A new tattoo studio has been opened in Inverness city center by 22-year-old Nicole McPhee.
Her studio, Saorsa, is based in Tomnahurich Street inside TM Barbers, and she is happy to have her tiny ‘home from home finally.’
Nicole spoke at her studio and explained what led her to open her own business.
She said: “I’ve been doing tattooing for two years now, and I always wanted to have my wee place to make it more comfortable and to be able to have my schedule.
“It’s like my little home from and home, and everything just came together so well.”
Nicole started at InkHut in Culloden, then went to Silver Linings before she decided to go solo and launch Saorsa. However, she made a wee detour on her way to becoming a tattooist, even though it has been her dream since childhood.
She said: “I’ve wanted to be a tattoo artist since I was 10, and my parents thought it was just a phase!
“I went to study at UHI and did textiles for three years, but I still really wanted to do tattooing. So I pursued it and thought, ‘Yup, this is the job for me!’
For Cromarty-born Nicole, the tattoo studio is all about people expressing themselves freely, and that is why Saorsa was chosen as the name, as it is Gaelic for freedom.
Her particular tattoo style is fine-line, illustrative, and color, and she has already had the chance to meet many new customers at the shop.
“It’s going well so far, and there’s been lots of new people coming in, which is nice,” she said.
“My clients have also been amazing and sharing the new studio on social media.”
Nicole concluded: “I couldn’t have done this without my family, the other studios I worked in before, and Tracy at TM Barbers for having me here!”
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