A city tattoo shop which specialises in tattoo cover-ups has moved to a new NR3 home to ensure its service is accessible to all.
Poppy Loxam began tattooing in 2013 and in recent years has become known as the city’s secret tattooist, opening up a studio where clients only got the address days before their appointment in a bid to maintain a safe space.
The 28-year-old's studio grew in popularity so she quickly outgrew the space and wanted to focus on accessibility.
Poppy said: “We wanted to change the location because we needed a shop that was more accessible to clients with minimal or no stairs so that all body types could visit.”
Poppy also said that following a break-in at her former shop in Upper King Street in August she felt so violated in the space that they had no choice but to leave.
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Now set up in her new Magdalen Street shop, Poppy continued: “The new location is a great fresh start for us, as we can make our clients feel even more comfortable and be closer to other businesses we value such as Venus Vinyl, Street Cafe and Bread Source to name a few.”
Poppy’s specialism adds a unique and empowering touch to the business.
She explained: “I specialise in self-harm scarring cover-up work – a large percentage of my clients visit me for this work.”
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Poppy thinks she has a large client base for this because they know they will enter their appointment completely judgment-free.
She added: “I just want to see them smile in the mirror afterwards, knowing the chapter of difficulty is closed.
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“Whether they want to talk about their struggles or not - I’m here to support them and listen.
“The tattoo really can help complete a chapter for many people.”
As well as this, Poppy is looking to the future and hopes to use her studio for art evenings and mental wellbeing events.
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