Desiree Carver | The Valdosta Daily TimesKevin Tison stands outside his latest shop, Diabolik Ink on Baytree, with both Hollywood and Diabolik staff.

VALDOSTA — The second oldest tattoo shop in Valdosta now owns another shop in town.

Kevin Tison, who has owned, operated and tattooed at Hollywood’s Twisted Needle Tattoo since 2004, purchased Diabolik Ink earlier this year, making him the owner of two of the five tattoo shops in Valdosta.

“The previous owner of Diabolik, Jay Rick, decided to follow his family trade of law enforcement,” said Tison. “He offered me the deal of a lifetime so I took it.”

Between the two shops, Tison has 12 artists, two piercers and two receptionists.

He tattoos and spends most of his time at the Hollywood location, with Samson Bennett and Tyler Stratton acting as the “go-to guys” at Diabolik, he said.

Tison has been a tattoo artist in Valdosta for 26 years.

“When I was younger, I would see a lot of ugly stuff and I thought I could fix a lot of that if I could ever get a hold of a tattoo machine,” said Tison. “I learned tattooing on my own and learned all of the don’ts. Once you know all the don’ts, there’s nothing left to do but the do’s.”

Although the running of two shops can be hectic, Tison said he believes Valdosta has as strong tattoo community and it is a strong, profitable venture.

He attends national and international conventions with his artists and has international artists as guests in his shops.

“Tattoos aren’t just for bikers and sailors anymore,” said Tison. “We are now serving Valdosta in two convenient locations.”

Tison encouraged anyone seeking a tattoo to check the portfolios of artists and pick the right one for the type of tattoo desired.

Hollywood’s Twisted Needle Tattoo can be reached at (229) 245-9498 and is located at 618 S. Patterson St.

Diabolik Ink can be reached at (229) 245-0055 and is located at 1206 Baytree Road. 

Desiree Carver is Lifestyles Editor at the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be reached at (229) 375-5777.