A warm welcome for Worn Well

SANDUSKY — People immediately feel comfortable when walking into Sandusky's newest tattoo shop. Whether it's the clean floors, fresh equipment or vibrant one-of-a-kind artwork covering up every inch of wall space on salmon-painted walls, Jarrett Ward strived to make this space a friendly and inviting one for all guests and customers — considering they might feel some pain from his services. "I wanted to create a unique experience here," said Ward, a 1999 EHOVE Career Center graduate. Ward recently opened Worn Well Tattoos, at 426 Huron Ave. (U.S. 6), in Sandusky near CVS Pharmacy and Huron Park. Sitting vacant for a while, this prominent storefront is located on an angle along a busy corridor. Ward installed large windows so people could easily see through when driving by. His friend also painted letters, outlined in bold 23-karat gold coloring, spelling out his business name to lure wandering eyes in its direction. "It looks pretty cool," Ward said. While this represents the first business he's personally owned, Ward's no stranger to the ins and outs of tattooing. "I've managed a couple of different shops. I've helped open one for my friend in Delaware, Ohio. I've done apprenticeships. I've done everything from booking to cleaning," said Ward, who's tattooed professionally for 16 years. "I have been hanging in tattoo shops for most of my adult life. I know the business." He just believed now represented the right time to open one up in Sandusky. "Pretty much, my entire life, I have spent a lot of time around the area: in Sandusky, Huron, Vermilion," Ward said. "I just always liked it and always thought downtown (Sandusky) and this area is great. It's really a cool place. I just want to get my foot in the door and build some clientele." Ward's well-versed in tattooing. Looking at him proves the point: About 90% of his body is covered in artwork. "I do a lot of large-scale stuff, sleeves, back pieces, American traditional stuff and traditional-style tattoos," Ward said. "All you got to do is just stop in, and we will figure it out." Art pieces hanging on the walls — which greatly range from mythical creatures to water motifs and even professional wrestlers — not only show off his appreciation for illustrations but also give people inspiration for what type of ink they might want. "Everything is original that no one else has," Ward said about his artwork. "It's handmade stuff that I have bought or traded or was gifted." Ward welcomes anyone into his tattoo shop. Right now, he's offering some specials for his grand opening. Hours of operation are noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. People can learn more by searching for his business online and on social media. "The tattoos here, they will look nice, and they will wear well," said Ward, noting how this plays into his shop's name, Worn Well Tattoos. "Just come and stop by. It's a unique experience. Stop on in, and we can talk."