My Approach

At the heart of my work is a passion for creating bespoke tattoos that are as unique as each client. I prefer to start with a consultation over email, where you can share a brief and reference images of what you like. This gives us a chance to fine-tune the idea, and I can start merging those elements into a custom design. Having a written record of the conversation and reference images ensures we’re on the same page every step of the way.

After 15 years in the industry, I’ve honed the ability to bring your vision to life in a way that often exceeds expectations. Many clients tell me that the final design is even better than they imagined, and that’s something I take a lot of pride in. Once I have all the details I need, you can trust that I’m fully invested and it’s in good hands.

My studio is a welcoming space for everyone, and I’m committed to making the experience comfortable and inclusive. I also take sustainability seriously, using vegan-friendly products and being mindful of the environment in my practices.

My History

I didn’t start getting tattooed until I was 23, when I was tattooed by a female artist, Lynn Akura. At the time, the industry was very male-dominated, and Lynn’s work inspired me to consider that there might be space for another female in the world of tattooing.

Before tattooing I studied Biomedical Science but I was always an artist at heart. I dropped out of university to pursue painting full time and later started a web and graphic design agency, which I ran for 10 years. It was a way to stay creative within a corporate environment but my focus eventually shifted after I got tattooed. From that point on, I was determined to learn everything I could about tattooing.

I started tattooing in 2009 from a private studio and also guesting in another local studio in Hove. It was there that I met a tattoo artist who later became my business partner when we opened our first studio, Inkfectious, in Portslade. Back then, there were very few female owners and tattooists in the industry, so opening my own studio felt like a bold step forward.

In 2012, I sold Inkfectious to my business partner and opened Inkquisitive in Worthing, one of the first solo female-owned studios in Sussex. Over the years, I worked with many talented artists and mentored four apprentices, all of whom have moved on to other tattoo studios in Sussex.

In 2018, the owner of the building where Inkquisitive was located decided to convert it into flats - that meant I had to move. I had already been inspired by Becca (@S6girl), who tattooed my sleeve and who had already built her own private solo studio, to build my own. So, I closed Inkquisitive, moved home, and built The Retreat, which opened in January 2023.

When I started tattooing, there wasn’t much of a need to specialise. Tattoos were just beginning to go mainstream, and platforms like Instagram and Pinterest didn’t exist yet. People usually wanted more generic designs. As time went on, however, artists began specialising in specific styles. While running my studios and mentoring apprentices, I made sure each artist had their own specialties to foster a fair and collaborative environment. This allowed me to pick up any styles that weren’t already taken, which kept me constantly learning and adapting. I’ve always had a love for Neo-Traditional tattooing, a style that often fell to me by chance — and it’s the style in which I’m mostly tattooed myself.

As artists came and went, I took on their styles, and every few years, I found myself diving into something new. It’s kept me on my toes and helped me build a well-rounded portfolio. While there are still a few niche styles I haven’t had the chance to explore, I’m always ready for the challenge!

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have so many amazing clients, many of whom have been with me throughout my entire 15-year journey. I believe tattoos are a way to enhance the body and express individuality. I often think about what I’d do if I woke up without any — it would be a mission to get them all done again! While I might change some placements here and there, most of my tattoos are a part of who I am, and I think that’s the best advice I can give to anyone starting their tattoo journey. They become a part of you and regretting them is rare if it’s something you truly want.

Over the years, I’ve also spent a lot of time learning new ways to cover up and renew old work. Disguising scars, fixing tattoos that didn’t work out and covering old tribal pieces have been some of the most rewarding aspects of my career. The reactions I get from clients when I’ve fixed something are amazing and it’s incredibly fulfilling. If you have something you’re not happy with, don’t hesitate to reach out. You’d be amazed at what can be done. I regularly cover up tribal tattoos and I’m confident that anything is possible!

When people talk about wanting tattoos with meaning, I understand where they’re coming from, especially for their first piece. Meaningful tattoos can be incredibly special and they tend to be pieces people will treasure. But I also believe tattoos are body artwork, much like the art we hang on our walls or the clothes we wear. We rarely ask if something has deep meaning before buying it — we simply enjoy it for its beauty. Similarly, tattoos can be something you love simply because they look good. Sometimes, giving an artist a bit of creative freedom can result in a design that feels just right and I pride myself on turning your meaningful ideas into beautiful artwork. It’s the best of both worlds!

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My Approach

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