HIGHLAND, Ind. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Not only is Army National Guard veteran Tina Brenda opening her first small business, she’s making history.
A 20-year-old ordinance in Highland, Indiana required tattoo artists to be medical doctors.
“That's like almost outright banning it without actually banning it,” Brenda told WBBM Newsradio.
Determined to set up shop next to Fuzzyline Brewing Company on Condit Street, Brenda gathered 2,300 petition signatures and made her case with the town.
“I met with the board of zoning appeals at first and they actually gave me an unfavorable recommendation,” Brenda said. “But when I met with the town council, they actually seemed very supportive of my decision to open there and even thanked me for having interest in their town.”
The Highland council recently voted 4-0-1 to approve a use variance for the tattoo parlor.
Brenda said other tattoo artists have tried to change the zoning ordinance in the past but none had gotten as far as meeting with the board.
“I don't know if I just had the right council members on board that time or what, but they gave me the go ahead,” she said.
Once the property is secured, Brenda plans to open Nephilim Studios later this year.
Related
