The owner of a new tattoo parlour and vape bar in a Suffolk town more accustomed to quaint cafes and antique shops has been pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome shown by the community.
Adie Ellis relocated his Ink Parla from Bentwaters Park in Rendlesham to Framlingham just before Christmas and says he was initially “worried” about what the reaction would be.
However, since opening in Bridge Street, Mr Ellis, 33, says the response has been “only good feedback from all generations”.
“I think because the shop is so different we can cater for each type of person due to having local artists, Hoax clothing, vape products and the tattoos as well – everyone is happy,” he said,
Framlingham’s most well known tattoo aficionado, Ed Sheeran, may also have helped.
Mr Ellis says Ed has been the most talked about subject since the shop opened - mainly because the shop also stocks Hoax clothing, for which Ed is an ambassador, and the shop’s manager, Jim Collins, 22, skates for the brand.
“We wont be surprised if he pops in to have a look at the new shop in his home town or even pop in for a tattoo however we haven’t seen him just yet,” said Mr Ellis.
News of the tattoo shop has been a talking point in Framlingham ever since a sign appeared beside the 221B Bakery announcing its imminent arrival last summer.
Since then Mr Ellis said his team has been “manic” trying to get the shop ready for the opening.
He chose a “gentlemen’s club/Victorian” style of decoration for the interior, which has received “lots of amazing comments” from visitors.
The shop is also displaying paintings by local artists to give up and coming talent an outlet for their work.
Speaking last year, Mr Ellis said he had struggled to find a job matching his own creative ambitions and spent several years working in a burger van.
He hopes that by offering a space for young people to exhibit their work “it will inspire them to keep creating”.
Currently, the shop stocks around seven different artists’ work.
“The work is incredible and if I could buy every piece I would,” Mr Ellis said.
“We are planning in the future to hold art competitions for the local children.”
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