Tattoo shop 'draws' students, grandmas

Ever since Don Ohlsen was a kid, he has been intrigued by tattoos.

"I was fascinated by it. I would see dads and grandfathers with their World War II tattoos, and I thought it was a fascinating art form," Ohlsen said.

Because of this, Ohlsen has transformed his curiosity into an occupation.

The result is Flyin' Gypsy Tattoo and Piercing Studios, located in Magnolia Place in downtown Auburn.

It opened for business in November 1995 and has two full-time tattoo artists, one part-time artist, one apprentice artist and two piercers on staff.

Originally from Connecticut, Ohlsen moved to Florida to work in a tattoo shop. When he came to visit relatives in Auburn, he thought it was "a nice, little college town," which prompted him to open a studio.

According to Ohlsen, this decision was a good one.

"The students are real hip. They gave us their approval and made us feel welcome from the start," Ohlsen said.

At first, the clients were mainly students. But now Ohlsen sees a more diverse range of people, including professionals and blue-collar workers.



ELIOTT C. McLAUGHLIN
Intrigue Editor
Even senior citizens have shown an interest.

"I recently tattooed a grandma.

She got three stars on her ankle for each of her grandchildren," Ohlsen said.

When asked about the current popularity of tattoos and piercing, Ohlsen said, "It's getting more mainstream. Everyone is getting a lot bigger and bolder. That's the thing I think people are shocked by."

For those people who doubt the safety of tattoos and piercing, the Flyin' Gypsy uses new "single-use" needles that are opened in front of the customer. All the equipment is "steam sterilized" through a process called Autoclave, the same type used in hospitals.

Ohlsen said he hopes the business will grow and include more customer input.

"I would like to see it keep expanding and have more people come in with their own customized designs," Ohlsen said.

http://www.auburn.edu/student_info/plainsman/archives/96FA/0924/intrigue.html