American Tattoo Society
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Tattoo studio |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founder | William Ryan Harrell, Nicole Rea Sanders |
| Headquarters | Fayetteville , United States |
Area served | Military communities, U.S. military installations |
Key people | William Ryan Harrell, Nicole Rea Sanders |
| Products | Tattoo services |
Number of employees | 22 (tattoo artists, piercers, permanent makeup specialist, jewelry station staff at Fayetteville location) |
The American Tattoo Society (ATS) is a tattoo studio brand headquartered in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Established in 2014 by William Ryan Harrell and Nicole Rea Sanders, ATS focuses on providing tattoo services primarily to military communities both on and off U.S. military installations. It holds the distinction of being the first tattoo studio authorized to operate legally on a U.S. military base.
History
ATS was launched in 2014 by William Ryan Harrell, formerly an advertising agency proprietor, alongside Nicole Rea Sanders, who managed Skin Prik City in Fayetteville. Their objective was to deliver tattoo artistry tailored to military personnel.
In 2017, ATS secured an exclusive contract with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), becoming the sole tattoo studio partner for five Army installations. By September 2020, the company inaugurated the inaugural tattoo studio situated within a U.S. military base at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.
As of May 2025, ATS runs nine operational studios and has plans to open three additional locations. Due to persistent infrastructure challenges on military bases, the firm redirected its efforts toward larger off-base venues that offer extended hours and a broader range of services.
The Fayetteville location stands as the largest tattoo studio nationwide, encompassing 7,500 square feet and employing a team comprising 18 tattoo artists, three piercers, one permanent makeup specialist, and a jewelry station. The company’s headquarters at 5439 Yadkin Road also features a retail complex including a barbershop, nail salon, and convenience store designed to serve the military community.
Activities
ATS serves as the lead sponsor of the All American Tattoo Convention, an event dedicated to fundraising for nonprofits assisting individuals affected by combat-related injuries. This convention highlights celebrity tattoo artists and hosts competitions specifically aimed at military members and veterans.
Additionally, ATS maintains an ongoing partnership with the nonprofit Veteran Ink, collaborating on initiatives that support veterans through storytelling, service provision, and community engagement.