Our 10th Ossington business profile offers an opportunity for us to highlight Imperial Tattoo, located at #9 Ossington Ave, on the second floor above Interaccess Media Gallery. I spoke with Rob Reid, the manager of Imperial Tattoo, about the business and how they relate to Ossington Village.
What’s your business?
Imperial Tattoo
How is your business unique?
I guess the nature of tattooing as a business is founded on the idea that people want to make themselves more unique. We’re the only tattoo shop in a sea of bars, galleries, and restaurants.
How long have you been in business here?
We opened in January of 2008, so we’re two years deep now.
What drew you to be here on Ossington?
A bit of luck and intention. We knew that Ossington was an ‘up and coming’ neighbourhood and it just happened that we were looking at just the right time. Rent was affordable, and we found a great space for a great price that we couldn’t overlook. I have lived in and around the neighbourhood for the past 15 years, it felt like home.
What changes have you seen on Ossington since your business has been here?
Lots of upperscale restaurants and bars have popped up. The night life dynamic here has become somewhat surreal. The CAMH building has been demolished, and so has the Generator Club that stood empty for years. We anticipate many more changes over the next few years. I’d like to see some more variety to develop day traffic and community, however.
How do you see your business and Ossington five years from now?
Honestly, I can’t and won’t make a prediction. The amount of changes we’ve seen in the two years make 5 years seem like a decade. I can only hope for good things.
What is your favorite spot on Ossington, other than your own? and why?
Sweaty Bettys. We’re right next door and we’ve become somewhat symbiotic.
If there’s anything else you want to add, feel free. We’ll add it.
Please stop with all the condos already…
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