New tattoo shop could come to downtown Cochran if approved

COCHRAN, GA-- The city of Cochran could potentially have its first tattoo shop if passed by city council members.

Shawn Ratley plans to open a shop in Cochran. He says he and his wife recently thought of the business idea.

“It’s something that no one else offers. I believe I can bring people from different places here to come and get to work, which would also boost the town,” says Ratley.

Many residents who we spoke with in Cochran say they don’t have a problem with the idea. They say business is business.

“I feel like it’s a great idea actually bringing in new businesses into a small town that was once not seen,” says Brandon Durham.

Ratley says so far the only artist that he has for this business is his wife, but he plans to bring in more artists when he opens his business.

“We want to be a very positive influence in the community. We want to support our hometown; I love my hometown. We want to show people if you are really passionate, and you have drive no matter where you come from you can do it,” says Ratley.

So far Ratley has made some progress with his business.

The city of Cochran’s planning and zoning board has approved the project, but for conditional use.

“People need to have an opportunity to come forward and stress in disagreement or agreement with the process. So we zoned it as a conditional use on those conditions,” says Ratley.

Ratley doesn’t have a building where his business will go.

But he says once his shop is approved by city council members, he wants it to be in the downtown area.

“We need fresh new businesses, modern, and progressive businesses. That’s always a good thing,” says Ratley

This business being officially approved still has to be presented to the city of Cochran's City Council members on July 13th.