After years of inking locals and visitors in the Central Business District, Hell or High Water Tattoo is planning to spin off a second location this fall in an iconic space, the former Electric Ladyland Tattoo at 610 Frenchmen St.
The name Hell or High Water might conjure images of confrontation, but owner Mecca Burke says she has always prioritized chill, welcoming vibes. She recently admitted to What Now New Orleans that she’s surprised her easy-going approach has translated into the opening of a second tattoo shop.
“I think if you would have asked me if I would be ever owning a tattoo shop when I first started my journey, I would not have believed you,” she mused. “I’m like a notoriously soft girl. And I like cultivating spaces that I can be comfortable in, that are welcoming.”
“I’m glad just that approach has apparently been successful for me,” she continued, adding, “Nice girl vibes… something’s working.”
The location on Magazine Street will maintain its focus on a more curated experience. Burke said she expects the Frenchmen Street outpost will embrace the high-energy spirit of its environs. As such, she will be staffing each studio accordingly.
“It will be more ‘appointment only’, studio-type artists at the 308 Magazine shop, and artists who are more interested in the chaos and the hustle over on Frenchmen,” Burke said.
Because the upcoming spot is a legacy tattoo shop, Burke is currently focusing on cosmetic renovations to the space and rebranding rather than a full structural build-out. She intends to let the neighborhood’s unique rhythm dictate how the business operates after opening this fall, noting that Frenchmen Street “doesn’t really wake up until about 4 p.m.”
“I’m gonna let each location kind of develop organically,” Burke said. “I imagine the shop will tell me what the shop needs.”
