Carrboro Vendor Offers Piercings, Tattoos

The experience, Wilson claimed, changed his life and he dreamed of opening his own business.

After working more than eight years in other tattoo parlors, Wilson's dream became a reality on March 26 with the opening of Glenn's Tattoo Service Inc. at 110 W. Main St. in Carrboro.

The shop offers tattooing and jewelry in addition to piercing performed by Robert Bland.

Glenn's is the first such business to open in the area since Choice Peach Tattooing in Carrboro was forced to close earlier this year because of building renovations, said Carrboro Planner and Zoning Development Specialist Marty Roupe.

With the lack of tattoo businesses in the region, Wilson said he thinks he has a responsibility to those wanting a tattoo. "I take pride in doing quality tattooing," Wilson said. "I basically offer a really good tattoo for a really good price."

But Wilson is not the only one excited about the opening of Glenn's. Sophomore Wendy Love, an art history major from Morganton, said she thinks the opening of any new art-oriented establishment is beneficial.

"I think it's a good idea because any kind of business in the area is good, especially when it pertains to art," Love said. "I think it's great to have more venues for body art around."

Michael Vollmer, a sophomore political science and economics major from Tryon, said although he is "not a big tattoo kind of guy," he is glad Glenn's opened because it fills the gap for such a market in the University community.

"Everyone I know that has gotten a tattoo has had to drive to Raleigh or Durham to get one," Vollmer said.

But not everyone is as enthusiastic about the opening of Glenn's. Kathyrn Moore, who runs Dogstar Tattoo Co. in Durham, expressed fears that she would lose business from University students.

But artist Lee Swain of Tattoo Asylum, also in Durham, said he is not worried about losing customers to Glenn's because of the outstanding work he believes Tattoo Asylum offers its customers. "I think business depends on the quality of work of the tattoo and the professionalism of the staff," Swain said.

Wilson also said the quality of work is vital to a tattoo parlor's success and he believes his passion for the business will allow Glenn's to stand out.

"Too many people are in it for the money," he said. "I want to offer quality work and to be able to educate customers about tattooing when they come in."

Wilson said the success of his business will depend on student interest and the continuation of tattoo popularity.

"Tattooing's been around since mankind's been around, and will continue to do so," he said. "With the way students come and go, it could be very successful. With a good name and a good reputation, people will come back. A tattoo can be a really positive experience on someone's life."

The City Editor can be reached

at citydesk@unc.edu.