ON THE JOB
Tribal Rites was founded in 1994 as the first piercing-only shop in Fort Collins. The owners wanted it to be a studio that took piercing and body jewelry to a new level, always employing highly trained piercers and offering an amazing selection of body jewelry. They soon added tattooing and created an environment for personal and artistic growth and expression for the employees. In 2013, Chad Williams, a piercer, and Curtis Burgess, a tattoo artist, acquired the operation, having both worked there for much of their careers.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Tribal Rites was always about pushing the envelope and pushing oneself, says Williams. Tribal Rites is a full-custom tattoo and body piercing studio and jewelry boutique that prides itself on having the highest caliber artists and piercers in Northern Colorado. All staff members take continuing education courses to perfect their craft and stay abreast of safety and hygiene guidelines.
CLAIM TO FAME
The tattoo artists at Tribal Rites stay pretty busy as well. Getting a tattoo is akin to commissioning a work of art, a process that can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple years depending on the complexity of the design and the artist. Tribal Rites is a destination for some tattoo aficionados, with some clients coming from overseas.
By establishing separate tattoo and piercing departments, Tribal Rites ensures their clients receive the best service from someone who specializes in their craft.
And then there’s the inventory. “We have an unparalleled, high-quality jewelry selection so your piercing looks exactly as you imagine it,” says Williams. Few boutiques can offer the variety of fine jewelry that Tribal Rites does, boasting body jewelry from Body Vision Los Angeles, Sacred Symbols, Le Roi, Venus by Maria Tash, Tawapa, Maya, Body Gems and many others. “If you like all things gold and sparkly, Tribal Rites has something for you,” adds Williams.
THE REVIEWS ARE IN
The Tribal Rites staff have been grateful for being named repeatedly in NOCO Style’s “Best Of” issues. “The Fort Collins community has been so supportive over the years and we are incredibly grateful for the love they give us,” says Williams. “Our customers have been the driving force pushing us all these years.”
WHERE TO FIND THEM
628 S. College Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
www.tribalritestattoo.com
BUSINESS HOURS
Monday-Saturday: 12-10 p.m.
Sunday: 12-7 p.m.