Photo by Krystal Loritts / MTSU Sidelines
A long line stretched beyond Grace & Glory Tattoo Parlor on Old Fort Parkway for its popular Friday the 13th Tattoo Party. While the shop opened for business at 10 a.m., there were patrons waiting outside its doors as early as 5 a.m.
This is the second time the tattoo shop has hosted a tattoo party for Friday the 13th, offering 106 small designs for customers at the low price of $20 — $13 for the tattoo and a tip of $7 “for good luck.” Designs included tributes to recently deceased celebrities, such as a Playboy bunny for Hugh Hefner, the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers logo and the Linkin Park symbol in honor of Chester Bennington. People continued to arrive until late in the afternoon, running to get a spot in line, before the shop closed at 10 p.m.
“We’ve been here since like 5:45,” said Jessie Warick, 18, who was encouraged by his friends to get his first tattoo at the event. “I mean, it’s a $20 dollar tattoo. It’s fun.”
Some customers that arrived at 5 a.m. for the tattoos had a simple explanation for why.
27-year-old David Eisenberg, a computer engineering student at MTSU, agreed it was worth the wait “because it’s a 20 dollar tattoo. I mean, come on.”
With six tattoo artists working, the line moved quickly, considering the amount of customers. There was a vivacious energy surrounding the parlor and the line as strangers discussed tattoo designs they were considering, previous tattoos and even shared donuts and a game of frisbee in the parking lot.
“I mean it’s fun, a really great experience, being here with friends,” 19-year-old Cassie Venbile said.
The tattoo artists were joking around with customers and explaining certain tips for upkeep for first-timers. Dan Jones, a 59-year-old tattoo artist, has been tattooing 27 years, 1o of which he has spent at Grace & Glory.
“Well this is the second (Friday the 13th party) we have done in this shop,” Jones said, although the shop plans to hold more Friday the 13th parties, the next of which is in April.
More information about Grace & Glory Tattoo can be found here.
To contact Lifestyles Editor Tayhlor Stephenson, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com.
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