Celebrating 25 Years of Tattoo Bill’s: A Family Legacy in Charlotte
Charlotte is buzzing with excitement as one of its beloved institutions, Tattoo Bill’s, prepares to celebrate a major milestone — its 25th anniversary! This family-owned tattoo shop, located at 10823 John Price Rd F, has become a cherished part of the community, welcoming all who enter with open arms. Just imagine—what started as a dream for Bill Thigpen in 1999 has transformed into a hub for tattoo enthusiasts, with nearly 100 tattoo shops now dotting the Charlotte skyline compared to just a handful back then.
A Humble Beginning
When Tattoo Bill’s first opened its doors in a modest 900-square-foot space, the stigma surrounding tattoos was still prevalent. “There were probably a handful of shops, three or four, in the very beginning in Charlotte,” recalls Kenny Thigpen, Bill’s son, who now helps run the shop alongside his nephew Stewart. “Landlords and owners of strip malls still thought that tattoos were kind of taboo.”
But through perseverance and a passion for art, the Thigpen family carved out a niche for themselves in the tattoo community. Kenny explains that his father, a former Marine and tattoo artist, had a dream to share his craft, passed down through generations. “His father and his grandfather did tattoos way back in the day, so it was always in his blood,” says Kenny.
From Taboo to Trendy
Throughout the years, the acceptance of tattoos has blossomed. In the early days, tattoos were primarily associated with soldiers and men, but now, women make up approximately 60-70 percent of those getting inked. “It went from a male-dominated scene to a female-fueled revolution in the tattoo industry,” says Kenny’s brother Frank, who manages the tattoo removal service at Tattoo Bill’s.
As styles evolved, from American traditional to modern, vibrant designs, Tattoo Bill’s adapted as well. In fact, it reflects the changing artistic trends that have swept across America in the decades since its inception. You could say that Tattoo Bill’s has become a living gallery of inked art, showcasing a range of styles from Japanese to black and gray realism.
Supporting the Community and Each Other
The Thigpen family made sure that their shop was a family affair. While Bill focused on creating beautiful tattoos, his wife Sandra handled the finances and his sons contributed in various ways. Chris, before his passing in 2019, served as the resident body piercer, and Frank now oversees the laser tattoo removal services. “Bill always said he wouldn’t have had nothing if it wasn’t for me,” Sandra laughs, adding a touch of warmth to the story. When Bill passed away, the family found strength in continuing his legacy.
A Growing Community
The rise of Tattoo Bill’s parallels Charlotte’s transformation over the years. What started as an under-the-radar shop now stands as one of Charlotte’s favorite tattoo parlors, as voted by readers in a recent poll. The community vibe is unmistakable, with the family welcoming customers like old friends. Kenny explains, “Due to a good name and a good following and good people, that’s how we’ve stayed in business,” emphasizing the importance of treating everyone fairly.
Join the Celebration!
Mark your calendars! On Saturday, October 5, Tattoo Bill’s is throwing a 25th-anniversary celebration that promises to be a blast. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can enjoy catered food, giveaways, and plenty of raffles throughout the day. What better way to celebrate than with a tattoo or piercing from this iconic shop? Come meet the family behind the operation and help them commemorate this incredible journey.
Final Thoughts
As Charlotte continues to grow and evolve, so does Tattoo Bill’s. This beloved shop not only represents the essence of family but also serves as a testament to the changing perceptions of tattoos in society. What was once seen as taboo is now a celebrated art form, bringing people together to share their stories and express their individuality.
