Body Vogue reopened as the first full service one stop body image shop, find us on facebook, created in Rhode Island dedicated to the ancient born again arts of body piercing and tattooing. We provide safe and clean body piercing, body jewelry sales, custom tattoos (specializing in lettering and womens tattoos),  permanent cosmetic tattoo make up and medical pigment reconstruction. We were also the first studio (parlour sounds soo last century) that was licensed with open room designed tattoo stations that allow clients and artists to talk to one another instead of being stuck in a closet. This was before cell phones. Many great friendships, love affairs and memorable conversations happened here.
    It all started because back then it was illegal in Massachusetts and Vermont the only 2 New England states to outlaw tattoos, even permanent make up! So I sold my hair salon in Attleboro and rode one mile over the border to Pawtucket, RI. I orginally wanted to open a spa, but body piercing intrigued me and I had a hunch this was the next big thing. Mom cried when I told her I was opening up a pierce and tattoo make up shop. "Who the hell is going to want that"! "Murders"? No ma like one in five Americans. Glad I never looked back. On September 6, 1994, I opened Body Vogue at 818 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, without even one client. Word spread slowly. No Facebook, Tweets, websites or advertising money; I was living on pancakes and apples. I had no intentions of becoming a tattoo parlour, spas were up and coming; but this was more fun and artsy. When people started asking for body tattoos, I put up a help wanted sign in my window, licensed my first tattoo artist, Patrick and a full service studio was born.
    About six months later and sick of apple pancakes, Carolyn Fox of WHJY called and asked if I would pierce for free , live on the Carolyn Fox Show. I packed my instruments of piercing and headed to the radio station. To this very day people remember the show. My future husband heard me me on the radio and little did he know his destiny! My phone was ringing off the hook for piercings. Carolyn's show was like a rocket launcher. 
    When a client says, "I trust you", then " I love it"!!!, that gives my work so much pride and meaning. Body Artists do not work on canvas, clay, or keyboards. Our work is on living skin with a head, eyes, and mouth attached to it. Not at all easy, but satisfaction tastes so good.
    My body piercings became Pediatrician and Rhode Island Department of Health recommended. Plastic Surgeons and Oncologists sent their clients for tattoo eyebrows, eyeliner, and pigment reconstruction (conditions like Vitiligo which is white patches of skin). Business was brisk, but I was getting burnt out.  Motherhood was calling and by the grace of God my sweetest dream came true. In 2008 my son was born at home in a birth tub with NO painkillers. Hey, I can dish out pain and I can take it. 1000 hood piercings all at once YEEEOUCH! Time for a cool change, so the song goes. I sold Body Vogue to my talented Artist, Rob of Level 7 Tattoo, got married, moved, and became a housewife with my no sleepy for me bundle of joy.
    After 4 incredible years with him, the call of the wild and hunger were knocking. Mama had to get back in the saddle again. I had been eyeing the ice cream shop up the hill for some time. And when the for rent sign went up, I was in a deal with a handshake that afternoon. 
    Body Vogue has reopened September 17, 2012 at 3400 Mendon Rd., Cumberland RI 02864. I would like to continue my body arts odyssey by doing more tattoos myself, specializing in lettering and womens tattoos. And adding "age management" services to my repertoire. Doing lots of research and developement at home, I found "The Dermator", which uses super tiny needles to regrow thinning hair ( it works) and this amazing device  also adds blanket layers of collegen and elastin back into skin. That means tighter, brighter, cushy skin. The Dermator can even heal acne, break up scar tissue and minimize stretch marks and cellulite, offered exclusively here @Bodyvogue. I also offer a "Take 20 Years Away Today" blue face special. You get hide the tape hair styling, look so young make up and neck, cheek and eyelift bands. Temporary suspension bridges that pull your face back to it once belonged. Great for a job interview, photographs, and special occasions when you want to look like you did twenty years ago and act it too.
    There is something for everyone here at Body Vogue. My hours are more limited until my son starts school. I'm open Tuesday, Thursday, Fridays and Saturday 10am-4pm. Nights and days off my appointment. Please give Gina a call at 401-617-5068. I hope you enjoyed my story and sales pitch almost as much as I just enjoyed reliving it.