Holy Grail Tattoo — Attraction in Lakeland

My husband purchased me a $100 gift certificate on 1/17/2018. We had to put it away because I am disabled and have spent the last year in the hospital having multiple surgeries on my back. My surgeon and pain management doctors did not give me the go ahead to have a tattoo done until after 01/01/2019 due to severe pain sensitivity issues. Now, here is where I will take full responsibility for my part in this. I got the gift certificate out after all this time and was very unhappy to see that there an expiration date of one year on it. I should have known that it expired then. I called Holy Grail Tattoos on 1/10/2019 to make an appt for a tattoo before the expiration date. They said that I could not do that, that I had to meet with an artist first, and that as long as I came in (as a walk-in) and put down my cash deposit and made my appt before the year was up (even if the tattoo appt fell after expiration date), I could still use my gift certificate. I went down the next week to do that and even told them my doctors had offered a note as proof. The shop manager informed me that he would have to talk to the shop owner about extending the gift certificate, gave me whole list of reasons why (complete opposite of what I was told on the phone). He did not smile or make me feel welcome in the shop at any point. He took my $50 deposit and information and said he would let me know. I even said several times I could come the next day if needed, but he kept brushing me off. I called the next day and was told that, no, they would not honor it, even though, I was told they would when I had called originally. I came in three days before the expiration date to schedule, like I was told! Even when I said, again, I could come in that same day for my tattoo which was the last day of my gift certificate, he said they were too busy (even though there were only 2 people in the shop the night before when I was there). No one made any effort to make it work with me. I attempted to get there before the expiration date and I did what I was told. Each person I spoke to was ruder than the last. They did not care that we were losing $100. I understand that it was mainly my fault, but they could have tried to work with me, especially since I held up my end and did what they said to do (and I called a WEEK before it expired to set up an appt). That would have been good business practice, but since I wasn't getting a $1000 tattoo, they didn't seem to care about that. Or good customer service obviously. At least I get my $50 deposit back. Is this how they treat all disabled people, I wonder?

Edit: I went in get my deposit today and the shop manager refused to even let that be a professional experience. He had to make a snide comment about he "appreciated my Google review". I am more convinced than ever that this review is very...

I wanted to put negative stars if possible!!

I had the worst costumer service ever! I had messaged them about Labor Day hours and they said they were open. I said I will be coming by with my friend and I. They said not a problem. Then we wait for them to open their normal shop hours and then tell us appointmentonly on Labor Day. Why didn’t you tell me when I message you guys days before Labor Day?! -So I tired to regain their trust and set appointment up for the next day. They said no appointment needed but free after four because of a tattoo. Refused to take my name and number down so they can call me after that tattoo was finished and I would come in after it was done. -I walk in. He was free from the tattoo and now was working on piercings. When I say and waited for him to be free. A gentlemen that works there asked me what I’m getting and where. I said I would like the rose special and on my shoulder. He LAUGHED in my FACE and said I will not allow Drew to tattoo there. Flat surfaces only. And for the special you are not getting those kind of roses and that size. I expressed before and after I showed him the picture, that it was only a picture of where I would like one or two roses placed. Not changing the rose or size of the roses that in the special. -After Drew was done, he went to the back where the gentlemen I talk to before hand was and they were making rude remaking on my “ideas and horrible placement”. I sat there for another 5 minute then expressed to the guy at the desk that I’m not a valued customer. And I left.

I’m sharing this because I wish no one had to go through what I went through in two days. Apparently they are not professional and open to talking to you face to face. I hope this helps people find the right place to get...

Tattoo shops and the artists often get a bad name, as many people judge off of appearance alone. The shops are often bare, except for the selection of tattoos on the walls to choose from, and it can feel more like a hospital setting to keep the appearance of cleanliness and sterilization. The tattoo artists are often misconstrued as rude or too busy to assist you. Holy Grail is NOT one of the places described above. As soon as you walk in, you can sense that the owner, Tasili, has taken time to do his research and make the shop classy, warm, and inviting. You can clearly see that it is clean and well taken care of, and the waiting area is inviting. The staff, while busy as you would expect making sure their work is pristine, take the time to greet you immediately. Your consultation is done either immediately or after a few moments, and the use of an iPad to draw your tattoo out takes no time at all. I have been to many tattoo shops over the years and had many artists, but I can say by far that these gentlemen tattooers are bringing back class to the tattoo industry, and it is very refreshing. I am still complimented daily on my tattoos from Tasili, about the clean lines, unique designs, and placement. Every customer, no matter who they went to, were thrilled with their work, and any time I ask anyone where they got their beautiful art work, they always...