An Adventure in Business - @missannelister
The new tattoo shop Ann has found herself in, does not have the perfect location. Set smack in between an antique shop for old people, and an adult toy store that she canât look at for more than a minute without blushing.
Her new job isnât bad, however. The shop next door does bring in a lot of canvases wishing to be tattooed, while the other side judges both her tattoo shop, and the adult store.
Ann owns the shop herself, inheriting it from her elder sister who gave up her career in tattooing to start a family. She hired a well known local artist as well, a Samuel Washington, or âWashington Artsâ, to work with her in her little shop, though he only comes in to work once or twice a week. She also hired a secretary, and all around right hand, James Mackenzie.
Ann never really minded the other shops, but occasionally when the odd shopper from the adult store comes in, they can be a bit disrespectful. Itâs become a habit, which one would not expect from what seems to be a pretty pristine store.
Finally, after one customer pushes her too far, she decides to head over to this store, and give the owner trouble for his customers being so rowdy.
Though as soon as she enters the building, we realizes that the owner of the shop isnât a man at all.
âYes, I adore painting, I try to incorporate what I paint into my tattoos. Which is why I enjoy watercolor style very much.â She smiles at the fact that Anne remembers her painting. âPersonally I like black and grey tattoos, on my own body.â She says, pulling back one of her long sleeves to reveal a beautiful fine-line black and grey floral piece. âMy sister did this for me. Sheâs incredible with black and grey.â
She thinks about Anneâs offer to see more of her shop for a moment. âI think Iâd like that, it would probably be less embarrassing that way.â She says softly.
âIâd love to get a drink. My secretary, James will hold down the shop no problem until I get back.â She isnât usually one for going out much, but she would really like to catch up with Anne. Sheâs always been very interesting.
âOohâŠâ Anne cooed as Ann showed her the tattoo. She lifted her hand, letting her fingertips hover just above the inked skin, not quite touching the other woman. âThat is beautiful. Elizabeth has quite the eye for florals.â She praised with ease and straightened back up.
âLet me know when and Iâll close off the shop just for you. As long as you want,â Anne offered with ease as they took off towards the little bistro around the corner. They offered decent coffee and had a small selection of drinks too. Anne wasnât sure what she was in the mood for. A beer never went amiss, but something about Ann Walker made her want to be 100% clearheaded.
âAn artist like you, whoâs never been abroad. But I do hope youâve visited all the lovely museums London has to offer?â
Ann smiles when Anne looks over the large tattoo adorning her arm. âShe really does, sheâs always had a very particular style that I love. Iâm not great at tattooing that way, Iâm more for bolder lines and lots of color.â
Ann orders a latte when they get to the bistro, not really wanting to drink alcohol and risk embarrassing herself in front of Anne. Sheâs always been a bit of a lightweight. If the night goes well, she might order a glass of wine or two.
âYes, I try to go to the museums as often as I can, but I havenât experienced all of them, Iâm afraid. There are also many in France that I would love to see.â She says, taking a sip of her coffee.
âI plan to expand my tattoo shop beyond just tattoos, Iâd love to make it an art studio as well. I am an artist first, after all.â
âIâve admired your sisterâs work for a long time. But never seen something I was ready to wear permanently. I have a few prints of hers at home.â Anne said and followed Annâs lead ordering a matcha.
They pulled back awaiting their drinks. âFrance, especially Paris does have a lot of museums. Small hidden ones are my favourite. But London and England have a lot to offer too.â
Anne smiled with ease around Ann. The younger woman was engaging and the tone of her voice when talking about art was delicious. âLet me know if you need any help setting up your studio. I canât draw or paint, but I know my way around a toolbox.â
âYes, Iâve been hoping to travel soon, which is why Iâve hired Washington and James so that if Iâm gone I do not have to worry about the shop.â She explains
âActually, if it isnât a bother, I have a large tattoo bed that I cannot for the life of me figure out how to assemble. I donât need it anytime too soon, but it would be a huge help.â She says.
She takes a drink of her coffee and fidgets for a moment. She hasnât spoken to Anne in so long, and she had a massive crush on her as a teen, and it seems the crush may be coming back.
âIâll pop by one of the next days and have a look at the bed,â Anne said with ease. She sipped her drink, just as her mobile went off. âSorry,â she muttered and lifted the mobile from her pocket to check the caller ID. âI have to answer this,â she added apologetically and pulled back for a hushed conversation.
âSo sorry to cut this short. Iâm needed back at the shop. Thereâs a client who needs some specialised guidance,â she said as she leaned in closer to Ann again.
Try to her word, Anne stepped into the tattoo parlour at the end of the week. Toolbox in hand, sporting a purple bruise on her cheekbone, that she hadnât bothered to attempt to conceal. By now the small town gossip had spread about her very loud and physical fight with Mariana Lawton at the LGBTQ+ friendly bar in York. âHi,Iâm here to fix a tattoo bed for Ann?â
âItâs no problem, Anne, I will see you later then!â Ann stayed at the bistro for only a few minutes after Anne left, and headed back to the shop.
Her next 3 hours were consumed by an intricate forearm tattoo of an illustrative full-color dragon. She didnât get finished with the piece, as the client ended up tapping out from the pain and scheduling another appointment for 3 weeks out when the piece was healed.
She was just resting in her station when she heard Annes distinct voice out in the lobby talking to Washington. She nearly jumped from her seat before she headed out there. âIâve got this, Sam.â She said, and Washington nodded and waved off to Anne before returning to his station.
âAnne! Thank you so much for coming, itâs just- Oh god what happened to you!?â
















