‘I’m just trying to raise my family the way I know how’

Tattoo artist seeking to open shop in Hanceville

HANCEVILLE, Ala. – At the Hanceville City Council meeting on Thursday, July 11, a resident addressed the council and the unusually large crowd of spectators regarding her months-long endeavor to open a tattoo studio in her hometown. Kourtney Quick said she has been urging the council since at least May of this year to amend the City’s zoning ordinance and allow a tattoo studio at the location she has secured.

The current zoning ordinance does not explicitly mention tattoo studios as acceptable business; therefore, the ordinance does not allow tattoo studios to obtain a business license. In addition to the prospective body art business’ inability to legally operate, council members have been vocal in their opposition to the location of Quick’s proposed studio on Blountsville Street, situated diagonally to St. Boniface Catholic Mission and Hanceville First Baptist Church. In prior discussions with the council, Quick agreed to modify her hours to omit Sunday and any hours after 10 p.m. Quick also agreed to compromise and limit operating hours on Wednesdays to accommodate the parishioners’ wishes.

On Thursday, public comments were invited from the crowd, with multiple St. Boniface parishioners speaking out against the placement of Quick’s future business rather than the tattoos themselves. Residents voiced concerns over young children seeing signage or damaging images while the studio is open; one commenter urged the council to keep downtown Hanceville a family friendly area and focus on establishments that are fit for patrons of all ages.

Quick also had people speak in favor of her opening the studio. Notably, her sister, Hanceville resident Brittani Coker, faced the council to share her support for Quick and her proposed studio.

“Tattoos are no longer a taboo. It’s not 1918 anymore, it’s 2024. If people want to express art on their bodies, I don’t see how that  has any effect on anyone else’s life,” Coker shared. “She (Quick) has already agreed to not be there on Sundays or Wednesdays if that affects you. I understand you don’t want it directly across the street from your church, but according to the Constitution of the United States of America that we are all supposed to live by, state and religion are separate.”

Quick took to the podium herself to address the gathered St. Boniface parishioners, reaffirming that her desire to open a tattoo studio is simply to raise her four children in her hometown while supporting them the best way she knows how. Currently, the artist is holding a guest spot at a studio in Hartselle, with her clientele commuting from Hanceville to Hartselle to secure their art. Quick said she wants those tax revenue dollars her business would generate to return to her hometown, giving back to the small town as she already does.

“I have given back to this community at every turn. I have done toy drives for children; I have done clothing drives for children. I do everything I can to give back and the only thing I’m asking is to maybe get to know me and give me the opportunity to support my kids where I love to live,” she said. “My intention will never be and never has been to harm Hanceville. I’m not coming after your churches, I’m not here to corrupt your children, I’m just trying to raise my family the way I know how.”

The council tabled the discussion on amending the zoning ordinance until a conclusion can be reached about an acceptable perimeter around schools, churches and places children frequent.

The Hanceville City Council will meet again on Thursday, July 25, with the work session beginning at 5 p.m. and the meeting following at 5:30.

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