Moscow Tattoo Company like other small businesses on the Palouse, has had little business in the past month. The COVID-19 pandemic has struck everyone in the community hard, including small businesses.
Moscow Tattoo has been closed since March 25, but the artists have been creative with how they spend their time.
“Half of us are parents, so we are doing what we are supposed to—staying home and working on the curriculum provided by Moscow School District for our kids which is a full time in itself,” Moscow Tattoo Owner Matt Johnson said.
Artists have been making and selling art to keep themselves busy.
“We are working on a lot of artwork and stuff to sell if people want to buy some to help us a bit,” Johnson said.
The art will be posted on Moscow Tattoo’s Facebook and website.
Moscow Tattoo has been supporting themselves and the community. On April 3, all their extra gloves, MadaCide and CaviCide (chemicals to sanitize workspaces) were donated to the Moscow Volunteer First Responders. The shop had these supplies stocked before their Friday the 13th flash sale.
“I didn’t know that we were going to be shut down. I had some extra stuff and figured it was better to give it to first responders to use it,” Johnson said. “I know they had a very hard time getting supplies because of shortages and back orders. The Madacide and Cavidicide are essential for them to be able to do their jobs, so they can clean their equipment in their ambulances.”
Moscow Tattoo is also collecting food and asking for donations. These donations will help local families struggling during the pandemic.
“I’ve always had an aim for my shop to help take care of the community and help set the example for other businesses in the area if they can help,” Johnson said. “If they see me doing it, then it goes to show that anyone can do it. I do all sorts of things for the community.”
To help support the shop as much as possible, Moscow Tattoo is selling gift certificates that can be used when the shop reopens.
“All gift certificates are 19% off. If people want to help support the business and keep it going so it can when we are allowed to,” Johnson said.
Johnson hopes the community will support Moscow Tattoo by buying their artwork and donating food.
“We are going to get through this as long as everyone can help stay home and flatten this curve,” Johnson said. “There are lot of people in this community who want to help take care of small businesses. Stay strong, and stay creative,” Johnson said.
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Emily_A_Pearce.
Hannah Trueblood
There are so many typos and grammatical errors, as well as inconsistencies (Madacide vs Medacide, etc. ) in this article. I appreciate the story, but it doesn’t seem professional when there is so much wrong with the writing. Proofreading is a must.