Jason Thomas, who has been tattooing for over a decade, opened his own tattoo and piercing shop in West Pittston last August.
Less than a year later, Legacy Tattooing has grown to include seven tattoo artists, one piercer, and one tattoo apprentice, while also attracting a steady clientele.
Legacy Tattooing won silver in this year’s “Best of the Best” tattoo artist/shop category.
“Winning ‘Best of the Best’ while only being open for half a year is truly special,” Thomas said. “It shows that if you do what you love and you’re truly passionate about it, anything is possible.”
After looking at various storefronts last year, Thomas and his husband, Nick, decided to open the shop in the former Evan’s Hardware and Plumbing building at 202 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston.
“I could immediately see an open floor plan where artists could collaborate, grow from one another, and create beautiful works of art,” Thomas said.
He credits the open-floor concept space with attracting clients. It includes the charm of the original building, like exposed brick, hardwood floors, and tin ceilings, and new pieces of art placed throughout the space.
“The response from the community has been outstanding, and people have been really impressed with the renovations we did to the inside,” he said. “It’s awesome getting to see everyone working and talking amongst one another on a daily basis.”
Legacy Tattooing specializes in a variety of tattoo styles. The shop also hosts flash events for the community and charity benefits, raising money or collecting donations for local organizations.
Thomas said the crew plans to attend tattoo conventions and host more community events. He said he is grateful for his team and his clientele.
“It just really shows that art is important in the community.”