"And some Phoenix May rise from these ashes. But the fire comes first" - @benbenabraham…read more I dunno about you, but this has been my experience. It's my story. It's how I understand the change that we each encounter and sometimes have to endure. Yet, we have to keep going. Navigating. Persevering at each turn and dead end. Icarus was told not to fly too close to the sun. He did anyway. Yes. He burned and fell into the ocean. But, that doesn't have to be the lesson. Maybe going for it, is the lesson. Out of that fire, something else can be born. Someone new can rise from those ashes. . . I have admired Christian's (@kurtistattoo ) work since I first saw an Instagram post, many years ago. Then I saw his work on a few people, and up close, it was more incredible than in any of the pictures. I was on a wait list before the pandemic in 2020, but ... so, in March of 2022, when his books opened again, I secured my consultation and my first session for November of 2022. 9 sessions later, and about 25 hours of work, this is a masterpiece; One I can't believe I get to have on my body. I gave Christian the overall concept, and he brought it to life. It was easy and awesome to trust his artistry, completely. Many years waiting for the right time and for availability. So WORTH THE WAIT! I love it!!! I couldn't be happier! I'm also grateful for the funny and friendly crew at @stonethecrowtattoo! Every artist there, has a unique gift! We are lucky to have this collective in the DMV area. Thanks Christian. You're the best! And, I'm sure I'll be back!

Just an update on the tattoo at the shop. Healed perfectly and looks great. Thanks for everythingread more

I waited a bit to get my first tattoo and so at the age of 58+ I contacted Liaa at Bethesda Tattoo…read moreafter looking over her work online and sent her my thoughts on a custom piece for my left forearm. She scheduled me in for a consultation and we went over the work that I was looking to get, she listened to what I was asking for, provided some feedback, and then said she would get to work on a rough draft that she would send prior to my appointment. The rough draft came via email, we proceeded to send ideas back and forth, I appreciated the collaboration and level of effort before I even sat in the chair. Liaa had an apprentice with her during my session, and she did a stellar job of working on my tattoo and mentoring a new person to the art. I am totally impressed with Liaa's work as an artist and plan to go back for another tattoo. I really liked the studio and am grateful for such a wonderful experience.

I got a piercing at this place, and my piercer, Mac was really good! I got a nose piercing replaced…read moreafter waiting for it to re-heal (which he helped me determine was the best course of action), and it went smoothly! He was great with providing instructions, and showing me the steps of how it was sterilized, then pierced. He was honestly really calm and professional. I really appreciated his presence. I would definitely recommend him! It was a lot less traumatic than the first time I got my nose pierced (which was at an entirely different place, btw).

I took my daughter here today. Made an appointment same day, Linh was on time, facility was…read moreimmaculate. She talked my 17 yr old through her belly button piercing. I would definitely go back and recommend.

felt spontaneous on a random Tuesday, i came in by walk-in (which is normally NOT allowed, do not…read morerecommend that). Linh who does piercings there was actually about to finish up for the day, but decided to still take me in (thank you very much Linh) had a great experience there! we were talking throughout my piercing experience it was my first time since my first lobe done as a baby. Linh was thorough with placement and talked about post-care and provides instructions. also shortly consulted about a possible next piercing, i would definitely go back to have Linh do my next piercings, the vibes were very much fun and comfortable. thank you so much!!

I was extremely fortunate to find EB and Tim a couple years ago and I am so thankful that I was…read more The level of professionalism that these two show with every appointment, consultation, and sitting that I've spent with them speaks to how dedicated they are to their crafts. Since I've started going to them, I have not looked to anyone else to take care of my piercings or tattoos. EB is super helpful and thoughtful and has a great eye for piercing anatomy, and EB also takes the time out of super busy days to reply to messages and follow up with aftercare advice. EB from the beginning has been so accommodating with each visit and truly cares about the healing progress of finished work. Tim is such a hard worker and diligent artist and always takes time before/during/afterwards to make sure his projects are top notch. Every time that I see Tim's updated portfolio, my jaw always drops at how his creativity and his style shine, he is truly one of the best artists in the area in my humble opinion. Their work collectively speaks for itself. Additionally, they both take sanitation very seriously as they do not cut any corners in ensuring that their clients are taken care of for peace of mind. I recommend both of them in the highest regard and I think you should look no further when booking your next tattoo or piercing. Also, they both really love the organic fruit leather snacks from Whole Foods, I usually bring it during my visits to share with them because of how much they both love it. Make sure you bring them some and let them know I sent you!

