While his abilities vary, Appalachian Beard and Tattoo Co. Rossville owner Cody Lambert's style tends toward realism.Appalachian Beard and Tattoo Co., a well-known tattoo and piercing parlor in Dalton, recently opened a second location in Rossville. The business purchased the shop from the owner of Dead Girlz Tattoo and Piercing after that company closed.
With two full-time tattoo artists and one full-time piercer, the Rossville location offers the same services as the Dalton location and adheres to the same standards, said Cody Lambert, who helped found the original location with owner Danny Sluder. Lambert owns the new location.
"We care as much about their tattoo as they care about it," Lambert said. "I believe when you're in this industry, you have to care as much about what you're putting on someone's body as they do, or it's not going to look as great as it can."
When Appalachian Beard and Tattoo Co. originally opened in April 2016, Lambert's brother sold beard oils in the shop, hence the name. However, his brother has since moved to Texas and they no longer sold beard products, yet the name has remained.
Appalachian Beard and Tattoo Co. celebrated its grand opening by offering $30 flash tattoos (tattoos that take less than an hour to complete) and $20 piercings. The specials were meant to entice guests to come in and get a feel for the local shop. While the artists hold strict standards for their work, they also strive to keep their customers relaxed, Lambert said.
"We're very laid-back," he said. "We like to make jokes and make people feel like they've known us their whole life when they come in."
Lambert began tattooing while in the Army about three years ago. After completing an apprenticeship in Texas, he decided to make tattooing his full-time career, and hasn't regretted it.
"I get to wake up and do art every day," Lambert said. "I'm very lucky that I get to do this."
Appalachian Beard and Tattoo Co. in Rossville is open from 1-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 1 p.m. to midnight Friday-Saturday.
The new shop is at 1317 Lafayette Road. For more information, call 706-944-4102
Contact Sarah Turner at 423-757-6579