability to make people laugh. He’s a fashion icon and brings a lot of diversity to his content. I love that he doesn't fit into a single box—he creates what he wants, whether it's makeup, lifestyle content, or just being his hilarious self. His approach to life and content creation is truly inspiring.
Can you share one fun fact about yourself?
A fun fact about me is that I'm hyperactive. I'm rarely chilling and always doing many things at once, which sometimes results in me repeating myself. Even when I talk, I often process thoughts in French and then speak them in English, which can make my explanations a bit repetitive. But it’s all part of my energetic and passionate personality!