I'm leaving a 6/5 star review. The work speaks for itself. The art speaks for itself…read more I started working with Tim (IG @darkerplz) in October 2019 and ever since then he's done nothing but grow as an artist and a true professional. His creativity and the level of detail in his work are constantly evolving and it absolutely blows my mind. My Experience from start to finish on large projects, coming up with ideas together, and sitting in the chair for 8-9 hours in a day at times, has been nothing but a pleasant and wonderful one. Such a very humble and down to earth person. Great energy. Great vibrations. Great environment. I'm sure majority of his current clients would agree with me that he's probably the most sick and talented tattoo artist they will ever work with (I think that Is the case for me at least). If you're looking to get work done by this artist and at this shop, you will be in great hands and they will take care of you without a doubt. If you're reading this and considering getting work done, get on the books and calendar ASAP, Tim's quite a busy man nowadays lol! Peace and love,

I've been wanting to get piercings on my left ear to balance out the ones on my right. I wanted to…read moretry out a different piercing studio and found Queen's Gambit. The placement of my rook and conch were perfect, and the earrings themselves were so cute. Also, the piercer was efficient and kind. I will definitely come back for future piercings!

Monica was awesome! My daughter got her first tattoo this month, Monica helped guide and gave great…read moreinput on her tattoo. Thank you Monica!!! We will definitely be back!

Went here for lobe and cartilage piercings, Rachel (Ray) was extremely talkative and friendly, she…read morefelt like the cool aunt. For my personality, she was too talkative honestly, I could barely get a word in about my actual concerns and questions. She did make me feel very safe, and the piercings are healing well. Not sure if it's because I already have some piercings, but she didn't go very in depth with proper care and things to look out for. No mention of a follow up either, so it left me with some questions but it's not a big deal. She is very knowledgeable so if you ask she will definitely tell you. Almost forgot to include this but the person I spoke to on the phone to schedule the appointment was quite rude, I saw a few other reviews talking about this too and it was my experience as well. Very short answers, exasperated tone and language, overall not a great first impression. I went through with the appointment because of the positive reviews about the piercer, but the person answering the phone could definitely scare people off.

Was recommended by a friend for their piercing services!…read more Clean, friendly, and up front with everything you need to know, I also recommend them! Ray did a fantastic job in piercing education, and I was out with my renewed piercings in less than 30 minutes!

went to get a tattoo, arist was 45 minutes late, watched a movie the entirety of session, did not…read moregive me aftercare instructions, and had a non chalant attitude. never coming back

I've gotten a bunch of tattoos done here by Wrex and will be back for more. It's nice and clean and…read morewell put together. Plus I like the music and the atmosphere is welcoming.

For years, I knew I wanted to create a new tattoo starting on my hip and winding up my side. I just…read morecouldn't think of that perfect design. Then one day, it hit me. Travel! I love to travel and see as much of this beautiful planet as I'm able. Why not tell the story of both my general love for it as well as places I've been (and not been yet)? I came up with all kinds of images such as flags, currency, compasses, geo coordinates, etc. I've never had such a large tattoo done before, so I wasn't sure what to expect in the week leading up to it. Was I supposed to see a sketch? Tina let me know her plan in that it wouldn't be a single sketch for this particular piece, but several pieces that we'd put together like a puzzle. Exciting! In all, it took 3 sessions, all about 2-3 hours each. Some of that time was placing pieces, re-drawing small items, hand-drawing directly onto me, etc. I loved her creation and I loved how it developed with each session. Each and every piece has a meaning from coordinates to special places to the bottle of sand and shells. Tina is a wonderful artist that truly cares for others. She can also be spicy and witty and that made me feel really comfortable with her. There was no need to constantly talk during sessions...it was always a calming silence when she was too focused outlining to chat. However, she knowingly got me talking to help distract me from some extra uncomfortable areas. Much appreciated! In addition to a beautiful piece that I'm proud to show off, this also covered up an old, postage-stamp-sized tattoo. You can't even tell it was ever there!

