About Shirley
Founder | The Tannie
There comes an age when you simply have to embrace everything that makes you who you are.
Tattoo Tannies was born from my love of tattoos, piercings, people and entrepreneurship — with a healthy dose of whimsy thrown in for good measure.
We started life as a mobile studio, operating out of an old caravan that we lovingly rigged and transformed into a fully functioning tattoo and piercing space. What began as an idea quickly grew a following of its own and, thanks to the incredible support of our clients, I decided it was time to give Tattoo Tannies wings — and a permanent home.
And so, our bricks-and-mortar studio was born.
My background in this industry started very much from the customer’s side of the chair. Because of that, I have always tried to build Tattoo Tannies around one simple question:
“How would I want to be treated if I were the client walking through the door?”
For me, tattoos and piercings are incredibly personal experiences. Whether someone is getting their very first tiny tattoo, marking a major chapter in their life, adding another piece to an ever-growing collection, or simply doing something because it makes them happy — they deserve to feel welcome, comfortable, respected and heard.
I am an entrepreneur and a businesswoman, but I also have a wonderfully whimsical side. I love creating things, building businesses, bringing people together and turning slightly crazy ideas into something real.
Tattoo Tannies is a reflection of all of that.
Professional, a little unconventional, full of personality and built with genuine love for the people who walk through our doors.
Because growing older doesn’t mean becoming less of yourself.
Sometimes it simply means finally having the confidence to become more of who you always were.
