Chanel Vorrath in her tattoo studio, White Trash Tattoo, located at 314 Audubon St. in Adair.
By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times, March 2025
For many people, owning a business is part of the American dream. If that business also happens to center around a person’s hobby, it is even better. That’s what led Chanel Vorrath to open a tattoo shop in downtown Adair.
Vorrath says the TV show “Miami Ink” initially caught her attention years ago and inspired her interest in tattooing.
“I only started tattooing as of last March. I’ve always wanted to do it. In high school, I was obsessed with Kat Von D. She was an amazing artist,” Vorrath said. “I started on fake skin, but then I got bored with that. I ended up doing my whole leg, and then I started on my arm.”
Businesses often strive for a name that will be remembered, and Vorrath picked a business name that definitely stands out. “White Trash Tattoo” is the name of her shop. When asked how she selected that name, she replied, “I just liked it.”
Vorrath reports that the new venture has gone well so far.
“March 1 was my first day open,” Vorrath said. “I’ve been overcome with support from locals and even people from further away.”
Vorrath is the only artist in the shop for now, but she hopes to eventually expand.
“I do plan on having my boyfriend come in as a tattoo artist at some point, but, right now, it’s just me,” she said. “And I would love to open a full-service shop with piercings, tattoos, multiple artists and tattoo removal.”
Although Vorrath is relatively new to her art, she is fully certified.
“For the state of Iowa, you have to have a Bloodborne Pathogens certificate, and then you apply for a license as an artist, and the establishment has to have a permit, too,” Vorrath said. “And then, each year, there’s an annual inspection.”
Vorrath pointed out that the shop’s location, 314 Audubon St., is ideal because of other businesses in the same building. The shop is accessed by the alley entrance.
“The girl who owns this building, Ashley Smith, bought it and opened a massage place in here. She also has someone in here as an aesthetician,” Vorrath said. “So, I figured if I could help Ashley and get my business up and running, that’s the best of both worlds.”
Vorrath says she doesn’t yet have a particular type of tattooing she specializes in.
“I wouldn’t say that I specialize in anything, because I don’t yet have a niche,” she said. “But if I had to pick a style that I love to do, it’s traditional or neo-traditional, because there are more bold lines.”
Vorrath admits that tattooing can be painful, but she’s learned that certain areas of the body are less sensitive, and she is happy to help customers discuss ways to lessen any discomfort. Also, Vorrath is a strong believer in proper after-care for tattoos to help speed the healing and protect the artwork. She offers various products and advice for those purposes.
Vorrath is eager to speak with those interested in discussing a tattoo they may be considering. Examples of her art are viewable on the shop’s Facebook page.
“If someone wants to get a tattoo, they reach out to me and they tell me what they want, and I draw it up ahead of time and send it to them,” she said.
Anyone interested in learning more or booking an appointment with Vorrath can reach her by phone at 641-740-0459 or by email at whitetrashtattoo33@hotmail.com.