PREP ADVICE

may this be a positive memory of your inscription 

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MUTUAL RESPECT + SELF LOVE

Tattooing is intimate and vulnerable. This process can be overwhelming for some. While decisiveness is key, empowering you to advocate for your needs is equally important. I think of tattoos as an amazing opportunity to subvert our people pleasing habits and flex our muscles on clear communication / confident decision making.

Your input is welcome / valid / expected as we co-create this vision for your body. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding process, etc. It is normal to modify any final details / shift the stencil / feel nervous. I am here as your guide, facilitator and co-creator.

HOLISTIC BODY BASICS

You help me do my best work with simple steps to arrive in your best possible skin health :)

Below are practical tips to help thicken your blood / regulate your nervous system for a swift & happy tattooing experience:

  • drink water / H Y D R A T E

  • lightly exfoliate intended zone(s)—any brand / any scent

  • MOISTURIZE

  • limit alcohol and smoking

  • sleep well the night before

  • eat a balanced meal before arriving

  • bring snacks/drinks

  • stretch—you will be in one position for a while ♡ this can help your body adjust more comfortably to the temporary discomfort

  • advocate for your body if you need a pause ♡♡♡

PAYMENT

CASH, but I also accept ZELLE

I’m transparent with cost so you should have a good estimate of how much you will owe upon our finish.

Tip is not included in the price and is 18%-25% industry standard — always appreciated!

FRIENDS / FAM

One buddy is welcome. Two max. Please do not bring more than two people with you. It’s a small studio and can easily get overcrowded and we want to be noise respectful as I work in an acupuncturist holistic healing center.

CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS

Kindly wear ACCESSIBLE CLOTHING. If coverage / body exposure is important to you, below are some ideas:

  • BACK BODY = backwards cardigan or button down (leaves zone open while allowing coverage and freedom of movement)

  • FRONT BODY = crop top (stomach / ribs) tube top (shoulders) cardigan / button down (sternum)

  • LEGS = shorts, skirt, loose pants (skinny / tight fit not advised)

  • HIPS / BUTT / GROIN = wrap / sarong / loose shorts / skirt

  • NECK = If you have long hair, bring clips or a hair tie

Other than that, your outfit is your free expression :)

CUSTOM DESIGN OPTIONS

I offer two approaches for creating your unique design:

1. CO-CREATE DAY OF OUR APPT
We’ll refine the design together in person. I’ll show you my rough draft when you arrive, and my hourly rate begins at that time. This option works best if you’re comfortable giving direct, quick feedback so we can make the most of both design and tattoo time.

2. REQUEST A DESIGN PREVIEW
For a $50 draw fee, I’ll send you a personalized design preview by 12pm two days before your appointment, including one round of edits. This is ideal if you prefer extra time to reflect, want to involve others in the decision, or like to think things through before committing. Please reach out via email or text to request this option.

*for those not choosing flash (a ready-made design)

TIMELY ARRIVAL / PARKING

I keep a structured tattoo schedule—if you arrive late, my entire day is backlogged. Out of respect for my time and the time of my other collaborators, please arrive on time.

If you are more than 30 minutes late, you forfeit your deposit and your tattoo slot. I will require a new deposit to reschedule.

Parking time—account for, if applicable. Please plan to arrive early / on time so we aren’t rushed and can feel fully present during your tattoo session.

If running late, please email or call the number I give you prior to your arrival so I know you’re en route :)

SENSORY EXPERIENCE

Bring headphones if you’d like to zone into your own world.

Tattooing requires breath control on my end, so depending on the degree of difficulty of our design, I may wear headphones to center myself. Im happy to communicate more casually before/after :)

SKIN ◯ INK

Please don’t use numbing cream / steroid ointments unless we discuss this prior to your appt. This could affect how well the ink enters your skin / may limit my accuracy placing your stencil / long term healing.

I use latex-free gloves & quality inks free of harsh synthetic chemicals.

LAST MINUTE CANCEL?

Your deposit is deductible from the final cost of your tattoo and non refundable. You are paying for my time and energy. I offer up to 48 hrs notice if you need to reschedule, to maintain your deposit in full. Under 48 hours notice results in a full deposit forfeit as it leaves me scrambling to fill your slot and I end up paying out of pocket for booking my studio space.