Tattoo shop thanks community following postarson reopening
Nov 21, 2024
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — Freedom Tattoo wants to thank not only Fort Wayne, but also the international tattoo community for supporting the shop through their rebuild after an arson in 2023.
While investigators ruled the fire was intentionally set and identified a person of interest early on, no arrests have been made.
In 2023, the co-owners of the shop said they would rebuild bigger and better. And more than a year later, they believe they have accomplished that goal. They received monetary and supply donations from near and far.
That's why they want to express their gratitude for their customers and the community this November with deals.
FWPD looking for ‘armed and dangerous’ woman wanted on murder charges
"Up to this point we haven't had the opportunity to say 'thank you' to the local community very well besides making posts which didn't feel like enough," tattoo artist, Terby, said. "So, this month, for the month of November, we're running specials all month long as customer appreciation."
Terby said it's their version of Thanksgiving. The owners of Freedom Tattoo stressed that part of their mission is to foster a good culture in their shop on top of providing their services.
"So many people are here just hanging out all the time, our friends," co-owner Aaron Lassandro said. "Whether they're getting tattooed or not, everyone just comes up here to hang out all the time. So, to think someone would go out of their way to burn our shop down was unbelievable."
Every artist was booked and busy on a snowy Thursday, and they couldn't be happier to be back in their space. Co-owner Mick Mickelini said they turned a negative into a positive.
"Whenever you're doing something that you love with all your heart, it's just exhilarating to be back at a place that you helped create," Mickelini said. "It's just like making a tattoo. I mean we made this tattoo shop together. You've got to come together and put all your heart and soul into it and come together. And I think we did that."
For the rest of November, Freedom Tattoo is running a $60 "get what you get" tattoo special, with the chance to get $25-50 off of a future tattoo. There is also a golden ticket to be had, which gives $100 off any tattoo. Freedom Tattoo is located at 10212 Coldwater Rd., Fort Wayne, IN.