A tattoo parlor with a different attitude
By EMILY SCOTT (escott@reviewonline.com)Article Photos
CHESTER - Joey "Mushroom" Wilson and Jason Foresha, co-owners of Mushrooms Tattoos, a new parlor located on Carolina Avenue, say they hope to break the stereotype of tattoo artists as intimidating or unfriendly.
"We make the tattoo experience fun," said Wilson. "It's like a barbershop experience."
Foresha said that while many tattoo artists hide in the back of their shops when not working, he and Wilson can be found out front, ready to greet customers.
"When people walk in, we give them a smile and a warm welcome," said Wilson.
Foresha added that while many parlors discourage conversation, customers to Mushrooms Tattoos are always welcome to talk and ask questions during tattooing.
Foresha attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, followed by a six month apprenticeship and two and a half years of professional experience. Wilson gave his first tattoo in 1997 with a homemade gun and has been giving tattoos professionally for nearly five years.
While they have both worked out of their houses, "We want to give people a safe and clean place to get a tattoo," Wilson said. "We wanted to give the working man a chance to get a tattoo at a reasonable price."
Wilson said that while they enjoy doing tattoos in all types of styles, his favorite is Asian and Japanese work.
"We're trying to bring a new school style to the area," said Foresha.
Wilson emphasized that new needles are used on every customer, as well as the newest, brightest colors. He added they do not work on anyone under the age of 16. While they don't currently do piercings, so that they can focus on their tattoos, body jewelry is sold at Mushrooms Tattoos.
Everyone from the tri-state area is welcome at Mushrooms Tattoos, said Foresha, adding, "Here it's like you're part of the family."
The two artists are also doing commercial art design for local businesses and organizations, such as the Chester Volunteer Fire Department, as well as sponsoring groups such as the Oak Glen High School wrestling team. "We plan on being here for a long time and giving back," said Wilson. "Chester's been good to us."
Mushrooms Tattoos has one other employee, apprentice Greg Virden, lead singer of local band Junkhead.
Mushrooms Tattoos is open from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment only on Sunday. They can be reached at 304-459-3136 or at www.myspace.com/mushroomstattoos.