My daughter and I got memorial tattoos with Tina to honor my husband, who recently passed away. The…read moreexperience was truly beautiful and unforgettable. The studio has a peaceful, positive, and welcoming atmosphere. Tina is an incredible person, both inside and out. She and her sweet dog, Monkey, showed such empathy and understood my pain. I am beyond grateful for the stunning tattoo and the heartfelt experience

Just got tattooed by Milan at tattoo paradise and he and the entire staff were a joy. 10/10…read morerecommendation and they're so pleasant and recommend good work. I loved my piece!

I don't recommend this place at all. If you are a parent and want to take your teen to get piercing…read moredone, this place will give you a hard time to do that. They want ID parent (I get that), they want birth certificate (I get that) but now they want a passport or drivers permit. My child doesn't drive. You would think with my ID, my child birth certificate and her school ID would do. They said that their insurance asks for this but as I search on Maryland laws doesn't say anything about this. This is their "business law" which is fine but parents don't take your children here because they won't help you.

My nose stud fell out and I couldn't get it back in without the needle guide. Jenna saw me right…read moreaway and put it back in. Super quick, nice, professional. And there was no charge. Highly recommend supporting this place. Demetrias at the front desk was also very helpful.

I'm not one to write reviews, but I attended this business a few days ago (12/29/24 around 11am)…read moreand still cannot shake how unprofessional my experience was. I came in with a simple request, I lost the back of my nostril piercing and needed a replacement. I even called ahead with what my problem was and they said they could help me. To start, they didn't ask for my ID once, and I am a 20 y/o 5ft woman, I look pretty young and am agreeable and shy. They told me that it probably wasn't a good idea to do the stud, because they weren't sure if my top would fit into their backings (threadless nostril jewelry is pretty standard but okay) and that they don't sell the backs separately (fair enough... I believed that they were trying to save me money). So they offered a hoop. I've been interested in a hoop for awhile so I hesitantly agreed and asked for the smallest option. It looked pretty big in my hand, so I asked again if they were sure the stud would be a bad idea (they said yes) and if they have a smaller hoop. I was brought into the back room where I said again the hoop seems too big for what I'm wanting, but the piercer just wanted to get it done. No offer to hold up a mirror to test the jewelry, which should be the bare minimum. After an aggressive insertion, I look in the mirror and burst into tears. It was too big and bleeding and hurt so bad. So then magically, they offered to sell a cheap stud to me (which is all I was wanting in the first place). She takes out the hoop, and tries to shove in the back of the stud without properly threading it (it obviously didn't work with more blood and pain), until she tried again with the threading. Of course, my gem fit perfectly in the backing. And of course, I still had to pay for both the hoop, stud, and their time. They just wanted to make a sale on the $30 dollar hoop instead of the $15 stud. Even grosser is beforehand they said that doing the hoop would be "saving me money" since they don't sell the backings of studs separately from the gem or ball (even though come to find it was half of what the hoop was). I originally felt that it was my fault my experience was so traumatic, but it is the professional's responsibility to make their customer comfortable and confident in their decision, especially when they are clearly nervous/hesitant/asking for other options repeatedly. And when you are in a line of work working with people's bodies. In conclusion, it was rushed, unnecessarily painful, unprofessional, expensive, and most of all deceptive. I feel violated. And to top it all off, they threw the 14k gold earring I had in my nose as a placeholder when I arrived in the garbage (she fished it out of there for me, but come on). Do better.