Cherry Valley welcomes first tattoo shop

New business Sanctuary Collective has a Rockford address but it's in Cherry Valley, making it the first tattoo shop to receive a special-use permit from the village.

“It was interesting going through that process,” said co-owner TJ Kruger, who has been in the tattoo and piercing industry for 11 years. “Before we applied, a special-use permit didn’t exist for a tattoo shop. They created one for us."

Krueger and business partner Devin Hitch completed the permitting process in January. They've since passed all state and local inspections and were up and running late February at 7164 CherryVale North Blvd., Unit G, near CherryVale Mall.

"It's a really cool space," Kruger said. "And we have a real cool (landlord) who was willing to go and ask Cherry Valley to allow this. And after that, it was go-time."

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Both Rockford natives, Kruger and Hitch have more than 20 years of experience between them and will split duties at the shop. Kruger will be doing piercings and making custom body jewelry. Hitch will be tattooing along with three other artists.

"That's what kind of got this rolling," Kruger said. "I was growing, and I needed a studio. And I knew Devin wanted to open a shop. So we've now got a place to not only offer tattooing but piercing, and I can set up my jewelry stuff, too. It's perfect, private spot to create a fun atmosphere."

Kruger also owns a tattooing and piercing supply business.

Sanctuary Collective is open noon to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday for walk-in business. All other times are appointment-only.

Jim Hagerty covers business, growth and development and other general news topics for the Rockford Register Star. Email him at jhagerty@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: New tattoo shop Sanctuary Collective opens in Cherry Valley