A new tattoo studio has opened its doors in downtown Shepherdstown, aiming to blend artistic traditions from East and West. Tooth & Nail Tattoo, located at 133 West German Street, celebrated its grand opening Sunday afternoon with a vision rooted in craftsmanship and community.
The shop is the brainchild of tattoo artists Tre Lapole and Josh Stevens, longtime friends and collaborators who bring complementary artistic backgrounds to the venture.
“This has been an idea of Tre’s for years,” said Valerie Lapole, who co-owns the business with her husband. “It’s been in the planning stages for a long time, but we’ve actively been working toward it for about a year now.”
With help from neighboring business owner TJ Vance, the Lapoles secured the centrally located storefront and created a welcoming space painted in soft pink and green tones. The interior features tattoo artwork throughout, designed to ease clients into what Lapole described as a “tattoo-centric” atmosphere.
“The pink and green were chosen to soften the name a bit,” said Lapole. “We have a scary name, but with a really cute aesthetic. I want everybody to feel welcome here.”
Both artists bring years of experience and distinctive styles to the shop. Stevens, who has been tattooing for 16 years, draws on his Japanese heritage to create modern interpretations of traditional Eastern tattoo styles.
“I try to translate Japanese tattooing into something more modern, inspired by daily life,” Stevens said. “Being in the Blue Ridge Mountains area, I think, will help me further develop my style.”
Lapole, a 13-year industry veteran, focuses on Western-style tattooing, having honed his craft in Martinsburg before working in Washington, D.C. The partnership, he said, ensures a wide range of options for clients.
“I do Western-style tattoos, and Josh does Eastern-style tattoos — that way, we have something for everyone,” Lapole explained. “We’re here to serve our local community and care for our clients to the best of our ability.”
The decision to open in Shepherdstown was driven by a desire to fill a gap in the town’s arts and services landscape.
“There hasn’t been a tattoo shop here that’s been open to the general public and focused solely on tattooing for quite some time,” Lapole said. “We wanted to change that — just for the love of tattooing.”
Tooth & Nail Tattoo is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and accepts both walk-ins and appointments.
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