When you go in to get a tattoo, it's usually a serious decision. Putting art permanently on your body is a lifelong choice but once you do make the choice, it's honestly quite addicting. Finding someo... Read More
When you go in to get a tattoo, it's usually a serious decision. Putting art permanently on your body is a lifelong choice but once you do make the choice, it's honestly quite addicting. Finding someone whom you can trust, understands your your style and makes you feel comfortable during the whole experience is not an easy one but when you find the right person, you get to become part of as masterpiece. This brings me to Pepper & 13 Arrows Tattoo!When I first met Pepper for a tattoo it was in Hawaii, before the birth of 13 Arrows. I was in my nervous stages. She made me feel so safe & helped to design me a simple cat silhouette on my ankle that still managed to have personality. I loved it and shortly after decided I wanted a small color piece. I had seen some of her artwork & the passion was evident. I've never met a person so dedicated to her work and not just as a tattooist, but as an artist. The apple on my shoulder was next, something I had seen in her paintings and OH MY GOD it was perfect. Pepper made me realize how much personality a tattoo has on the person it adorns & she knows her to make you shine in her work. She is also probably one of the sweetest souls I've ever known & it's so easy to pass time with her. The addiction was real & she went on to make me a moon, stars and a beautiful bumblebee universe before leaving Hawaii for St. Pete. My heart broke... & then she opened 13 Arrows & a trip to Florida happened!Walking into 13 Arrows, you almost feel like you're entering an artists living room. It has a very clean, sleek, modern feel; a comfy white leather couch with colorful pillows, artwork adorns the walls and her drawing desk straight ahead. Black and teal accents warm the space; you can't help but feel comfy & at home. It's honestly almost a view into her soul, such a personal vibe and I appreciated the openness. I had already called ahead so she had my design ready - a Tinkerbell sketch with watercolor splashes. I had given her my wants but she managed to go inside my head & made the most beautiful sketch I couldn't have known I was dreaming of. A perfect mix of my style with hers; it's scary how well she reads you. This was my biggest piece to date, covering my calf & I was almost nervous... until Pepper set up. She's organized, clean, neat & treats you like you've known each other for years. She offered me any music I wanted, water, anything I needed which was new for me; I imagine this is what first class life is like! Like I said, she wants you to feel good the whole time. The whole experience took way less time than I thought it would for the quality and I was blown away by the final product. Pepper truly cares about what she does and you can see it in all her work. This is her life and it's why her work is such perfection. I've never met a tattooist with her personalized touch & I don't imagine I ever will. True ARTIST! I recommend 13 Arrows highly for anyone new or old to the tattoo community. I can't wait for my next trip to see her! Note: if you can't find parking out front, check behind the shop or by the laundromat; the lots is small but there is available parking around. Read Less