The Green House Collective - Pittsburg

Taylor (the owner) did my first tattoo on the back of my shoulder and it's healed great, but that was just tracing some stars my friends drew. This is on my thigh. The rotary phone was a flash she had posted on her story and said she wanted to do, so I set up an appointment and asked her to add lyrics around it. This is how it's healed a few years later. I'm currently trying to find someone to laser it because every artist I've talked to said because it's so deep and raised it'll show through any coverup. Just keep this in mind. That being said, my best friend got a tattoo from someone else at the shop and it's amazing and has held up great! Sucks that mine hasn't and it wasn't well done in the first place. Oh, and I was scheduled to do another tattoo after this and was cancelled on twice! The second time I had used PTO to leave work early and was on the way to the studio and texted to let her know when she messaged back saying she was sick and wouldn't be able to. That would've been fine, but she had been posting on instagram all day and didn't message me until I did an hour before the appointment. I'm not sure if she just didn't like me or is always that unprofessional, or if she knew how poorly this piece was executed. I should note she posted a video of it on her page and took it down less than a week later. I hate that I have something she's obviously embarrassed of on my body.

First image is a tattoo coverup done by Kelly. Second image is the tattoo she was covering up, the third is for reference showcasing how my body heals and retains color-- a 7 year old tattoo. The tattoo at my sternum is a poke tattoo done by Zea (who is wonderful!!). I got this done in April. I tried moving on with my life, but I can't help but feel like I need to do SOMETHING to get this feeling out of my body. I hope this does help someone make strong and informed decisions regarding their body, because more than anything I feel I did not honor mine through this process. There is a lesson to be learned in every situation. I wanted to cover up my moon tattoo and replace it with a moon representing more realism. So still a moon. We talked about adding ornamentals as well. I sent her an image of how I wanted the moon to look as well as the flower I wanted for ornamentals, a Nerium oleander. We had discussed that I was leaving Hawaii for good, therefore returning for any touch up or fixes was not possible. I was also leaving a few days after the session. When I arrived, she had mock ups for me, none of which represented what I had asked for nor the images I had sent her. There were some with a lineup of moon faces across the chest and one full moon at the center; no mock up with the Nerium. I remained open and I truly truly trusted her because I loved her art and felt she would be able to capture my essence and what I wanted. With that said, she ended up showing me what she thought would be a good cover up because the moon would be difficult to cover up with anything else. I was also told the moon I wanted "would just look like a blob and it would not look as good as I thought it would". It was apparent to me that she had not even looked at what I had asked for for MY BODY. Although the abstract violet was not at all what I had requested, nor were the ornamentals (under collarbones), I fully trusted her vision and expertise. I DID think the mock up and the outline on my skin looked beautiful and elegant. I was optimistic. We had originally agreed that the ornamentals would be $300 and the coverup another $300, which I agreed to. Once I arrived and we discussed and agreed upon what she had planned for me, she threw in another $400 on the spot. She boldly said, "that will be $1000". I did not question her at any point. After 5 hours on the table hearing about how "some people are picky and some peoples skin does not retain color or heal properly", she said "I have good news and I have bad news..." She was done, but the tattoo was not executed the way we thought it would be. She offered a "free" touch up when she was in my area and later asked me to come in a few days later, but at that point I did not want to touch it. I wanted to see it healed and I also just felt defeated and I no longer wanted to be touched!! It is important to say that I am not mad that she could not execute... we are ALL on a journey to mastery. I can forgive that. What has been upsetting me for months is the way in which things were handled and the amount I ended up paying for something that does not resemble its price. A few weeks later I had politely asked for the return of just the additional costs she added on with no reason given. I was met with pushback, more excuses, and a request for more images to further discuss something that required no discussion. At that point I wanted nothing more than a solution. As a service provider who works with bodies and understands the concept of power deferential, I cannot imagine why anyone would say no to such a simple request to ameliorate a situation in which both parties were wrong. Every situation is unique and perhaps this was more of a matter of compatibility. In conclusion, I was in the wrong for trusting so blindly and taking my risks with my body. DONT BE AFRAID TO WALK OUT OF AN APPOINTMENT IF IT DOES NOT FEEL RIGHT.; if you don't feel heard or respected. Loose the deposit. It isn't worth what may follow. It's YOUR temple.

kelly is amazing!!! it was super important to me to find a female tattoo artist that does great fine line work to give me my first tattoo. i couldn't be happier with my tattoo and this studio. super cute, women owned, and the vibes were everything! i was so nervous but kelly made sure i was comfortable with everything. i don't live on the island but when i come back i definitely plan to come in to see her again

Taylor’s space is the safest and most fulfilling place I’ve been tattooed. She exudes an exceptional energy that makes me comfortable expressing my hesitancies and concerns, and asking for 8 million stencil replacements if I want. I feel honored and valued by her, and her art and creative drive take precedence over any sort of business mindset. For any person at any stage of their tattooing journey, I would wholeheartedly recommend Taylor. You will leave your appointment feeling personally and creatively fulfilled and know that you are carrying a piece that was intentionally and meaningfully created by a true and dedicated artist.

Justine is the sweetest coolest person and her tattoo designs are fabulous! All around great experience and vibes. I recommend her to all of my friends and even strangers who stop to compliment me on my tattoos. Beware of getting addicted though! every time I leave I just find myself wanting to get another piece done by her :)