In its sparkling new headquarters, Providence Ink Tattoo Gallery has opened its doors to a wide range of services that include permanent makeup, teeth whitening, scalp micro pigmentation and, of course, cutting edge tattoos.

Owner Ashley Simons of Marblehead, a Licensed Derma Specialist, said she expects the cosmetic services to be extremely popular, pointing to her own microblading, or semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing.

Marz Rickey, a 12-year veteran of the tattoo arts, will manage the new shop.

“I got into the cosmetic applications because I had no eyebrows,” said Simons, with a laugh. “It was such a chore to apply my eyebrows, a very time-consuming bit of makeup I had to put on every morning. That’s when I decided to become certified to do the microblading, as well as the other cosmetic applications we offer.”

Simons said she negotiated with Rickey to close his Port Clinton shop, Studio 163, and rent space in the new location she was going to open at 3956 Harbor Light Landing Dr., Port Clinton.

Simons says there is definitely a demand for cosmetic procedures and permanent makeup.

“Women love the convenience of it,” she said. “Once eyebrows are applied, a woman only has to get it touched up every 12 to 24 months. It’s one less thing we have to worry about in the morning. We also offer scalp micro pigmentation for men, covering bald spots by making them look like a five o’clock shadow.”

While tattoos have become far more popular in recent years, some people regret the poor quality tattoos they gotten years ago.

“We can lighten an old tattoo with a saline solution and a mild acid,” said Simons. “Then Marz Rickey can create a more meaningful tattoo in its place. All of his hand-drawn tattoos are specific to the person who wants it. Marz is dedicated to creating individual works of art that will always be unique.”

The Providence Ink Tattoo Gallery in Port Clinton’s Harbor Light Landing complex is officially open, hosting a ribbon cutting last week. (Photo by D’Arcy Egan)