Support AJ's Dream Tattoo Studio in Casselton

UPDATE 12/3/2024: Orion Ink LLC has been getting pieced together thanks to donations. I was able to accomplish *almost* everything! My next project to tackle are sinks and faucets. Both the procedure room and guest bathroom need new sinks and faucets. I also have a mop sink in my utility room that could use a new faucet. I've found nice, yet affordable options and priced everything out. With shipping, it will be just under $380.00 for two new sinks, and three new faucets. Then my studio will be COMPLETE as far as the needed renovations go. So close! Thank you to everyone who has tossed a few bucks to the cause ❤️

A little about me:

Hey! My name is AJ. I am the owner and operator of Orion Ink LLC. I provide a one-on-one tattoo experience for my clients. Before being a tattoo artist, I am a proud mother and wife. My husband and I have a beautiful little girl. Our trio is what I live for.

Why am I asking for help? Buckle up, it's a long story that I'll shorten the best I can .

Orion Ink originated in Fargo, ND in March of 2022. My family had moved to Casselton, ND the August prior. I was commuting daily to work. In January, I was approached by a guy who was dipping his toes in the landlording business. He and his business partner bought up the rest of a building to fix up and rent out. I viewed the room, and we agreed to put a sink and hard floors in to make it up to par with the Health Department. Things were getting set in motion for a move-in date starting April 1st, 2024. February rolls around, and my husband falls at work, resulting in a back injury so severe he had to have surgery and is still on the road to recovery. My husband has been off work since February 22nd, 2024. That left me as the only parent able to provide for us. My situation was communicated to my future landlord, and he claimed to be understanding. He knew I needed to give my current rental space proper notice of moving out, after already needing to extend my lease a month. April rolls around, and not a single thing has been done to the room I was expecting to rent. The solution was putting me in a 'Plan B' room until the fit-up was done. Plan B was a rundown, long-closed floral shop, with mildew, water damage, and peeling wallpaper. After a slew of miscommunication, setbacks, and straight-up lies, I decided I didn't want to do business with this guy.

It's now the end of April, moving into May 2024. Contact was made with a different developer working in Casselton. They had purchased a huge brick building. The initial plan was apartments on the second floor, retail/commercial space on the ground level. Got to talking, and worked on a fit-up suitable for myself and a massage therapist. They tell us June we could be moved in. Awesome! Then more setbacks and lack of communication. June passes, then July. All this time I am not tattooing or making income, and neither is my husband. This was communicated multiple times. Finally, the developer says I can temporarily set up in the basement of the bank in the building. July 14th, I moved into the basement to operate part-time, as I can't advertise because the city of Casselton is permit-happy. August rolls around, then September. 2-3 weeks in the bank basement has turned into two months, as I am still temporarily set up there.

September 9th rolls around, and the developer informs me that they have a buyer interested in the whole building, meaning I would not be able to sign a lease. I was told I have until their apartments are finished, then I need to move out before they close. The fit-up I've been waiting on since MAY was no longer happening. However, he offered to fit up one room and bathroom yet, so I could at least be in a space the city can't get mad about. September 9th, I was told 'just a couple more weeks' and I'd be able to move upstairs. Moving upstairs also meant they were going to start charging me rent until they boot me. That just seemed really unfair again.

So I began the search all over to look for a suitable space in Casselton. Pickings are pretty slim right now.

Here's where it gets good!

On Thursday, October 10th, I viewed a space. The man and woman who own the building are fantastic. The space is HUGE for one person. It was previously set up for chiropractic services, so both procedure rooms already are fitted with plumbing. They just redid the face of the building, complete with brand new picture windows for each business. I couldn't write a check for the deposit fast enough. Orion Ink LLC will FINALLY have a permanent home!

It has been a wild, stressful, and emotional seven months. My family deserves this break. ❤️

We are still clawing our way out of being behind on bills, unfortunately. Getting there, though!

Why am I asking for donation help?

To get Orion Ink fitted up! I am asking for help to raise $3,000. This will cover almost all of the cost to paint, buy new vanities, and get a sign made for my business. I will be doing all of the labor myself, or with the help of my family. Right now, it's just difficult to put money into fitting up my space AND keep the bills paid, ya know?

My lease is set to start November 1st, my birthday! And truthfully, this is all I've been wanting. I'm so happy! Even if I'm about to sweat my buns off to get my studio up to code! All the elbow grease will be worth it. I just need a little financial boost, so that I am ready to go to the best of my abilities by November. I cannot wait to make this studio my own little slice of paradise.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my novel. On behalf of my family and I, we appreciate any donation consideration. We would appreciate others sharing this link as well!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.