I can't say enough good things about Bonnie at Black Pearl Tattoo. I came in needing a really difficult cover-up, and honestly, I wasn't sure what was even possible. Bonnie completely blew my mind with the result. She took something I wanted to hide and turned it into a true work of art. Her talent, attention to detail, and ability to reimagine the piece went way beyond my expectations. On top of that, she made the whole experience comfortable and collaborative from start to finish. I'm incredibly grateful I found her. If you're even thinking about getting a tattoo especially a cover-up go see Bonnie. I recommend her to everyone. read more

Went in for a piercing with Kelsi, she did an amazing job. Came out exactly how I wanted it. She also made sure everything was sanitized and clean before performing the piercing. 10/10 would highly recommend. Thank you Kelsi. read more

Bonnie was great. She took care of my friends. I'll be back to get ink on my next vist. read more

I got all my Tattoos at Black Pearl. Mike E is so kind warm person, and very talented. I recommend going there. read more

Black Pearl - It my tattoo I had done honoring my son who was killed. - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

WOW ! This place was honestly the most humbling tattoo shop I've ever been to . The ladies who work here were very nice , I scheduled an appointment with Tony and he was very knowledgeable with what he recommended as well . I really liked the way they did the check in process . 10/10 Recommend coming to get work done by him ! The vibe with everyone and him were welcoming to the MAXXXX ! Can't wait to come back ! read more

Black Pearl - ENTRANCE OF SHOP - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Went in thinking about my first ink. Mike was great to talk with and made me feel comfortable with the prospects of ink. Went back and met Maisie, sat down and got a meaningful symbol. Went back later for a larger project. Can't say enough how great Maisie was through the entire experience. Will be back for more! read more

Black Pearl - Quetzalcoatl. Love it! Thanks Maisie. - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Black Pearl.Mike Espinoa is a fantastic artist he did my memorial tattoo my loss of my son. I'll be going back getting more tattoos. Penny Tenorio read more

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Dang. I went to Black Pearl to get my belly button pierced and now that I look back, I didn't have the correct anatomy for it. They pierced me anyway. Me being an naive 14 year old, I had no idea that anatomy played a role. 5 months later, I have a nasty infection and I went to another shop not even 5 blocks away and they told me that the piercing jewelry was illegal in the state of California. Externally threaded jewelry is illegal for piercers to use for your belly button piercing. Don't go here for piercings! It may cost 50-100 dollars more if you go to another shop, but you won't have an infection when you are pierced by people who know what they're doing. Save your poor belly buttons!! read more

Black Pearl - Externally threaded jewelry vs Internally threaded - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

i got my nose and tongue pierced by kelsey and she was so sweet and did such a good job!!! definitely recommend very nice inside

I am in love with the amazing tattoo I got here. Constantly get random compliments on the bright lines and design and of course this amazing coloring. Couldn't recommend this shop more! read more

Black Pearl - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Mike did my tattoo absolutely love it. He also is one of the best people I've met! Super nice, loves what he does and makes sure your comfortable and happy with the tattoo. read more

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My best friend and I went to Mike Espinoza and he was very welcoming, and great at handling my friend (she had 1 tattoo from 20+ years prior) she was nervous to say the very least. Mike knew exactly how to handle her and was more than kind. Made us both feel right at home and even asked what music we wanted to listen to while he set up and did the tattoo. The tattoo he did on my friend was on her foot and it turned out breathtaking. So amazing that I was sad I wasn't going to get a tattoo by him, (I had an appointment somewhere else the next day). Well low and behold my artist stood me up, so I gave Mike a shout out, and he just happened to have time for me to come by and get inked. So we made our way happily over to see him again and Mike did not disappoint. I saw work of other artists there as well as met two of them and I highly recommend this shop. Mike even told my friend that if she had any questions or concerns she could call/text or even come by before we left town (which my friend, who is very anxiety ridden, took full advantage off, and Mike was very helpful and prompt to answer any questions). Everyone has different tastes so research your artist before you make any appointments to make sure you like their style and it matches what you are looking for, but all in all this was a friendly shop, where I felt very comfortable, which when it comes to tattoo shops, isn't always the case. I've been in many. read more

Black Pearl - tattoo done by Mike Espinoza, - Black Pearl tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

"Let's get friendship tattoos?" My friends and I randomly decided. The next day I went to three different tattoo shops in the Live Oak area. Our last spot was Black Pearl and we were so lucky. Jared Foster did our tattoos and we absolutely loved them. It was my first and he did everything to make sure we all felt at ease. A true professional. It was also the cheapest from all the places I went to go ask at. All the other places insisted that I needed to get the piece bigger and I kindly disagreed. Jared did not pressure us at all about sizing, he kindly let us choose. Our tattoos took ~20 minutes each. I've already recommended him to a few people. Thanks again! read more

Black Pearl - Bestie tattoos - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

WORSE TATTOO EVER ! DO NOT GO! if an older lady offers you a tattoo there with hella tattoos on her say no !! she gave me the ugliest paw i've ever seen on my body forever. pictures are what i asked for versus what j got. read more

