Fire-ravaged Fresno businesses get help from neighbors

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – After several businesses in Fresno's Tower District were forced to shut down on Monday following a devastating fire , a nearby tattoo shop will be giving out discounted tattoos to anyone who supports their fundraiser.

Spokeasy Public House, The Labyrinth Collective, Jazzy Jeans N Things and Herbal Products were all forced to close their doors after Monday's fire on Van Ness Avenue, between Home and Floradora Avenues.

3 Tower District businesses 'shut down' due to fire

Following the fire, both Spokeasy Public House and Resistance Tattoo employees quickly took to social media to announce their flash tattoo fundraiser, offering $60 two-by-two-inch flash tattoos or custom designs.

Resistance Tattoo shop owner, J Esparza, says 100% of the proceeds made during Sunday's fundraiser will go to the businesses affected by the fire.

"When something happens here, everybody comes together and says hey, somebody could use some help," Esparza said.

Esparza says he "took a chance" and reached out to his staff asking if they would volunteer their time on Sunday to tattoo patrons and collect donations. Not only was Esparza's staff behind the idea, the Resistance Tattoo team managed to recruit guest artists to lighten the load as the shop can get crowded on average days.

"Sometimes it's a zoo in here, it's a madhouse," Esparza said. "But we want to take that energy and turn it into something positive after something negative happened."

Esparza says Spokeasy and The Labyrinth Collective each bring something unique to the Van Ness Village.

"Spokeasy is a real chill craft beer place," Esparza said. "The Labyrinth is a great place for creatives. They have live music there sometimes and they do plays. We need both those places."

Esparza says Sunday is a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of the low price and small size of the tattoos, whether you are looking to get your first tattoo or adding to your collection.

"We hope people come down even if it's just to get your first one," Esparza said. "Because it's for a good cause and our neighbors are really grateful. They've already thanked us!"

The fundraiser will go from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will operate on a first come first served basis.