Aiken ink: First tattoo parlor to open 3/27/2009 12:19 AM By HALEY HUGHES Staff writer
Bob Pietsch is opening Aiken County's first tattoo parlor.
Carolina Ink Tattooing will open in the next few months on Middleton Drive (Highway 78) in Windsor after final approval comes from the state. And that is expected to come after Windsor Mayor Frank Mizell sends a letter stating everything has been OK'd by the small municipality, which he said he will do any day now.
"We're going to break new ground. We're going to have the first in Aiken County," Mizell said. "We did approve it; we did grant him a business license. I checked with the County and there is nothing to preclude us from doing this.
"Apparently, there is a need for tattoos out there."
Carolina Ink will be Pietsch's first parlor in South Carolina. He previously owned a parlor in Miami.
He began his career at the tender age of 15, after becoming entranced by the sound and sight of tattooing machines in a parlor next door to where he lived as a youngster. He has been doing it ever since and loves it.
"I already have customers lined up," he said. "Let's just put it this way - I had 1,000 business cards made and a quarter of them are already gone."
Carolina Ink will open where D&B ABC Package Store once was. Pietsch said the location is perfect since it was already zoned appropriately to permit a tattoo parlor.
"This will be a small operation," he said. "It will most likely be by appointment only."
Mizell said the vote to grant the business license was unanimous, and added that Pietsch provided all the necessary documentation and was nothing but cooperative.
"He seemed to be a fine fellow," Mizell said. "He was up front with everything and open from the get-go. We are looking forward to him coming."
State law mandates tattoo artists must complete classes on CPR and first aid, bloodborne pathogens and tattoo infection control, which Pietsch said he has done. He also said he will use disposable, single-use instruments, which is also required by law.
Customers must be at least 21 years old or have parental consent if they're at least 18.
"This is like a landmark thing," Pietsch said.
As part of the tattoo licensing process, a legal ad has been running in the Aiken Standard this month. To object to the issuance of the license, written protest must be postmarked no later than March 28. Protest must be mailed to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, ATTN: Division of Health Licensing, 2600 Bull St., Columbia 29201.
For more information, call Pietsch at 295-7268.
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Comment Title: NO REGRETS
I AM A 50 YEAR OLD FEMALE WITH 10 TATS, I HAVE NO REGRETS ON ANY OF THEM IN FACT I AM EAGER TO GET MORE, MY HUSBAND HAS 30, I HAVE A SON IN THE NAVY ON HIS SECOND ENLISTMENT WITH 20 AND A SON IN THE ARMY WITH 3, WE "ARE" A TATTOO FAMILY AND MY SONS HELP DEFEND OUR COUNTRY "PROUDLY" !!!! YOU MAY NOT CARE FOR OUR CHOICE OF ART, BUT REMEMBER THIS IS AMERICA AND "IT IS OUR CHOICE" !!! MY TATS DONT SAG AND AS I SAID- I HAVE NO REGRETS, OH AND YES I DO LIVE IN SOUTH CAROLINA, WE "ARE" EVERWHERE !!!!
Posted by: Robert Pietsch (Tattoo Bob) @Carolina Ink On: 5/15/2009
Comment Title: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.....
I want to clear up one thing that I have learned over my time being a Tattooist(I feel like I'm giving away trade secrets),,most tattooists think that they are hot sh*t and better than all the other people out there tattooing,(and think they are superior to the people that they are tattooing)I only have one thing thing to say about that,,,GET OVER IT!!In this field I have seen a lot of tattooists come and go. I don't think I'm better than anyone,A Lot of tattoos that I have done;; I would never have on myself,,but when someone wants a tattoo It's not about me,,IT'S ABOUT YOU,,What they want is all I care about!!!Things use in life used to be much easier,,every one thinks that they can tattoo,,maybe they can,,maybe they can't,That is not my department to judge anyone or even think that I can,I just know what I know.Most people that have that "better than thou"outlook on tattooing and think that tattooing will lead them to the road to riches have a wake up call coming,,,TATTOOING WON'T MAKE YOU RICH,I have a real job and always will,I tattoo mainly to make myself and others happy with themselves.Any tattooist can do little tattoos,try doing a whole back tattoo (a long time ago when I did my first full back tattoo I was scared sh*t,,but now It no big deal)I do what people want,,not what I want!I do old world type tattooing (It has withstood the test of time,lots of color)Not tattoos with skimpy amounts of color that will fade in a few years and have to be redone.And the main thing is I NEVER hide who I am or talk about people,I didn't hide when I was getting shot at in Iraq so I'm sure as hell not going to hide now!!My motto is stand up to me and say what you have to say or sit down and shut up!!
