Kiss of Death Ink is inviting the community to celebrate its fifth anniversary Saturday, Aug. 22, with family-friendly activities, local vendors, contests and a charity poker run benefiting a local child.
Owner Shawna Tier said reaching the five-year milestone is something she once never imagined.
“I never thought I would ever be able to start my own business, let alone be five years in,” Tier said. “It really flies by when you’re doing what you love to do.”
The celebration begins at noon at the shop, 214 N. Newsom St. in Mineola, and will raise money for the family of Theo Dyer, a local child living with Trisomy 18.
Throughout the day, visitors can shop with local vendors, participate in contests and enjoy activities for the entire family.
Among the vendors are The Pink Bucket of Quitman, Sippin Dirty Soda Company of Lindale and Forever Owl Boutique. Kiss of Death Ink will also have T-shirts and other shop merchandise available.
Drawings and giveaways will take place throughout the day. A 50/50 raffle benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will also be held.
Competitive events include a corn-hole tournament, with a trophy awarded to the winner; a World’s Worst Tattoo Contest, where the winner will receive a trophy and a discount on a cover-up tattoo; and a bike show recognizing the Best-Looking Bike. A bikini bike wash will also be held during the event.
Families are encouraged to attend. The celebration will include a bounce house, other children’s activities and “kids tattoos,” allowing young visitors to sit in a tattoo chair and receive a temporary tattoo experience. Guests can also participate in “Stranger Bingo,” designed to encourage them to meet new people during the celebration.
A charity poker run will begin at noon with registration at Kiss of Death Ink before making stops at Circle M in Big Sandy, Red Rooster Icehouse in Hawkins, The Barrel House Bar and Grill in Winnsboro, Foster’s Place Restaurant and Pub in Pickton, and Paradise Vapor in Mineola before returning to Kiss of Death Ink.
Registration is $20 per rider, with an additional $5 for passengers. Half of the proceeds will be awarded to the winning poker hand, while the remaining half will benefit Theo Dyer and his family.
Theo has Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome, a rare genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18. The condition often results in severe developmental delays and life-threatening birth defects affecting multiple organs, including the heart. While many children with Trisomy 18 do not survive beyond infancy, Theo has beaten the odds and is among the small percentage of children who live beyond their first birthday. He will celebrate his second birthday on Aug. 29.
Theo’s mother, Kirsten Dyer of Longview, shares updates about her son’s journey and raises awareness about Trisomy 18 through the Facebook page Theo’s Legacy.
“He truly is the happiest boy and has a smile that will brighten anyone’s day,” Dyer said.
Tier said she chose Theo’s family as the beneficiary because of the determination he has shown since before he was born.
“Theo has had to fight before he was even born when doctors wanted them to abort the pregnancy, but he’s just a happy boy who just happens to have Trisomy 18,” Tier said.
Theo has already undergone multiple surgeries and is expected to require additional procedures, including a second open-heart surgery. Funds raised during the event will help the family with medical expenses and travel costs for Theo’s ongoing treatment.
Kiss of Death Ink has three tattoo artists and one professional piercer on staff. The shop is cash only, with an ATM available on site. Clients must be at least 18 years old and present a valid government-issued photo ID to receive a tattoo. Children’s ear piercings are available with a parent or legal guardian present and require both the parent’s identification and the child’s birth certificate.
For more information about the anniversary celebration or to schedule a tattoo or piercing appointment, visit Kiss of Death Ink’s Facebook page.