A TALENTED tattoo artist has said people are not spending money on tattoos like they used to.
Hanan Qattan, 35, is the proud owner of a female-led tattoo parlour called Fox and Fortune in Reindeer Court.
Since the tattoo parlour opened in April, customers have flocked to get neo-traditional tattoo designs from the talented tattoo artist.
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But as the cost of living continues to soar, Miss Qattan said everybody has started to feel the pinch.
The tattoo artist, who works alongside Elza Van Houden, has even set up a small art space in the corner of her shop so the team can focus on creating art during quieter periods.
Hanan Qattan said: "We are having a lot more cancellations.
"It is really difficult, tattoos are seen as a luxury item and we are experiencing a lot more cancellations because of it.
"Although I'm still busy, I'm not as busy as I was before.
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"Lots of tattoo artists in the industry are struggling and it is really worrying.
"Everybody feels the pinch around Christmas.
"I'm hoping in the new year, things will get better.
"We think that it will get better in the new year because people usually say 'new year new me'.
"It is a really strange time and nobody knows if it will get better."
Miss Qattan said most people are honest and tell her they simply cannot afford the price of the tattoo.
She said: "Most people say they can't afford it and that is fair enough.
"Customers have come in and said my mortgage is £275 which would be the same cost as a tattoo.
"The spare money people used to have is not there anymore.
"I made this shop myself and I feel very lucky that I am busy enough to keep the whole thing going.
"I can't let it fail.
"If I was to imagine that scenario, it would not be good."
She said: "We've set up an art and sewing space just so we have something to do when we have a cancellation.
"It makes us feel as though we are doing something productive with our time.
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