Posted by: Concerned. On: 5/9/2009
Comment Title: CONCERNED!!
I met this Bob guy the other day in a store here in Aiken. He seemed like a nice enough guy. But, he gave me a flier with his myspace address on it and said to check out his work. I did and was amazed at what I saw. For someone who claims to have been tattooing for 30+ years, what I saw was horrible. I am very concerned about the quality of tattoos that will come from Carolina Ink!!! How can a tattoo parlor open and mess people up, "for life",. PEOPLE BEWARE!!!
Posted by: NitroSuqid On: 4/20/2009
Comment Title: I'll be there...
Hi Tattoo Bob,I will be up there to have a tattoo designed, I live in Wagener. I am 57 years old, a Navy and Vietnam veteran, college educated and a biker. I got my first tattoo at 50 years old, it's something that is yours and tells about your life, who and what you are. 'Don't let the narrow minds bring you down."
Posted by: Rusty On: 4/20/2009
Comment Title: Carolina Ink Tattooing
Hello all. This is Rusty again. Due to a death in my immediate family, and a couple of personal problems, I am declining the position as artist at Carolina Ink. I want nothing more than for Bob to succeed in his business venture. Good luck Bob! Those who know me, see you around. Thanks, Rusty
Posted by: On: 4/7/2009
Comment Title:
Tattooing since you were 15 years old. That was propbably breaking the law. Licenced by the town of Windsor. Give me a break.
Posted by: TATTOO BOB@CAROLINA INK TATTOOING. On: 4/4/2009
Comment Title: Get a grip on it.
I was in Iraq for 2 years,I have been tattooing since I was 15 I'm 50,do the math(what do you do and how long have you been doing it??),I'm a certified Tattooing specialist lic.by the town and soon the state.If someone wants a tattoo stop by if not,,dont stop by,,I don't go out and twist anybodys arm to get tattooed.I tattoo alot of vets from all different wars(alot from the Vietnan war),and vets that haven't been in war.You do relize that there also has to be some civilians in the world ,and there are good people in the world that weren't soldier's.So try to get over your lack of understanding things in life.
Posted by: Vietnam Vet. On: 4/3/2009
Comment Title: Tattoo Soldier
Bob you mention you fought for our country. So did a lot of other people that faught in the vietnam war and they don't want tattooes. Thanks for fighting in Iraq .That does not make you a qualified tattoo artist. You do not have it tattooed on you that you faught for our country. I am a Vietnam vet. Did the great Mayor serve our Country?
Posted by: On: 3/29/2009
Comment Title: Bob & Rusty
Welcome to Windsor! Don't let these narrow minded people stop you! I'm sure you'll do great! I agree, it sure beats driving to Augusta to get a tattoo. People who want tattoos will get them, regardless of what others think!! Best of luck. I'm sure you'll have my husband as a customer! I, for one, hope it does bring more businesses to Windsor!! God Bless
Posted by: Helen On: 3/29/2009
Comment Title: Bruce is the Leader of Band...
Wow Bruce you are getting your dumbass handed to you on this one. Is that all you got? Short bus, finger painting, helmet head, if the shoe fits wear it? ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!! You are an idiot of the highest order and getting whipped you small little man...
Posted by: Rusty Williams On: 3/29/2009
Comment Title: Carolina Ink Tattoo
Hello all. My name is Rusty. I will also be an artist at Carolina Ink. Come see us when we are open, and get a quality tattoo at a great price. Let's keep the money in Aiken County. Looking forward to seeing all of you soon. May you all be blessed.
