The Saratogian (Saratoga, NY)

SAFE EXPANSION

Aurora Tattoo Society relocates to Henry Street

- By Lauren Halligan lhalligan@digitalfir­stmedia. com

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.

» Local business Aurora Tattoo Society recently expanded into a new, larger shop amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

After establishi­ng Aurora Tattoo Society on West Circular Street, entreprene­ur and tattoo artist Michael Bruce made the decision to relocate his tattoo and piercing parlor to 73 Henry St. in downtown Saratoga Springs.

The decision to invest in a bigger shop was made with COVID-19 safety precaution­s in mind. Bruce knew his former 300-square-foot shop would be too small to continue operations while following social distancing guidelines.

Though COVID-19 regulation­s delayed the new shop’s debut, Aurora Tattoo Society reopened in June once state guidelines allowed.

Since then, the shop has been operating by appointmen­t only, but the artists have been busy tattooing clients who are eager to get inked post-shutdown.

Even without walk-in business, “We’ve definitely been very, very busy,” Bruce said.

Aurora Tattoo Society provides profession­al tattoo services in any style, as well as body piercing.

The shop currently has a team of four artists including Bruce, husband and wife tattooing duo

Rebecca and Kyle Martineau, and apprentice Irene Brockway. Spots are available for occasional guest artists too.

A Troy native, Bruce’s interest and career in the tattoo industry began when he was just a teenager.

Over the years, his passion for the art of tattooing has evolved into his livelihood.

After getting his start as a partner at Legends Tattoo in the Collar City, Bruce brought his talents and creativity to a few different shops in Albany, East Greenbush and Waterford.

Then, in 2018, Bruce took the leap and started his own business in the Spa City, which is close to where he lives now in Malta.

Looking ahead to the future of Aurora Tattoo Society, Bruce’s goal is to continue growing the business, sharing his knowledge and offering clients a memorable experience.

Currently, Aurora Tattoo Society is open by appointmen­t only.

The shop is accepting new clients, who are encouraged to call and schedule in-person consultati­on.

The business is practicing social distancing, mask wearing, contact tracing and checking each visitor’s temperatur­e as they arrive, along with all tattoorela­ted safety and sanitary measures.

 ?? PHOTOS BY LAUREN HALLIGAN — MEDIANEWS GROUP ?? Aurora Tattoo Society is located at 73 Henry St. in downtown Saratoga Springs.
PHOTOS BY LAUREN HALLIGAN — MEDIANEWS GROUP Aurora Tattoo Society is located at 73 Henry St. in downtown Saratoga Springs.
 ??  ?? Michael Bruce is the founder of Aurora Tattoo Society.
Michael Bruce is the founder of Aurora Tattoo Society.
 ??  ?? Aurora Tattoo Society’s new shop is larger than its former location.
Aurora Tattoo Society’s new shop is larger than its former location.
 ?? PHOTOS BY LAUREN HALLIGAN — MEDIANEWS GROUP ?? Aurora Tattoo Society opened at its new location in June.
PHOTOS BY LAUREN HALLIGAN — MEDIANEWS GROUP Aurora Tattoo Society opened at its new location in June.
 ??  ?? Aurora Tattoo Society’s front door has a message for visitors.
Aurora Tattoo Society’s front door has a message for visitors.

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