GALT, CA (MPG) - A new tattoo parlor will open on C Street in Galt next month, led by local artist Raina Saldivar with support from her parents, veteran tattoo artist Pablo Saldivar and city employee Erin Saldivar. 

The Saldivars secured a longtime goal when a “For Rent” sign appeared on a vacant storefront last winter. By December, Raina Saldivar was signing a lease and charting a path to opening what later became Ink House Social, transforming the 1,200-square-foot space at 812 C St. into a brightly lit studio featuring an eclectic mix of thrifted décor and private accommodations for clients.

Though the parlor is Raina’s venture, her father brings 13 years of private tattooing experience to the studio, and her mother, Erin Saldivar, will help manage the space. 

Raina said she initially didn’t have any interest in following in her father’s footsteps, but after getting a tattoo one day at White Buffalo Gallery in Sacramento, she decided to pursue the craft. 

“It sounds so cliché, but once I started it was like, ‘Yeah, this is the art I’ve been missing out on,’” she said. 

Raina, who has been honing her tattoo skills at White Buffalo Gallery, completed an accelerated apprenticeship and has been tattooing for the past three years. 

“I picked it up very quick,” she said, noting that her mentor, Saul Gutierrez, encouraged her to take on increasingly complex work. Saldivar also operates “Messy Rain Art,” a children’s entertainment business offering paint parties and themed painting events in the local area.

Erin said they agreed to allow their daughter to find her way, but had a feeling that she would gravitate toward the tattoo parlor at some point. 

“When she sat with Saul to do her tattoo, I knew what was going to happen,” Pablo said. 

Raina said a lot of the shop’s features come from her family, including the name, which was picked out by her father. 

“It was a dream he started, and I just wanted to continue it.” Raina said. 

Pablo said he plans to resume tattooing on site once the doors open, focusing on black and gray realism. 

“A lot of my clientele in the past have been moms who don’t feel comfortable in tattoo shops, young women, police officers,” Pablo said. “This is a safe space for you to come in and get your artwork.”

To meet varying client needs, the Saldivars included a private room with its own entrance and curtain. Erin Saldivar, Raina’s mother, explained that clients sometimes “want privacy,” and the family will book that room separately to ensure discretion.

Ink House Social will offer a wide spectrum of tattoo styles, from traditional flash to fully custom designs. Artists will conduct one on one consultations, refining client ideas into bespoke artwork. 

“If it has a special meaning, we’ll make it custom,” Pablo said, adding that while he favors black and gray work, he welcomes color requests.

Renovations drew heavily on community support. Friends, neighbors and local tradespeople volunteered as plumbers, painters and flooring installers.

Décor throughout the studio underscores the family’s thrift shopping ethos and hometown pride. A basketball hoop salvaged from the Saldivar home hangs above one wall, while a steer skull donated by Mayor Shawn Farmer and a painted silhouette of Galt’s water tower serve as focal points. 

The team will expand beyond Raina and Pablo to include an apprentice: Raina’s younger brother, Andre, as well as guest appearances from tattoo artists in the area. Raina’s other brother, Carlo, will help run the books with their mother. 

A soft opening for existing clients will precede a ribbon cutting grand opening planned for June 6 at 6 p.m. Raina said they are currently taking booking reservations. 

Beyond the studio, Raina volunteers at Galt High School – the entire family graduated from Galt High – teaching art students about safe tattoo practices, how to select an artist who respects their vision and the artist path in general. 

“Not everyone’s going to be a tattoo artist, but a lot might be a client,” she said, stressing the importance of comfort and communication in the tattoo process.

Looking ahead, the Saldivars plan to participate in regional tattoo conventions, beginning with the Hard Rock Casino event in Wheatland on July 27. They also intend to host an upcoming
“Friday the 13th” flash day on July 13, where tattoos will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Raina’s initial mentor is scheduled to join for the event. 

As the opening approaches, Erin Saldivar expressed gratitude for neighbors’ encouragement throughout construction and permitting. 

“It’s been incredible,” she said. “A huge shout-out to the community for supporting us.”