A tattoo shop in Fordham reopened Monday after a tough few months of being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tuff City Tattoos had no income, and it was looted. The owner of the shop says he didn't know if it would ever reopen after the pandemic hit.

"It was a setback, and it was a disappointment because we've been in this neighborhood in the Bronx for 27 years," says owner Joel Brick.

Brick has implemented safety measures. Appointments and masks are required. Tattoos are performed in private replica subway cars, in which only one person is allowed.

"It was set up this way before, with no intention of a pandemic," says Brick.

Brick says he was able to reopen because his landlord said he only had to pay half of what he owed in back rent. and that it could be paid over time. Now, he just hopes the customers keep coming.

He says they are are also doing piercings, but they can't do any under the mask.