Posted by: On: 3/29/2009
Comment Title: Whats it to you?
Why do you people, who don't care for tattoos, object to this man..(HERO Thank you for your service!!) for opening up this business? You've got to much time on your hands, and have nothing better to do than judge. You don't like tattoos, don't get one. No one will force you to stand in line! Live and let live......geezzzzzz
Posted by: Bruce On: 3/29/2009
Comment Title:
If the shoe fits numbnuts wear it. ( it fits you so nice) Better go nite nite the short bus comes early and tommorrow is finger painting day .. Don't mess up your new helmet, it's not the first of the month and your mommy is out of money.
Posted by: On: 3/29/2009
Comment Title:
Yeah, Bruce is a little backwards. His vocabulary is limited to two words...retarded and dumbass, sometimes he can only remember to say dum dum.
Posted by: On: 3/29/2009
Comment Title: Is Bruce a child?
Poor Jandruve, being shown up by a new poster. And al Brucey has is to call him a retard. How old are your Bruce, 11? LMAO @ Bruce. BTW, I think it's great to have more business on this side of Aiken. I hope it succeeds and leads to more.
Posted by: Tattoo Bob from Rockford ! On: 3/29/2009
Comment Title: Got Ink?
For you idiots that have nothing better than to worry about what everyone else is doing @uck you! Get off the couch and get a life!!Bob is an american hero and that risked his life so you idiots could complain about how you dont like tattooing or body piercing.If you dont like it dont look..I made 125k last year tattooing how much did you haters make?If you dont have a tattoo you wont ever understand..He will make it and beware were all over and were watching you!!!!!! hahahhahaahahh loosers...
Posted by: Warrenville On: 3/29/2009
Comment Title: Great Ideal
I think this is a good ideal . now aiken people don't have to go to augusta ga. They can spend there money here in SC . Good Luck
Posted by: Bruce On: 3/29/2009
Comment Title:
Wow Jim you impress me! You took retarded to a whole new level and you should be proud. Not everyone in the world can reach that level of stupidity and still breathe. You are a first rate over achiever.
Posted by: On: 3/28/2009
Comment Title:
Jim? Didn't you know that Bruce is the drum major for the parade of dumbasses? He always makes a dum, dum, dum noise.
Posted by: On: 3/28/2009
Comment Title:
You're on the mark S. McIntosh. I hope Windsor draws more businesses from the likes of Aiken and their made up book of ordinances. I don't live in Windsor, but I wish all of them the best of luck and hope they keep on growing, and remember to never get too big for their britches. Happy days to you Tattoo Bob and thanks for your service to our country. I won't get a tattoo, but it's a free country and I'd rather see somebody with a tattoo than somebody with a cellphone growing out of their ear. At least the tattoo don't yell in the grocery store.
Posted by: Jim On: 3/28/2009
Comment Title: Bruce at the front redux
Bruce the dumbass - not all of my post was directed at you, just the part about you being at the front of the line when it comes to dumbasses. The rest of it was directed at some of the other posts on here. Shocker here Jandruce, not everything revolves around your pathetic comments and inane remarks. Try getting over yourself sometime.
Posted by: Bruce On: 3/28/2009
Comment Title:
I never said anything one way or the other about his business being legit i was responding to the first post here. Try reading the comments before you post dum dum, Or are you just a dumbass like the rest?
Posted by: Jim On: 3/28/2009
Comment Title: Bruce at the front
A parade of dumbasses should always be led by Bruce. This business is legal and is as legitimate as any other. Good luck and here's to more businesses moving to Windsor and out from the thumb of fascist like control by Dick Smith.
