Ink No More: Body Art Business Closes Up Shop

The owners of  have decided to call it quits.

Dawn Cosnotti Morris, owner of , said the shop at 422 Broad St. closed last week after she and her husband Carl felt family was a higher priority.

“The bottom line is we were so very busy that something had to give and family is simply most important to us,” she said.

The body art shop and boutique opened in March, offering an eclectic collection of gift items, jewelry, clothing, candles and more in the front, and a separate section for tattoos by appointment in the back.

Morris said the shop was constantly busy. Despite having help, she often found herself spending more time at the boutique while losing quality time her son, Lucky, for whom the shop is named. Family comes first, she said.

"Owning a tattoo shop is not a Monday through Friday, nine-to-five kind of business," she said. "Someone had to be there every day and every night and we were missing out on so much at home."

Morris said she accomplished much of what she set out to do, including bringing tattoos to the village, donating a portion of proceeds to local charities and supporting local artists by featuring their works.

In their brief time, Morris said they tattooed hundreds of customers ranging from age 16 to 72, with 90 percent of customers being walk-ins from Sewickley.

When the shop opened, she expected there might be some skepticism because of misconceptions about body art and the tattoo culture. But skeptics warmed to the business once they came inside, met everyone and were able to see the boutique, she said.

“It was a short time, but it was a really great run,” Morris said. “We’re happy with what we did. We got such a positive response from the community, it was very gratifying.”

Morris left a good-bye message Wednesday on Lucky Ink’s website, explaining the sudden departure to loyal customers and directing them on how to find some of the merchandise that was featured in the business. 

Lucky Ink's employees are working elsewhere, including the new artist that was about to start when the decision to close was made. It was important to Morris that no one be out of a job.

Also important, she said, is a sense of community. Not wanting to leave an empty space in town, Morris said a new tenant is now being sought to fill the commercial space, which has undergone significant renovations.

In the meantime, Morris said she has been recommending customers go to Dave Campbell of Rock Star Tattoo in Hopewell Township who's contact information can be found on the Lucky Ink website.

“He’s an amazing artist. He’s very professional. We definitely want to recommend Dave,” she said.

Morris said she also wants customers to know that their support is appreciated.

"We had the tons of customers from all walks of life. It is really great to hear how much folks loved the shop. It was literally the right place at the wrong time.”

On the lucky ink website, Morris called the closing “bittersweet.” 

“The only reason that we’re leaving is we’re missing everything with our only child," she said, "and no amount of money is worth that.”  

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