A local family-owned tattoo shop in Boardman, Ohio is marking its 50th year in business. Originally founded by John Lenz, who discovered his passion for tattooing as a young boy and later opened Lenz’s Artistic Demographics upon returning from the U.S. Navy. Debbie Lenz, who joined John in 1977, now runs the studio.
Lenz’s was one of the area’s pioneering tattoo studios and obtained its license in the 1980s, recognized for its exceptional cleanliness. Debbie recalls a health inspector once likening their sterilization practices to those of medical offices.
Over the decades, Debbie has witnessed significant changes in the tattoo industry, from manual needle making and color mixing to today’s digital advancements where designs can be instantly accessed on iPads.
The cultural perception of tattoos has also evolved greatly, particularly among women. What was once considered taboo has become widely accepted, with tattoos now commonplace across diverse professions and lifestyles.
The Lenz family legacy continues as their children, introduced to tattooing at a young age, remain active in the studio. Although John retired in 1996 and passed away last August, the family plans to honor his memory and their business’s milestone with a two-day celebration event in August.