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Tony Perez was working at a successful tattoo business near the Naval Base in Puerto Rico 13 years ago, but after the base closed in 2004, he moved stateside where his clients — mostly Marines — still sought his services.
Along the way, he tattooed Terry Gray of Herb ‘N Legend in Luverne.
“We kept in touch and I found out he was looking for somewhere to start a new shop,” Gray said. “I saw the need for a tattoo artist in Luverne and I had the space.”
On May 4, Perez and his wife, Christina, opened Conspiracy Tattoo in the south end of Gray’s building in what’s become a modern body art studio.
“We're working hard to break stereotypes of what people think a tattoo shop is about,” Tony said. “We are a drug, alcohol and drama-free workplace, and we do our best to treat everyone like family.”
Conspiracy Tattoo’s bright workspace enjoys natural light through south-facing windows, and pale slate tiles on the floor and walls create an almost clinical atmosphere.
“We needed it to be a clean environment,” Gray said, pointing out the hand sink near Perez’s work area.
The room offers plenty of inviting qualities, not the least of which include Perez’s award-winning digital art etched into select 8-by-10-inch tiles on the wall.
But regulations on the tattoo business clearly assert function over decoration, with CPR, first aid and blood-borne pathogens among the list of mandatory areas to study.
“Minnesota is by far the strictest state in the nation for regulations,” said Christina, who was a journeyman plumber in Chicago before becoming Tony’s apprentice and shop manager.
“It took a lot of persistence, and it was costly, but it’s good to know the process weeds the others out. … You know if you have what it takes to do that, you’re someone dedicated to what you’re doing.”
Tony said the licensure is worth the effort.
“I’m picky,” he said. “My space has to be clean; my product has to be the best on the market (organic). … I only want the best; that’s why I do it.”
He uses only organic ink only from reputable companies, some of whom have sponsored his business.
He also insists on original work, even when clients bring in their own artwork.
“Unless someone is dead-set on a certain look, he’ll draw up his own art,” Christina said, adding that her husband has a following in the art community for his painting, sculpting and digital creations as well as tattoo art.
Customer Susan Rikkers, Rock Rapids, said she was impressed with Tony’s art and drove to Luverne for a consultation.
“It’s just been an awesome experience,” she said Friday. “He took what I wanted and he made it better.”
Tony tattooed an original image above Rikkers’ ankle, but he said clients often come to him to cover up an existing tattoo that they no longer like.
“It’s liberating getting a bad tattoo covered,” Christina said. “You don’t have to walk around with a horrible tattoo anymore.”
Tony said it’s also rewarding to help people cover scars — especially breast cancer survivors who want surgical scars covered or real-looking nipples tattooed on reconstructed breasts.
Since opening earlier this month, Gray and his tattoo colleagues say business has been good.
“I’d say we complement each other well,” Gray said.
The two businesses operate independently but benefit from referrals both ways.
Christina and Tony live in Luverne and said they look forward to getting to know the community.
“We love it here,” she said. “We have a huge appreciation for this place — for the peacefulness and quietness here.”
Conspiracy Tattoo can be reached at 507-920-3149. They’re also on Facebook and Instagram, @conspiracytheorymn.