There are various forms of expression.

But perhaps no symbol tells a story quite like that of a tattoo.

Just ask those who have entered the passageway that is Tenth Gate Tattoo in Palmerton.

Located at 415 Delaware Ave., the tattoo shop opened last month, and it’s been full steam ahead ever since, according to Ryan Bohn, owner/tattoo artist.

Bohn said that’s likely because the business was one both the borough and surrounding area lacked.

“That I know of, this is the first time ever,” Bohn said. “It’s been amazing; we definitely got a warm welcome from the town.”

Bohn said customers can expect the standard types of ink, like lettering, traditional and neotraditional.

“Pretty much anything but realism and portrait,” he said.

Michelle Albino, manager/apprentice, said they’ve inked plenty of people since the business opened.

“We had two families that have come back at least five times,” Albino said. “We had return customers in the first two days.”

Bohn, of Kunkletown, explained what he believes sets his shop apart from some of its contemporaries.

“It’s the cleanest tattoo shop in the area,” he said. “It’s a clean and family-friendly shop.”

Albino noted that Pennsylvania has no standards as far as what’s needed in a tattoo shop.

“The Tri-State area has higher standards,” she said. “We try to make it like that’s what we’re running it as.”

However, Bohn said his shop makes it a point to go above and beyond what’s actually required of it.

“It’s more so for our customers,” he said. “We’re essentially doing everything properly.”

Bohn said he couldn’t be more pleased with his new digs.

“We got a real lucky with a lot of things,” he said. “The building was a nice price.”

Bohn and Albino said they want to help the community, which was evidenced last weekend when the business held a benefit for Forgotten Felines and raised $1,500 in two days.

Bohn said they simply wanted to help the community.

“The community has been so warming to us in the first month,” he said. “So, we said ‘let’s do some charity.’”

Bohn said the business fosters a relaxed approach.

“We’re very easygoing and laid back,” he said. “You get free entertainment comedy show and snacks.”

Tenth Gate Tattoo is open Monday and Tuesday by appointment only, noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

To schedule an appointment, contact them at Tenthgatetattoo@gmail.com, on Instagram at Tenthgatetattoo, or on Facebook.