A high-end tattoo parlor in rural Illinois?
It’s not what you expect, and definitely not what many visitors are looking for as they shop for antiques along Main Street in Tuscola, but nestled in the old brick buildings, you will Vintage Karma.
Vintage Karma started off solely as a tattoo studio eight years ago in Pennsylvania when business partners Laura Davis and Ainslie Heilich decided to open a spot where Ainslie could follow his dream of becoming a tattoo artist.
“It’s a very high stress job, but it’s also very rewarding,” Ainslie said. “I get to make people happy for a living, and I get paid to do it. I also get to make art as an artist, and that satisfies me creatively.”
But the cost of living and studio space became too costly for their small business in Pennsylvania. Looking to move their business out of state, the duo decided to follow Ainslie’s family to Tuscola where they found affordable business space in a budding arts community.
“(Tuscola) was totally excited about us coming here,” Laura said. “They saw his portfolio and the quality of his work.”
Now, Vintage Karma is not only a tattoo studio, but also a place where you can find unusual knick knacks and gifts. Laura takes care of customers by scheduling appointments and setting them up with the artist that will fit their vision best.
With only 4,500 people in town, the owners know they also have to reach outside of their local demographic to keep their business going. Because Ainslie and tattoo artist Brian Lynch are so good at what they do, Vintage Karma has attracted clients from Champaign, Bloomington, Charleston, Chicago, Missouri, Wisconsin, South Korea and Germany to their studio. Ainslie has also had clients from Pennsylvania follow him.
“We are trying to create a high-end tattoo establishment,” Ainslie said. “If you’re a good artist, it doesn’t matter where you’re at, people will travel to get tattooed by you.”
With the help of the Illinois TIF program, Vintage Karma was able to renovate their space to suit their needs.
Now, Laura and Ainslie are excited about working with other local businesses, such as The Vault, an art cooperative, to promote the art atmosphere in downtown Tuscola.
“We are definitely two separate businesses that work hand-in-hand,” Ainslie said. “It’s businesses like that that we are hoping to attract to downtown Tuscola. People who want to stay in Tuscola, and want to create a destination for art and antiques.”
The Vault will host Vintage Karma in their studio on July 11 as Ainslie, Laura and Brian display their work from 6 to 10 p.m. There will be drinks, music and door prizes while visitors vote on which tattoos they like best.
