A small hot pepper tattooed on Aly Rego’s thigh serves as a constant reminder of the person who inspired her to become a tattoo artist.
The tattoo pays homage to the ALS Pepper Challenge, a viral hot-pepper-eating challenge that swept the internet a few years ago as a way to raise money and awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. Rego, who has a close friend with ALS, opted for a tattoo to show her support rather than shoveling down a bowl of jalapenos.
That same friend was the person who gave Rego the push to follow her dream of becoming a tattoo artist and, now, a business owner. Secret Beach Tattoo opened in Middletown in December.
Named for its proximity to First Beach, Rego said the picture window overlooking the ocean sold her on the location and persuaded her to take the next step from artist to business owner. A Rhode Island native who graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Rego specializes in illustrative tattoos but is open to any design her clients want.
Work costs $150 an hour, and hours are by-appointment only.
Nancy Lavin is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Lavin@PBN.com.