Black Pearl - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Katie Laughlin Did a cover up for me on my arm. I am so grateful for her expert touch and creative talent. I had old faded block letters ,she created these beautiful flowers over it and it is so feminine and beautiful. I immediately felt uplifted from my experience with her . Like I have a bran new arm and a more positive attitude about myself. I didn't realize how negative the old work had made me feel until it was gone. Thank you again Katie your top notch equipment and finishing touches are so appreciate. Right up to your wrap at the end ,I was amazed how well it stayed and you were absolutely right in that it was good for the tattoo. It never even slipped or became loose . The protection I never had from any of my many previous experiences We are going to see each other again you have changed my outlook and I am spreading the word because you are phenomenal read more

Me and my friends made appointments for this place, and since we take the bus, we were going to be late. One of my friends called the place and left a voicemail and they were so sweet about it. Our piercer was Josh, and he was so welcoming and nice. He pierced very gently, and it didn't hurt at all for my conch :) my friends also got their lobes pierced and it was a great first experience. He was very nice and gave advice and tips on our piercings and the scale of pain. 10/10 would come again. :) read more

Alyssa is awesome! Three of us got tattoos from her and we could not be happier with her professionalism, demeanor, and quick ability as an artist. Thank you!! read more

I wanted a tattoo for a while and had thought real long and hard about what I had wanted and where. But, I had encountered irritating hardships in my journey to find the perfect tattoo artist: too expensive, didn't do what I wanted/asked, etc. And then I happened upon the black pearl tattoo parlor. When I walked in, the people were incredibly warm, welcoming, and friendly. They put me at ease immediately, especially after my previous ordeals with other bad artists. They were patient with all my newbie questions, my anxiety and hesitations, and completely open to my tattoo ideas. My artist, Mike, sent me a sketch up of what I had in mind the day before the tattooing. It was exactly what I had envisioned and sent him. The next day, when I showed up, Mike went to work quickly and effeciently, but not rushed despite having worked all weekend at the tattoo convention and having me as his last client. He pulled up a chair for my friend beside the table so that she could support me during my first tattoo, but Mike went above and beyond. He was gentle and light handed with his strokes, he was hilarious and eased my tensions and fears, and he was meticulous and patient, making sure that his work wasn't rushed and I was comfortable. While Mike had thought that the tattoo would take only a little over an hour, it had taken us about 2 (I didn't mind at all, I actually had a fun time!). However, he still only charged me for the time of 1.5 hours. I realize that this review is like a mini novel, but I cannot emphasize just how incredible this business/man made my first tattooing experience. Such amazing, warm, and talented people. I will be referring anyone and everyone to the black pearl. If I get more tattoos, I will be going back to them without a doubt. read more

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Alyssa is amazing !!! Her work and attention to detail is immaculate. She has such a light hand and gave me exactly what I wanted read more

Black Pearl - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Love my new tattoo and Alyssa did an amazing job and I will definitely be going back to her read more

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Brought my son in for his first ink...yeah..but it was a cover-up cause my son decided to do stick and pokes...kids, anyway, Mike did a really great piece and even put up with my son for 3 hrs..yeah..fun times...I'll be back for my next ink....nice job Mike..thank you... read more

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Best tattoo artist ever! I had an elephant tattoo done by someone else That I was not pleased with and found Mike's portfolio online and was blown away! He did a watercolor wash over it and it looks fantastic. He's done two others for me and I love them! I tell everybody I know that is thinking of getting tattoo about Black Pearl. Look no further! read more

i went here for my second tattoo so i was still pretty nervous about getting it and the tattoo artist was SO nice. he really made me feel at ease and didn't make me feel bad for being anxious. he explained everything in depth to me, so it was easy to feel relaxed and enjoy getting tatted. also, he lit incense so the entire atmosphere was very relaxing. i was so glad to have the opportunity to get tattooed here; if i lived closer i would definitely go here for all of my future tattoos. read more

Thanks Prio for a positive experience. Your careful gentle and meticulous work gave us tattoos that we absolutely love!

DON'T GET PIERCED HERE!! They use jewelry that's ILLEGAL in California! I found this out when getting a piercing removed from here at a reputable studio. PLEASE spend the extra money and go to a PROFESSIONAL PIERCER! I've had a conch piercing that had to be surgically removed done here as-well as a daith piercing I had to get removed and re -pierced because it was done extremely shallow. Maybe come here for lobes since you can't totally go wrong with them?? But honestly I would avoid this place all together. Don't waste your time and money. Almost a guarantee you'll have to get it removed in a matter of months!! Pay the extra money and put LEGAL AND SAFE jewelry in your body!!!!!! read more

Bella was amazing and helped me create a wonderful tribute to my lye dad with his cremains.

