Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Grimm.
Hi Morgan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Welcome Tattoo started with a simple idea: a tattoo shop could be more than a place to get tattooed. I opened the shop in Durham, North Carolina with my co-founder Kohen Meyers in 2019, and from day one we wanted to build something artist-driven, a studio where clients work closely with their artist to create custom tattoos that actually mean something to them, in a space that feels welcoming instead of intimidating.
We came at it from two sides of the creative world. Kohen was already tattooing, and I was organizing the Patchwork Market, so between the two of us we had the craft and the community-building experience. The early days tested both. In our first few years we went through a name change, and then COVID shut everything down not long after we opened our doors. Getting through all of that shaped the values we still run the shop on: quality artwork, a great client experience, and supporting our artists so they can do their best work.
That focus is what built our reputation. Welcome Tattoo specializes in custom, one-of-a-kind tattoos designed in collaboration with each client, and our artists work across a wide range of styles, including American traditional, black and grey, fine line, and Japanese-inspired work, along with large-scale custom projects. We’re proud that people travel from across the Triangle and beyond to get tattooed at Welcome Tattoo.
Just as important to us is what happens in the shop when the machines are off. We host art exhibitions, tattoo history lectures, film screenings, and community events, because we believe tattooing is a real art form and Durham’s creative community deserves a space that treats it that way.
We’re still growing, but the goal hasn’t changed: exceptional tattooing, artistic excellence, and one of the best tattoo experiences in North Carolina. Consultations are always open, and the easiest way to start a project with us is through the booking page on our website.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Our timing could hardly have been worse. We opened Welcome Tattoo in 2019, and within months the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the entire tattoo industry. As a brand new shop in Durham, there were stretches when simply staying open felt like a victory. We had also taken on the design and build-out of the shop ourselves, which was a first for both of us and came with its own set of challenges, so those early years were a crash course in problem solving on every front.
We also went through a name change early on, which meant rebuilding recognition we had just started to earn.
Getting through those first years reinforced the values that guide us today: adaptability, resilience, and community. We focused on supporting our artists, taking care of our clients, and staying committed to Durham’s creative culture. Making it through that period gave us confidence that we could weather almost anything while continuing to grow in a thoughtful, sustainable way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At our core, we’re dedicated to creating high-quality custom tattoos that are built to last. Kohen Meyers is known for his versatility as a tattoo artist, specializing in large-scale Japanese tattoos, traditional tattoos, black and grey work, and custom designs tailored to each client. One of his greatest strengths is his ability to adapt artwork to any body type, ensuring that every tattoo flows naturally with the shape and movement of the body rather than simply placing an image on the skin.
Clients often seek out Kohen for large projects such as Japanese sleeves, back pieces, bodysuits, and traditional collections because of his strong design sense, technical consistency, and ability to work efficiently without sacrificing quality. His speed and experience allow clients to make significant progress on larger pieces while maintaining the level of detail and craftsmanship those projects require.
Beyond tattooing, his artistic influences include tattoo history, graffiti, skateboarding culture, painting, mixed-media artwork, and resin-based projects. Those influences help inform a style that feels both timeless and personal.
He’s joined by a roster of resident and guest artists who bring their own specialties to the shop.
What we’re most proud of is the trust our clients place in us. Whether someone is looking for their first tattoo, a custom Japanese sleeve, a traditional tattoo, a cover-up tattoo, or a large-scale body project, our goal is always the same: create a tattoo that fits the individual, ages well, and becomes a meaningful part of their story. That commitment to custom tattooing, technical excellence, and client experience is what continues to set us apart.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
We opened Welcome Tattoo already believing that reputation is built one client at a time, and everything since has only reinforced it. In the tattoo industry, whether you’re creating a small custom piece or a large-scale Japanese sleeve, every tattoo contributes to how people remember your work and whether they recommend you to others.
The same goes for the experience. From day one we wanted every person who walked in to have an amazing experience, because great tattooing has always been about more than technical skill. Clients are trusting you with something permanent, so communication, professionalism, and creating a positive experience are just as important as the tattoo itself.
That philosophy has helped us build lasting relationships with clients throughout Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and across North Carolina. Looking back, our growth has come from focusing on quality tattoos, treating people well, and staying committed to the craft rather than chasing trends.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.welcometattoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welcometattoonc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WelcomeTattooNC/
