CNN iReport

If the status of our current economy can be measured in our pleasures and poisons, former tattoo artist WausauFamily believes we may be just turning a corner. When WausauFamily sold his shop in 2006, the economy was doing well and getting tattoos was a popular activity for many. He didn't want to be in the business for the rest of his life, so he left while his operation was strong. He figured the economy was probably affecting his old shop, so he interviewed the new owners to find out how things were going. He says he was told customers have indicated they are doing better financially. He also heard that patrons are starting to ink themselves more again after cooling their tattoo expenditures during the height of the recession.

"This was a business that depended on the 'extras' left over from their customers' budgets and living expenses to stay afloat."

WausauFamily says he has about 40 tattoos of his own. He speculated that many people had a few bucks left on their paychecks and decided to use that dough to buy a new design. Without the spare change, they might be hesitant to spring for a luxury like that. Meanwhile, removing tattoos is more expensive than creating them, so decisions to get tattoos should not be taken lightly. WausauFamily says he is in the process of trying to remove tattoos on his neck because he has begun to change his mind about them.

Still, things are better this year than last year, he says. He has a couple hundred more dollars per month than he used to. "It's good for now, we'll see how it does," he says. We're thrilled that he shared his story and made this video about this local tattoo shop, because it shows how macro events translate into ordinary people's lives. WausauFamily says he hopes others will find hope and take action as a result of the recession.

"I'm big on hope. Our family, we do a lot of things on the side in the community to help people along," he said. "We're really hoping it isn't going to be as rough as last year."