I've held off on writing this because I genuinely want to support small businesses. I get how hard…read moreit is--I'm a mom, a nurse, and an entrepreneur too. But after more than two years of trying to get my tattoo finished and five months of active follow-ups, I need to speak up.
In April, I booked an appointment with [artist name] for my birthday. She canceled two hours before because she was sick, which I totally understood. Life happens. She even promised extra time and said she'd "make it right." That felt fair. But then... silence. For weeks.
When I tried to reschedule, she offered me a date after I'd already told her I wouldn't have childcare. I had to rearrange my whole life to secure a sitter for May 23--and then she canceled again. This happened three times, all cancellations on her side.
After months of being ignored--texts, Facebook, even TikTok DMs--I reached out to another artist at the same shop just to be heard. Suddenly, I got a response. We finally got a new appointment for September 6.
Then came more red flags:
* She asked for a deposit I had already paid--twice.
* I sent screenshots to prove it. She still didn't update it until the week before.
* I asked multiple times how much to bring. She didn't answer until less than 24 hours before the appointment, and now said $200 without counting the deposit or the promised extra time.
The night before, while I was hosting my daughter's first birthday, she messaged to move my appointment. I didn't see it. The next morning at 9:51 AM, she said she couldn't be there at 11, my confirmed time. I was already on the road and had childcare secured.
When I arrived in town and realized she wasn't even there, I told her how frustrated I was. She said I was canceling. No ma'am--I was on time. She wasn't. I ended up turning around and going home, out hundreds in childcare, gas, and cash I had pulled just in case.
And when I asked for my deposit back? She sent me $25--less than half of the $55 I originally paid.
Why I'm Sharing This
This is not just about a tattoo. This is about boundaries, professionalism, and respect for people's time, money, and mental energy.
Small business or not, if you can't handle your books, honor your word, or communicate with clients, it's not the client's fault.
To anyone thinking of booking here--please be aware. I genuinely hope she grows and improves her process, but this ain't it.
(I originally posted this as a review on FB but it was deleted and then I was blocked. Multiple people reached out to me within the hour though with the same conversation. They ended it with "I thought it was just me.)
