A COUPLE have blended their two professions to launch a hybrid tattoo and semi-permanent make up studio in the centre of Leigh.
With years of experience in each industry, Lauren King and Chris Minshall opened Religion Studio on Leigh Road on Monday, August 1.
The hybrid business operates with Lauren's semi-permanent makeup studio upstairs, offering eyebrow tints, lip blush and training courses.
Chris works with clients in his tattoo parlour on the ground floor.
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After spending so much time together during the pandemic, the Astley-based couple explored the options of trying to work together every day.
Once the parents-of-five were made aware of an available town centre premises, they jumped at the opportunity to create their dream "family studio".
Chris said: "During the pandemic, we just loved spending so much time together.
"Once things started opening up again, we went back to working in different studios but really missed being with each other.
"We have found that our industries are actually very similar, developing relationships and spending time with clients on a one-to-one basis, so we jumped at the chance to create our own hybrid studio.
With the couple's five kids helping out with the opening of the business, Chris described Religion as very much a "family studio".
He added: "Tattooing has gone a lot more mainstream these days, and it's not that macho, exclusive atmosphere that it used to be associated with.
"We really want to maintain that family, friendly atmosphere where people feel comfortable and want to come back, and where me and Lauren can even share clients from time to time."
Religion Tattoo and Make-Up studio is open on Leigh Road, from 10am - 5pm on Tuesday to Saturday.
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