The City of Rowlett Economic Development Department has nominated Fresh Image Tattoo Studios in the Village of Rowlett Downtown for a Texas Downtown Association (TDA) President's Award. The President's Awards Program was developed by the Texas Downtown Association in 1986 as a way to recognize outstanding projects, places and people that contribute to downtowns across the state. Fresh Image Tattoo Studios was nominated for Best Downtown Business.

The Best Downtown Business award recognizes an exceptional downtown business that positively promotes the downtown or commercial district as a destination for locals and tourists alike, and actively participates in the revitalization efforts and supports downtown promotional events, according to TDA. Fresh Image Tattoo Studios adds to the vibrancy of downtown by being a high-quality destination. It is a unique and distinctive destination in Rowlett, Texas because they have been able to cultivate a reputation of respectability and cleanliness, a deviation from the stereotypes that often surround tattoo studios. As such, they have been able to grow their online presence in a way that brings eager customers not long from Rowlett and the surrounding DFW area, but also people from out of state and even internationally!

Tina, on of the shop's owner, shared a story of two young women that came to Rowlett from New Orleans specifically to visit their shop. They arrived in Dallas and took the DART light-rail line up to the Village of Rowlett Downtown station and walked to the shop, suitcases in hand. Another time--prompted by the inviting atmosphere of the shop, a couple celebrating their wedding anniversary came in to get commemorative tattoos together. These are just a few of the touching moments that have colored Tina's experience and reinforced her desire to be a part of our Downtown community. "We are excited that we are a part of Rowlett," Tina gleefully shared.

The finalists for the President's Awards will be announced in September and winners will be announced at the President's Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the Texas Downtown Conference. The 2021 Texas Downtown Conference will be held in Denton, November 3-5. From all of us at the City of Rowlett, Texas, we are rooting for you, Fresh Image Tattoo Studios!

For more information on the TDA or the awards program, see https://www.texasdowntown.org/presidents-awards.html