A long-time dream has come true in the Village of Radium Hot Springs for tattoo artist Robin Peters.

As of July 22, Flathead Tattoo at 1-7527 Main St. West officially opened.

The new parlour is entirely manned by Peters, whose one-man-show operation of the shop has garnered positive reception.

“Response has been really positive over the month,” said Peters. “It’s been great to get a feel for the community and locals and get word out by word-of-mouth. Positive comments are how I wanted word to spread.”

Peters has always had an invested passion in art and tattooing, and was taught and worked in Calgary.

“I dived in head-first,” Peters said. “The day I started tattooing, I knew that one day I wanted to and was going to have my own parlour.”

Over the past four years, Peters and his family have been visiting the Columbia Valley and Radium and fell in love with the area.

“I love it here, we have friends here and have always vacationed here,” said Peters.

“It doesn’t feel strange to now be working here, more so that it was the right choice. I have no regrets, I feel comfortable here, it feels right.”

The shop’s name was inspired by Peters other love of building hot rods and working with engines, which he wanted to incorporate into his business.

As for favourite tattooing subjects, Peters’ only preference is to do whatever his customers are after.

“I’m here to please my customers, it doesn’t matter what they want, I’ll love doing it, so don’t necessarily have a favourite,” he said.

“It’s more of a challenge that way. Every day is a new challenge and it’s different and exciting.”

Flathead Tattoo is open Monday and Thursday from noon to 6 p.m., and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.

The shop is open Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment only.

For more information, call 250-346-6554.