#GRIPintheStreets Black Ink Atlanta Grand Opening [Watch]

The opening of Black Ink Atlanta brought out the “whos who” of Atlanta and the cast from both New York and Chicago.

The grand opening event, which was held Saturday (Mar. 4) featured appearances by Black Ink vets Walt, Teddy, and owner/CEO Ceasar Emanuel, along with the Chicago crew Ryan Henry, Kat Jackson, and Don Brumfield.

GRIP Magazine got a chance to catch up with VH-1 reality star and CEO Ceasar to talk tattoos, Black owned shops and what’s next for Black Ink. When asked why he chose for his latest venture to be opened in ATL, Cease revealed that Atlanta’s history of being the “mecca of black art” is ultimately what solidified the move.

“I felt like I was supposed to, people don’t understand that Atlanta is the mecca of Black tattoo artists and urban tattooing; like it’s the capital. When it comes to Black art, it’s the capital. Harlem 125th street is the old Black mecaa and [Atlanta] is the new.”

About his expansion, Ceaser said that it’s only a matter of time before he comes to a city near you with his next location already being set for Orlando, Fl and Houston, Tx by the summer.

“It was one point in time when I was afraid of expanding and just wanted to stay in New York, but now I realize that new level means new goals so I am trying to take my empire worldwide.”

To check out the latest addition to the Black Ink family, visit 2989 N Fulton Dr NE Atlanta, GA.

Check out the full interview and exclusive pics below.