Laura Bonfanti has been tattooing
for 20 years. She opened up Cousin Paul’s
about six months ago. She and her co-workers, Greg and Jeremy, used to work at
TRX Tattoos until Laura decided it was time to strike out on her own. Her dream
was almost dashed just as soon as it began, however, as her grand opening was
delayed over two months because of the neighborhood’s zoning committee. She had
done everything right to their standards and was ready to go but was illegally
blocked by people not ready for her special kind of awesome. The neighborhood
thought a tattoo parlor did not meet their level of propriety. Even in this day
in age some people still look down on tattoos, and I will never know why. The
trio eventually got the shop open and now give their customers some of the most
kick ass tattoos you’d ever see!
The name Cousin Paul’s is something very close to
Laura’s heart. She got the Paul part after her grandfather. Even though he was
a military man (he actually fought in World War II) he did not have any
tattoos. Was not a fan of them at all actually, but he was a fan of his granddaughter.
He loved and supported Laura all the way in her career as a tattoo artist.
Which transitions well into the other half of the name—Cousins. To her that term is just synonymous with the word family,
and family is the most important thing. Family is why we get out of bed in the
morning and go to work. So why not name your business after the reason you’re
doing it? That’s what Laura believes. We could all learn a thing or two from
her.
Cousin
Paul’s is located on 4530 Hampton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63109. You can get a hold
of them at (314) 875-9075. Ask for Laura, Greg, or Jeremy.
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