It took me 9 years to get the courage to walk into a tattoo shop and get my flower covered. I received my first tattoo by someone I was dating in my early 20's. when we broke up, it was never finished... Read More
It took me 9 years to get the courage to walk into a tattoo shop and get my flower covered. I received my first tattoo by someone I was dating in my early 20's. when we broke up, it was never finished, and I never sat in a chair again.Now 32, I figured, it's time. I just applied for a job that would move me out of state, where I'm able to live on my own and save up for my own house. I came on yelp and I googled tat shops in my area, and this one popped up and the reviews were constant 5 stars. so, it being 6 minutes from where I live, I went in for a talk to see where I would end up. I met Adrian, and we spoke for a bit and he told me to text him later when the other artist came in. So I went on with my day. The shop is small, and everyone is super friendly. The owner, matt & his wife and the artists: Adrian, Tyler (and I think 1 more I didn't meet) they make you feel at home right away, which was comforting for me because my palms were sweating even for just saying "hello." I ended up going back later for a consultation and Matthew was my artist. He was hilarious, right off the bat we got along like peas and carrots. I came in the next day after work for a sit down and to get some drawing ideas. We laughed a good part of the time, and I even met the shop dog. She's a cutie! We came up with a drawing, and I saw the gears in his head turning. he came up with a great picture, and I was excited to see it come into reality. Fast Forward a week later, I'm in the chair. leg shaved and washed and ready to go. let me tell you 4 hours flies by when you're laying there. but we took breaks, chatted a lot, and even saw some clients come in and out for other people. I felt at home, when we spoke, we laughed, we joked, and the atmosphere was so welcoming. Tyler was sketching today while Matthew worked on my leg. him and I spoke, and he's super friendly. not one person made me feel out of place or not wanted there. (which I've had in other shops going with friends.) A couple times I bit onto myself when Matthew reached the "f-you spot" on my lower ankle. but I didn't cry (go me!) We took breaks so I could walk around. No rushing, slow pace, relaxed. After my tattoo was finished I was astonished on how beautiful it was. Now I have my Ca poppy and my Tx rose. 2 places that have lots of importance to me now and forever. I cant thank Matthew enough for helping me cover something I've been hiding for 9 years. as I told Tyler; "Now I want to shave my legs and wear shorts!" I recommend this place to everyone I speak with. if you're scared, don't be. I'm sure they'd give you a hug if you asked. Good businesses run by good people makes for happy clients. The prices are amazing, everything is clean, sterile and they hold up the tattoo artist tradition very well here. Oh, and If Adrian's ipod is in the player, get ready for a really random music selection while you're getting inked. I was singing along to "sherry baby" by Fankie Valli, and it jumped to Rage against the machine, then over to hard core rap. If Tyler is your artist, Treat him to a steak dinner, he deserves it. ;) I'm tellin you, yelp is a good thing, 5 star reviews from real people do mean 5 stars!. I love you guys! Thank you! Read Less