Grinn and Barrett was founded in 1991 and is noted as one of the first tattoo studios in Omaha. Change is good, and in 2006, artist Jen Beirola purchased the business and revitalized the shop. In December of 2012, Grinn and Barrett relocated to a new, stand-alone building which was formerly a US post office. The building was empty and in disrepair from many years of neglect. With the help of some friends and a lot of hours and elbow grease, Beirola and crew completely refurbished the building inside and out, creating a studio that is now a spacious and creative epicenter for ink and art. Adding to the allure of the building, a massive repurposed vintage neon sign was added to illuminate the street and direct traffic to the shop, adding to the ongoing revitalization of the well-established business district of Leavenworth St. In fact, Grinn and Barrett was awarded the “Neighborhood Improvement Award” from the Midtown Business Association for their efforts in restoring the building and encouraging economic growth in the area.
Grinn and Barrett caters to their hometown clients with lots of love and extends that same Mid-Western hospitality to a variety of out of town clients and guest artists. Local art is displayed on the walls of the shop and art receptions and exhibitions are scheduled throughout the year. The shop has been awarded “Best of the Big O” by the Reader Magazine and “Best of Omaha” by Omaha Magazine. Beirola herself has been featured in several national and international magazines.
The staff and artists at Grinn and Barrett friendly, helpful, and fiercely talented. Clients feel welcome and taken care of from the moment they walk through the doors. Clients can bring in an image or an idea, or they can work one-on-one with the artist of their choice to design a unique custom piece that comes to life either in brilliant, lasting color or classic black and grey.