Red Lotus honored as borough Business of the Month
Tattoo company recognized for expanding, creating community
LANSDALE » The latest Business of the Month award winner in Lansdale is one that has left its mark, quite literally, on countless residents of the area — and hopes to do the same for downtown.
Red Lotus Tattoo Co. and owner Rob Fiore were recognized Wednesday night, Aug. 16, and borough council President Denton Burnell said the honor was earned for nearly a decade of investing in the town, and ongoing projects meant to make Lansdale even better.
“Our August Businesses of the Month has been providing unique, high-quality tattoo artistry to Lansdale, her neighbors, and far beyond, since 2010,” Burnell said.
Fiore is originally from the Warminster area, and started his tattoo shop at 211 W. Main St. in 2010 after being attracted to the Main Street feel of the town, according to Burnell.
“When starting out, his mission and goal were clear: to create an artistic atmosphere that would be fruitful for like-minded artists, to come and grow as a family,” he said.
The original incarnation of Red Lotus employed three tattoo artists in just over 1,600 square feet. Today, the business occupies nearly twice that amount of space just next door at 209 W. Main St., with eight artists on duty.
“Each and every one of those artists, in addition to Rob, is a consummate professional in their own right, with a unique artistic style and approach,” said Burnell.
As the tattoo business has grown, Fiore’s vision has moved outward. The new location at 209 W. Main St. features a large brick wall fronting on the borough’s Railroad Plaza, and since April he has been trying to raise funds for a “Greetings From Lansdale” mural to be painted on that wall. T-shirts and other merchandise are now for sale showing the proposed design, and Burnell’s slideshow of tattoo art included a photo of him holding a Tshirt with the design.
Over the past year, another venture has been born within the walls of Red Lotus: wedding tattooing, which combines Fiore’s passions for tattoo artistry and event planning.
“If the returns thus far are any indication, the sky is the limit for Rob and this new venture,” Burnell said. “I’m personally extremely excited to see this venture flourishing, with the knowledge that the wedding tattooer is out in the world putting Lansdale on the map, one wedding at a time.”
After receiving the
award, and a hug from his son Gabe, Fiore thanked his family, the Ross family, which owns the building, and the residents of Lansdale for supporting his business since 2010.
“We do our best to make sure everyone that comes through our doors is treated like gold, like family,” Fiore said. “If anybody needs anything,
community-wise or whatever, we’re right there on the corner. We realize it’s a bookend for the business district, and if anybody has any ideas, community-wise, that we can provide a space for, just come over. My door is always open.”
Red Lotus Tattoo Co. is located at 209 W. Main St. in Lansdale. For more information call 267-263-2615, visit www.RedLotus-Tattoo.com, or search for “Red Lotus Tattoo Co.” on Facebook.