Frenchtown Tattoo Company
By Deb Sanders
If you’ve taken a stroll through the Historic Frenchtown District lately, you’ve likely felt the tight-knit, welcoming vibe that defines the neighborhood. It’s exactly the environment Derek Heidorn wanted to cultivate when he opened Frenchtown Tattoo Company. This October, the shop is celebrating its five-year anniversary, and Heidorn is throwing a neighborhood block party to thank the community that embraced him.
On October 17th, Frenchtown Tattoo Company will shut down the street and team up with neighboring businesses for a massive blowout. The family-friendly event will feature a bounce house for the kids, a huge BBQ, and plenty of food and drinks.
From Union Carpenter to Tattoo Tradesman
Heidorn’s path to shop owner wasn't traditional. For over a decade, he worked as a union carpenter before shifting gears in 2017, landing an apprenticeship at a local tattoo shop, and earning his official state license for tattooing and body piercing in 2018. Because of his background, Heidorn views his work through a unique lens. While many in the industry claim the title of "artist," Heidorn proudly considers himself a tradesman.
“A lot of tattooers call themselves artists, but I am more fascinated with the machines and the tools side of the process," Heidorn explains. "All my tools are hand-made by another tradesman and tattooer. These are old-school, classic, but they are the best.”
This respect for the history of the trade draws him to iconic, classic imagery, like the legendary designs of Paul Rogers. "We just redraw them," says Heidorn. "Every time you redraw it, you add a little bit of your own flair. It still has the essence of that old, iconic imagery, but it takes on a new kind of feel."
The Serious Science of Safety
Tattooing has evolved significantly from its early, unregulated days. While pop culture has brought tattooing into mainstream living rooms, reality TV shows, like Ink Master, often gloss over the strict safety standards of the actual trade.
Modern tattooing prioritizes client health. To achieve licensing, the State requires 300 hours of documented in-shop experience, at least 50 supervised tattoos, and current certifications in Bloodborne Pathogens, First Aid, and CPR.
Clients also frequently ask about the science of the ink itself. Today’s industry utilizes heavily advanced formulas; Heidorn specifically uses pre-dispersed powder pigments that are entirely vegan and free of acrylic or plastics.
"No Tattoo – No Story"
A sticker in the shop proudly reads: “No Tattoo – No Story.” Whether a client is celebrating a milestone, expressing individual style, or honoring a loved one, tattoos serve as visual documentation of life.
Because of this, Heidorn treats every client with immense respect. "When somebody comes in, the trust level has to be there," he says. He views the process as a primitive, deeply spiritual art form defined by endurance. “You must force yourself to get through it. It hurts. Most of the tattoos I do take 3-5 hours. To be willing to be that uncomfortable for that amount of time is very intense. It’s like a badge of honor.”
For those whose stories change, Frenchtown Tattoo offers expert coverup designs, while its sister company next door, Ink Remedy, specializes in complete tattoo removal, lighten up for coverups and blowout correction.
Frenchtown Tattoo Company
- Where: 911 North 2nd Street, St. Charles, MO
- Phone: 636-542-1623
- Website: frenchtowntattooco.com