Today we’d like to introduce you to First Street.
Hi First, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Okay well, we opened the doors to First Street Tattoo Parlor in October of 2019. Before that, we were operating under the name First Issue Tattoo Studio, but it became clear that we needed something more — a space that fully represented who we were and what we stood for. So we made the move into our permanent home and rebranded as First Street Tattoo Parlor.
The shop was created out of necessity — not just for us as artists, but for the community and the culture that surrounds tattooing. We wanted to build a place that honored the history of the craft while giving artists the space to grow, push boundaries, and stay true to the roots. It was never just about business — it was about creating a home that respected the art form and gave people a place where they felt seen, welcomed, and inspired.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Let me tell ya, It’s definitely been a road with its fair share of bumps. I mean we opened First Street Tattoo Parlor in October 2019, just a few months before the world shut down. Like so many small businesses, the pandemic hit hard. We had just found our permanent space, just rebranded, and suddenly everything was on hold.
Even outside of that, building something from the ground up comes with its challenges, just trying to stay afloat while honoring the vision, making sure the right people are in the room, and maintaining the balance between being artists and running a business. There were long days, unexpected setbacks, and hard decisions.
But through all of that, we never lost sight of why we started. The culture, the community, the commitment to the craft of course it was these things carried us through. And every obstacle only made the foundation stronger
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
First Street Tattoo Parlor is built on a foundation of respect for tattoo culture — past, present, and future. Our shop shares roots in the Bert Grimm lineage, and we carry that tradition forward with purpose. We’re committed to honoring the legacy of the craft while fostering a space that allows for innovation, growth, and individual expression.
One of the things we’re most proud of is the diversity of talent under our roof. We have a dynamic group of artists, each with their own voice and style — and together, we cover a wide range of tattooing. From bold American traditional to fine line, black and grey realism, neo-traditional, script, ornamental, and illustrative work — there’s not much we can’t do. Some of our artists even bring influences from graphic design, painting, and street art, giving clients access to both classic and contemporary styles.
But what truly sets First Street apart is that we’re not just a collection of artists — we’re a family. We support each other, push one another to grow, and share a common vision rooted in the craft. That energy is felt by everyone who walks through our doors. The camaraderie in this shop isn’t just internal — it extends to our clients and community.
We’ve created a space that values quality, trust, and connection. We host flash events, collaborate with local businesses, and make sure the work we do reflects our commitment to the art form and the people we serve. First Street Tattoo Parlor is here to preserve the culture, elevate the craft, and continue building something real — together.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Just that you need to do the work and put your energy into something that your heart is in. The rest will fall into place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.firststreettattooparlor.com
- Instagram: @firststreettattooparlor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firststreettattooparlor
