For the second time in four months, Steinbach city council has approved a tattoo parlour. This one will be set up at 359 Main Street, next to Ten Thousand Villages. Councillor Jac Siemens moved approval of the Conditional Use permit.

"A tattoo parlour in a main traffic area, that works for me. It's downtown and I think it's an appropriate use."

Council was unanimous in approving the permit.

Jennifer Falk is the owner of Elysian Ink and has been in business in Steinbach since January. She says there is a lot of demand for her body art.

"It is extremely popular. It's surprising how many people of different age groups come in for tattoos every day. The main age range is probably between 25 and 35 however I have had some individuals in their late 70's come in for tattoos as well."

Falk is currently booked until the end of November. She notes there is a wide variety of art that people want on their bodies.

"I do see a lot of simple stuff come in, a lot of ideas from Pinterest, that's pretty popular. I do a lot of custom pieces as well, some big extravagant pieces, and I do specialize in water colours so I do lots and lots of colour tattoos."

Falk hopes to open at her new location in early November.

The other tattoo parlour is located 90 Brandt Street. In moving approval of Elysian Ink on Tuesday, councillor Siemens did close with the following quip.

"We have approved a lot of tattoo parlours so I'm waiting for the day where we approve a tattoo removal parlour."

(Photo credit: Jennifer Falk)