In the news... • STURBRIDGE Friday, October 26, 2007 VILLAGER 15
BUSINESS
BY BRUCE COULTER
VILLAGER STAFF WRITER
STURBRIDGE — Buyer’s remorse. We’ve all had it at one time or another, whether over the purchase of a new home or car, or perhaps a high-ticket piece of jewelry. Oftentimes, consumers have the luxury to back out of a deal within a specified amount of time. But what happens when the item is something as permanent as a tattoo? There are usually two options, neither of which is inexpensive. An experienced tattoo artist can blend an unwanted tattoo with a newer image. Alternatively, people can undergo laser treatment to remove the tattoo permanently. Kristine O’Connor, proprietor of Absolutely Fabulous Airbrush Tattoos, offers another option: have your tattoo airbrushed on — temporarily. O’Connor has been using her artistic talents with an airbrush since she attended high school in Waltham. “That’s how I made it through high school making money,” she said. “I would airbrush pictures on other students’ cars.” Until recently, O’Connor was a florist in Sturbridge, catering to private events for approximately six years. It was only after her daughter, Aliya, 10, suggested she needed to “do something fun.” During a trip to an amusement park last year, O’Connor saw a kiosk for airbrush tattoos and decided it did indeed look like fun. The trip was just what O’Connor needed to revive her airbrush skills. Last year, she set up shop at the Harvest Festival on the Sturbridge common. Despite having a limited amount of stencils at the time — approximately 75 to 100, she explained — O’Connor called her foray into airbrushing tattoos successful, and decided to continue the business. Now, she travels to numerous venues throughout most of New England, including fairs in Southbridge, Monson and Westfield, to name a few. Recently, O’Connor joined with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Southbridge as a fund-raiser. “I donated a percentage of what I made to cancer research,” she said. “Since June, when I really started cracking down, I’ve traveled to approximately a couple hundred events,” she said. O’Connor has also expanded the number of stencil designs from which customers can choose. “We currently have about 2,000 different tattoos customers can choose, ranging from Looney Toons for kids and to more contemporary adult tattoos, such as tribal symbols, eagles and patriotic themes,” she said. O’Connor uses paint that is FDA approved, non-allergenic and nontoxic. “It sits on top of the skin and is waterproof. Most should last approximately a week,” she said. There are advantages applying temporary tattoos using the airbrush method, compared to using henna, which O’Connor said was a paste that comes in just one color, or face paints, which typically uses oil paint. “With airbrushing, you can have any color variation you want, it dries instantly and it’s long-lasting, yet easy to remove,” she said. “Henna is a paste and can take a long time to dry. Face paintings are usually removed when people get home.” Additionally, if the tattoo needs to be removed quickly, customers need only use rubbing alcohol or baby oil to remove it, she said. Conversely, to extend the life of the tattoo, O’Connor said, customerscan simply apply baby powder
to it. Currently, O’Connor airbrushes tattoos for employees and visitors at a number of corporate events,
including the Bose Corporation and Spin Magazine, who is promoting Calvin Klein’s new fragrance at the
Prudential Center in Boston November. This past weekend at the Harvest Festival, the Boston Red Sox was the most popular tattoo design. Of more than 130 tattoos applied, she said, approximately 40 were Red Sox tattoos. Thanks to her online presence, O’Connor said, she has been hired by companies who have come across her Web site through various search engines.
Absolutely Fabulous Airbrush Tattoos is available for birthday parties and large and small events, Halloween parties, grand openings and marketing campaigns.
| Customer testimonials We hired Absolutely Fabulous Airbrush Tattoos for our daughters 16th birthday party. Krys was very easy to work with and was the hit at the party. I look forward to working with her again. Chris -Brookfield Ma Absolutely Fabulous Airbrush Tattoos are incredible! Their work looks like real tattoos. I couldn't believe how nice my tattoo came out. Lisa -Newton Ma Thank you so much for coming to my company's spring picnic. You were a hit at the event. Employees are still talking about the wonderful work you do. - JJC Corporation
"Best time ever"
Ron Douglas Marlboro Ma
June 15, 2007
Found Absolutely Fabulous on the a web search. Hired them for grandaughter's birthday party. They were a BIG hit. Great work by nice people. They work with you and do a VERY professional job. Would not hesitate to use them again or to recommend them to anyone else. You will not regret it.
This review is the subjective opinion of an independent reviewer and not of Decidio, Inc. "A++++ Service! Love the Service!"
Tarra Providence, RI`
June 26, 2007
The service was fantastic, I highly reccomend! The colors are vibrant and dry instantaneously and the designs are great for everyone. ) A+
This review is the subjective opinion of an independent reviewer and not of Decidio, Inc.
"had great time! "
liz massachusetts
June 20, 2007
she did a great job! pleasant to do business with.
This review is the subjective opinion of an independent reviewer and not of Decidio, Inc.
"Special experience for my child!" Elizabeth Littleton, MA June 20, 2007 Krys is such a wonderful person. I loved her calm and kind manner. She is really very patient. It was a pleasure to meet her. My daughter loved her personalized "tatoo." I will call on Krys in the future for her services for birthday parties, etc...and give her name to friends, family, other parents, and community functions. Thanks so much! This review is the subjective opinion of an independent reviewer and not of Decidio, Inc.
Absolutley Fabulous airbrush Tattoos are by far the best temporary tattoo place in New England. We have used other tattoo companies and Absolutley Fabulous was the best in their profesionalism, quality, and service. They have some extremley talented artists. Thank You so much! We look forward to working with you again. |