Quality Custom Tattoos, a local business in Somerset, Kentucky, has faced another setback in its journey to reopen. The shop, owned by Nate Corder, was preparing to welcome customers again when a robbery at a storage unit wiped out essential equipment and supplies. These items had been salvaged from the aftermath of a devastating EF-4 tornado that struck on May 16, 2025, causing significant damage to the shop.

Community Support and Resilience

Nate Corder, who has been a tattoo artist for decades, expressed his dedication to his craft, stating, “It’s more than a passion. You can’t have a long career in tattooing and not love it.” The stolen items included valuable artwork, frames, tattoo equipment, rare books, and other supplies, much of which had been recovered from the tornado’s destruction.

Despite these challenges, Corder has received widespread support from the tattooing community and beyond. Donations have poured in from supporters across the country, including Texas, Indiana, Virginia, and Kentucky. Corder acknowledged the difficulty of asking for help again after already relying on the community’s generosity once before. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he shared, “I don’t know how we can ask for help after we’ve already asked for help.”

Looking Forward

Originally from Chicago, Corder moved to Somerset in 1999 and has since become a fixture in the local community. He remains focused on the core of his work, emphasizing the importance of the interaction between the artist and the art. “All the other stuff, like tornadoes and robberies, is just noise,” he said.

As police continue to investigate the theft, Corder plans to reopen Quality Custom Tattoos in June. The resilience and support of the community have been crucial in helping him navigate these challenging times.

Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.