I had a disappointing experience at Eternal Ink Tattoo, and unfortunately it had nothing to do with the artist. The girl at the front desk was incredibly rude, dismissive, and came across as entitled from the moment I walked in. Her tone made it feel like she was judging my tattoo design instead of simply doing her job.
She rushed me through the paperwork, barely explained anything, and acted like I was inconveniencing her by being there. Customer service sets the tone for the entire experience, and instead of feeling welcomed, I felt judged and brushed off.
If you’re going to be the first person customers interact with, professionalism and respect should be the bare minimum. Sadly, that wasn’t my experience here. I hope management addresses this because one person’s attitude can leave a lasting impression on an otherwise reputable shop.
TJ was my artist in the Livonia shop, and I could not have been more satisfied. I actually had two tattoos done. One was a line drawing of my dog, and the other was flowers. TJ took time to draw the flowers, and did not rely on pre-drawn flash. The flowers were pink, and I think he used four shades of pink to make them realistic. These flowers finished off a sleeve I have been working on. He was recommended by a friend who had her first tattoo. I figured if she was happy, I should try him. I drove from Northern Michigan to have this done, and I can honestly say I will be back. I have dozens, from many artists, and I can say that he has the lightest hand I have ever experienced. First timers should not be afraid of getting their tattoo by TJ. Or their second or their third. He is very personable, and the time flew by. The shop is clean and comfortable, and the appointment process is quick and easy. Pricing is very reasonable too. Hope to see you soon.
Today, I went to Eternal Tattoos and Body Piercing shop hoping to get one of my piercings replaced with a different stud. See, I got this one done about two years ago. It was my uppers. I got them done in haste, I was quite emotional after a breakup with my long-term girlfriend. Because what screams, "I'm over you" like a new earring, right? Two years ago, they didn't judge me. They welcomed me with open arms, the needle that entered my ear felt like a warm, freeing hug. Ultimately, months later, I would have to take it out before it healed. I couldn't fit the earring back in the hole no matter how hard I tried. Despite that wound feeling so fresh, the piece that needed to fill it didn't fit anymore. Within the process of a day, I had changed, yet my diamond stud hadn't. It's funny how that works. For months, I wore lopsided hoops. Two in my right, one on my left. I got many compliments regarding the unique style, but it still didn't feel right to me. Like something was missing. Two weeks ago, today, I went to a different location, on the other side of the country, and got it re-stretched to fill the hole. It hurt. I chose a stud that, at the time, I felt quite lukewarm about. But it fit my ear. And soon enough, the cartilage of my ear accepted this new piece, and so did I. I loved it. Soon, I was back in Michigan. I recalled Eternal Tattoos and Body Piercing had a similar, if not identical, turquoise blue stud, the same one that I wore in my left ear now. I figured symmetry was my issue, and decided I should switch my right upper hoop with a turquoise stud to match my left. Today. As I drove 30 minutes to Eternal Tattoos and Body Piercing, I listed to "Lover, You Should've Come Over", by the ever-talented Jeff Buckley, rest in peace. The chorus began as I pulled into the parking lot in my 2003 Chevy S-10. The speakers rattled. My ears were met with the sublime soprano of Jeff Buckley, as my eyes were met with a disgusting confusion. The building I had passed for years, hardly given any notice to on any-given-day, the same building I got my industrial piercing in, the same building I got my first semblance of freedom from that aforementioned breakup, looked... Different. No sign. No cars. No open sign. Google Maps said they were open for the next two hours. But I've met emptiness before, we all have, and this place was empty. Like the establishment that meant so much to me was a ghost town. Packed up. Moved on. Apparently, I hadn't. "Lover, You Should Have Come Over", and I did. You weren't home, Eternal Tattoos and Body Piercings, you weren't. I parked my car. I called. Met with a full voicemail box. You were gone. And there I sat, lopsided, confused, and the last to know. It said you were open. I went to a different shop, no turquoise stud. It didn't feel right, anyway. Perhaps it's a lost cause, symmetry, stability, feeling right. But I tried. Getting this turquoise stud had been a years long mission only bestowed upon me two weeks ago. Late. Last to know. But I can't be angry. I have to keep moving. Out there, somewhere, is a turquoise stud for my right ear. But not here. And that is okay. It's my fault for expecting time to not move like the wind does through the trees, how the water erodes the sediment. Without that, there would be no Grand Canyon. I've never been, but I've heard it's quite nice. I leave five stars to commemorate the service you had done for me years ago. A thank you, years later, to a business that no longer exists, who no longer thinks of little ole' Malachi Blades. Places change, people too. Appearance and disposition. I for one know first hand. So thank you, Eternal Tattoos and Body Piercings, for everything. May we meet again in another universe, one where promises are kept, and names aren't so ironic.
Huge shoutout to TJ at Eternal Tattoos for the absolutely amazing work on our puzzle piece tattoos! My boyfriend and I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. The artist was professional, patient, and really made sure every detail was perfect. The whole experience was comfortable, clean, and fun — exactly what you want when getting something meaningful done.
If you’re looking for quality tattoos and great vibes, definitely check them out. We’ll definitely be back!