Very cool place! Very comfortable and homey! Very clean inside! Love the cool ambiance. 2 of my daughters both got body piercings and it was a breeze! Really love the overall experience here and the decor! Thanks from Hawaii! read more

Black Pearl - Great Customer Service! Very comfortable and homey! - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Josh, the piercer, is the best here! I am so needle-phobic so someone held my hand. Months later, my nose piercing almost closed on one side due to me trying and failing to put in a hoop. I was devastated and basicaly crying, He was super nice and patient with me! Thank you! read more

I went in on a Friday afternoon to get my nose pierced and I had a great experience! I was in and out in like 10 minutes. It was the cheapest I've seen in town ($40) and it included the jewelry. The best part was that they didn't only have the simple starter stud but they had iridescent gems as well! The piercer was really nice and very informative about the aftercare. I would definitely go back for more piercings. read more

I walked in wanting to get my conch and took pierced. For the conch there was a selection between different colors and sizes for the stud which surprised me because lots of places only have the silver ball. I went to the back and got the two things pierced quickly with no issues. The guy was also super nice and accommodating. The two piercings were only $90. read more

Black Pearl - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I came in with a friend to get her nipple pierced, (which is a sensitive enough procedure as is), and he accidentally pierced her nipple at an angle and instead of stopping, re pierced her nipple straight and sent her on her merry way, assuring her it was fine. There's nothing like going to the hospital with your friend to get her nipple lanced after someone botches A PIERCING ON HER NIPPLE. That said, go somewhere with integrity, like Chimera. Sure, Chimera might be too weird or whatever for you, but at least it doesn't have a crappy paint job and won't land you with an infected nipple. Which would be hilarious if it weren't so terrible read more

So, this is a review of THE SHOP. Not an individual artist (bc I don't know their name!). Upon entering its dark and damp. No air flow, not a lot of light... the place smelled of simple green & bathroom cleaning (like it smelled like the bathroom was getting cleaned right then....). Two of us inquired about work, and one of us (who is light-skin black) was told that "color just doesn't work on black skin". Well either dude had a racial bias, or no experience working with black skin, because the artist who ended up doing my tattoo (different shop) applied color clearly & happily, and it turned out beautiful... color showing up and all. Based on the interaction with the artists that day, I would not recommend this place, but especially because it smelled like simple-green-bathroom.... that's like going to sit down for sushi at a place that smells like rotten fish. No thanks!! read more

We didn't know there was a $100 minimum for two small words until he was done tattooing. The tattoo artist was awkward and very quiet. He didn't shave my arm before tattooing either. I didn't even get his name! I felt robbed knowing I could've gone somewhere else with better service and a lower minimum. Never coming again read more

I just got my nipples pierced and they did a great job. Was really nervous at first but, the piercer (Josh) really calmed me down. My friend got her septum and tongue pierced by him in the last few weeks. They both turned out really nice as well. 10 out of 10! The shop is really cool as well. read more

Don't come here for septum piercings!! They pierced mine in the wrong place and it never healed, ended up taking it out and getting it redone somewhere else. read more

Josh is the best!!! So nice, SO FAST, and so genuine! He pierced my nose and it was almost painless. This guy deserves 10 stars and a fat tip :) read more

Black Pearl - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Virtually painless navel piercing. I was in and out of this place within 20 minutes. The piercer was really nice and explained the process thoroughly. Healed nicely Note: Piercer is not in on Wednesday's read more

Black Pearl - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Piercing only- Came with a friend to get her tragus pierced. (First time at this shop!) The staff is friendly and the place is really cool. There is definitely a theme going on and the art around the place is wonderful. Only reason why I had to drop a couple stars is because the jewelry selection is limited. In fact, it's pretty much close to nothing. The only option my friend got for her piercing was one of those spiral ended jewelry. Her piercing is healing really nicely and she isn't having any problems with it. But I'm sure that if it was my ear, it would be irritated because I'm not sure if the metal in the piercing is all that great. (I have semi sensitive ears. So if you do too keep that in mind.) It was a super cheap piercing though. I believe she only paid $40 or so. ((Be sure to call in and get a price yourself though)) Another reason to drop a star would be the after care instructions given by the piercer. Which was pretty much nothing. Almost forgot to tell her how to care for it until she asked a bit. He recommended a sea salt mixture and told her to not stress the piercing by touching it. (Excellent) However he did not give us a pamphlet or anything. Only time I didn't get a pamphlet for a piercing was when I went back to the same guy from a previous piercing. I'm mainly concerned by how careless he was about giving aftercare instructions. It threw me for a loop since I haven't had that happen before with any of my piercings from different places (belly button, helix, tragus, and lobes) read more

Came in for a tongue ring. They said no. Why a 5 star review?!? These guys are honest and true to their skill. They were worried for me that my tongue was too small (which I can honestly admit) and would be more painful for me. They were sad for me because I was really excited, they were for my birthday gift to myself. But I can totally respect their decision to not follow thru and I'm glad they weren't just going to take my money. Great customer service and really cool people. And their prices are probably the best in Santa Cruz. read more

Great staff, seems shady outside but super nice inside. The piercer here is extremely cool and laid back. Will probably come here for a tat soon. read more