Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Homan.
Thomas, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Originally crew founded Subculturez, the original premier tattoo studio in our region. We lasted there for 25 years. We spent many years attempting to change the zoning laws in downtown so we could move to the thriving art district there. In 2023 those laws were finally changed with the help of our excellent new councilmen and mayor. It took a full year to build our new venture, Modern Elegance, to our specifications, finally opening on Halloween of 2024. It has been a wonderful first year in business, our loyal clients have found us despite some deceptive practices of studios purchasing and using our old name to take them in our absence. The founding members of our crew have worked side by side for more than 15 years, with many new, but lovely members joining after we opened. Modern Elegance is owned and operated by Christopher Babin, Omar Herrin, and myself Thomas Homan. Babin and Omar captain our tattoo side with a combined 31 years of experience, over seeing 5 other incredible artists, most of which have been with us for several years at our previous location. I have been piercing for more than 15 years and oversee that side of the operation with the help of two excellent piercers I have personally trained and have been with me for 9 and 5 years respectively. We always sought to be a part of this community and are elated that we’ve been welcome with open arms. DeLand is the heart and soul of central Florida’s arts and it means the world that we get to continue that legacy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly has not been smooth. Getting the zoning laws changed was a long and arduous process, but inevitably with a change in local leadership and the help of a small coalition of other business owners, Brittany Arizona of the Alter in particular, we were able to get the zoning measures pushed through. In the intervening time it took to build our studio, 5 other studios emerged, some great shops, but a couple of the “chop shop” variety you see in some parts of Daytona and Orlando. The largest hurdle was the purchase of our previous establishments name and reopening in our previous location with all new artists attempting to capitalize on the good name we spent so many years establishing there. We are still slowly getting the word out that the wonderful people that our clients come there expecting to see are all in fact here at Modern Elegance. It took a full year to build, but when people walk inside and see all the beauty our hard work built, it makes it more than worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Modern Elegance?
We are a custom art and fine jewelry, tattoo and piercing establishment. We set the bar for what this industry could be in our area. When I first took over piercing I was mocked for wanting to only offer safe and high quality jewelry, something that was rather uncommon in the industry at the time, especially because it carried with it a comparatively high price point and lower margins for the business. That dedication to doing things the right way inevitably paid off and we became the most successful shop in the region. Now there are several higher in studios mimicking those standards and I love to see it. On Tattoo side we try to find the right blend of custom art studio and friendly walk-in studio. We have 8 incredible artists each specializing in a particular style, while maintaining an excellent grasp of traditional styles for our weekly flash events. If you’re looking for a classic tattoo or something entirely unique to you, we will give you something truly beautiful. We pride ourselves above all on great customer service and have a standing guarantee on all of our work, something no other studio I’m aware of even offers.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up here in DeLand. I was/am a big nerd. I spent my youth in the gifted program playing D&D and magic the gathering with the other nerds. I was always into body modification and started piercing myself early in middle school. I always had an eye for aesthetics and loved design, but it wasn’t until my early 20s that I finally found a mentor that could really teach me the fundamentals of proper and safe piercing. Most people would likely describe me as gregarious, I really enjoy customer service and spend most of my days at the studio talking to and laughing with clients and friends.
Pricing:
- Piercings start at $90 including jewelry
- Our tattoo typical minimum is 125
- Our hourly rate is $125
- Friday nights we do flash sales starting at $80
Contact Info:
- Website: https://modernelegancedeland.com/
- Instagram: @modern_elegance_deland
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Modern-Elegance-61568686063027/
