The planning commission gave a unanimous nod July 18, for a tattoo parlor to open at Center Pointe Plaza, located at East Aurora and Valley View roads.
The 1,100 square feet parlor, Studio Hoju, will be owned and operated by Joseph Perez, of Twinsburg.
According to Macedonia City Planner Brian Frantz, tattoo parlors do not specifically fall under the planning code.
However, he said the area is zoned as a B-1 convenience business district. Frantz added that a tattoo parlor is similar to beauty and barber shops in that it’s a personal use business, which is permitted.
Perez, who specializes in Japanese tattoos, moved to Ohio last year from South Carolina with wife, Amy and three children.
“Hoju means wishing jewel in Japanese culture,” Perez said on July 28th. “It’s meant for good fortune and wealth. And it’s often seen at the top of Buddhist temples – at the very top in the spire part.”
Perez wanted to name the parlor something different, he said.
“I specialize in Japanese tattooing,” he said. “I’ve devoted the past 15 years to studying the Japanese culture and the tattoo aesthetic.”
The Japanese motif is a design which is often asked for, along with the imagery, Perez said.
“I thought it was fitting for being my first shop,” Perez added. “Of course, every business owner wants good fortune and wealth for their business so I thought it was fitting.”
According to Perez his parlor will not just specialize in Japanese art.
I do specialize in Japanese tattooing, but I am well versed in all styles of tattooing,” he said. “So, I can pretty much cater to pretty much anyone who walks through the door. I’ll be able to help them out and make anything they can think of a reality.”
Tattoos have become a norm in today’s culture, Perez said.
“It’s definitely not what it used to be,” according to Perez. “It’s a good thing. It’s not as primitive as some people think it is.”
Joe Migliorini, who owns Center Pointe Plaza agreed.
Migliorini has not permitted tattoo parlors to open on his property in the past, he said.
“However, times have changed,” Migliorini said. “People are doing it for good reasons – for personal reasons – for memories of loved ones.”
Migliorini questioned people with tattoos, including a variety of medical staffers. The workers wore ink which honored loved ones who had died, he said.
“It changed my attitude on tattoo parlors,” Migliorini said. “It’s interesting that just about everybody you see anymore has a tattoo, especially young people.”
Migliorini said the parlor, which will have room for three tattoo chairs, will operate in good taste with quality work.
“Be on the lookout for us,” Perez said. “We would love to see everybody. We want to become a staple and mainstay in Macedonia.”