Posted by: S. McIntosh On: 3/28/2009
Comment Title: Things to Come
Ok, so first a Tattoo Parlor (which doesn't interest me one way or the other.) Want to laugh at Mayor Mizell ? Go ahead, It will not be something he will loose sleep over. Now for what's ahead. Small towns like Windsor that have few ordinances that, if any other than State Laws to govern them will see considerable growth over the next few years. Business owners are simply tired of investing their money and then have local goverments place restrictions on top of restrictions on them, above and beyound state laws. If you were to ask Mr. Pietsch why he chose a location such as WINDSOR ? His reply might be because he is only required to comply with State Laws and not pages of Local Odrinances. Mayor Mizell, keep local ordinances to the minum and others will fallow (I have no tattoos and no desire to get any)
Posted by: William Frye. On: 3/28/2009
Comment Title: hiding
Well I guess some people like to bad mouth others when they hide behind their keyboard,If they had something valid to say I bet they would post their full name and not be a coward.Good Luck Bob and thanks for your service to our country.
Posted by: On: 3/28/2009
Comment Title: Thank you Mayor Mizell
You put windsor on the map. Maybe you will be his first client and have Stupid tattooed on your forehead. HERES YOUR SIGN! You love the attention
Posted by: Local On: 3/28/2009
Comment Title: Tattoo Bob
Thanks for your service to our Country. I wish you success in your new adventure in Windsor. May God Bless and Keep You.
Posted by: Bruce On: 3/27/2009
Comment Title:
Let the parade of dumbasses begin ..
Posted by: Tattoo Bob @Carolina Ink On: 3/27/2009
Comment Title: 1st.and only tattoo shop.
Thank you all for your support!(I mean the truly educated ones!)After spending the last 2 years in Iraq (SE.Baghdad)helping my country fight the war so every one can sleep safe and sound at night (even the narrow minded people)I'm glad to be home in the good old USA.Any Aiken county lawman that want's to stop by the shop is welcome.(A lot of your brothers in arms will be here getting tattooed)I deal with many law enforcement agency's(my father is a retired lawman.) Thanks again.
Posted by: Hal On: 3/27/2009
Comment Title: Dick Smith shoud have one in front of Woodside
I wish this guy would open one in the City of Aiken. They illegally ban them even though they are legal. Dick Smith and Lessie Preice should have to have one in their council districts too.
Posted by: On: 3/27/2009
Comment Title: Bob Pietsch
Good luck to you!!
Posted by: On: 3/27/2009
Comment Title:
I got my first tattoo at age 49. I have two children, happily married for 26 years. Matter of fact, I got one of my tattoos with my grown, married, son. I, also, am well respected and God Fearing! If you don't want a tattoo, don't go there. Also, just beause it's a tattoo parlor, doesn't mean it's going to be known as a 'drug' store. Quit judging. I just wonder how many people writing into complain have their ears pierced?
Posted by: Ernie Law On: 3/27/2009
Comment Title: We in the Big Time Now ! This story reads like satire.
Windsor mayor Mizell says "Apparently, there is a need for tattoos out there." Need, huh? Aiken County's first tattoo "artist" Bob Pietsch says "This is like a landmark thing". Doesn't he mean a BODY MARK thing?
Posted by: Fit, Professional and Tattoed. On: 3/27/2009
Comment Title: Mery Wilhite, get your head out of your a@#.
Apparently you hit the age of 40 and got all saggy...so sad for you. Those of us who want to wear our art rather than hang it on our walls take good care of ourselves and rather than run your mouth about stuff you are unfamiliar with, you might want to run those big old thighs on the treadmill. Peace.
Posted by: On: 3/27/2009
Comment Title:
What narrow minded people. I'm a mid 40's mother who is well respected, churchgoing, and has a loving family,and I have two tattoos!! Having tattoos DOES NOT make you a trashy person, nor does it increase the crime in the area. Please think twice when you decide to judge people..
Posted by: On: 3/27/2009
Comment Title:
I sure hope the police keep an eye on this place!
Posted by: Mery Wilhite On: 3/26/2009
Comment Title: YEAH, that's what we need in Aiken County
Great, a tattoo parlor. What a waste. Let's draw all over human bodies and make them look trashy. I guess they'll regret when they are 40 and that tattoo is sagging down their fat. I doubt this place will last. It's ben fun.
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