Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridget Shoup.
Hi Bridget , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I always knew someday I’d be a Tattoo Artist!
I’ve always been creative & loved tattoos. When I was in high school … I remember applying a temporary tattoo of a skeleton pirate & I used to draw spiderwebs on my hand. I knew someday I’d get tattooed.
As time went on, my Husband Jared was ready for a career change. I asked him…. If you could do anything in the world, what would it be!? He said, “tattoos!”
So we started on the path of this new career. Him learning to tattoo & me being supportive, as well as his guinea pig, allowing him to test out his tattooing skills on me.
At one point, he said to me…. “You know, you’d be really good at this.”
In 2003, I started drawing again. I got to the point of tattooing, and I did my 1st tattoo on Jared. At the time, we had a young Daughter. I wanted to be there for her… and felt like tattooing would take too much of my attention away. I ended up putting that idea to rest for the time being.
Fast forward, my Husband is still tattooing to this day and loves it. After we moved to Arizona, he wasn’t loving the energy of the shop he was at.
We knew, we could create a shop & space to share with everyone that would truly be a comfortable, safe place where everyone would feel welcomed.
We took that leap and on June 6th, 2024 we opened our tattoo shop “Unity Tattoo” in Mesa, AZ.
Our tattoo shop offers Tattoos, Piercings & Permanent Jewelry.
We have had such an amazing supportive group of clients & friends who continue to come to Unity Tattoo. Jared’s clients from California still continue to come out to get work done. But also, our Arizona clients & beyond who remain loyal and followed Jared when we opened our shop! We appreciate each of you.
After we got things going, Jared said to me… “hey… you should get back to tattooing!” And I couldn’t agree with him more!
I started my apprenticeship under him in 2024. He has taught me so much & I appreciate him for not only being my biggest cheerleader, but allowing me to tattoo him!
So many of our amazing clients did the same. Thank you to all of you.
Now I’m a Jr. Tattoo Artist taking clients.
It was has been so much fun!
I am excited to continue to learn more styles of tattooing and continue to grow in the industry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For me, I’m the kind of person who if I put my mind to it…. I can do it. So i wouldn’t call things a struggle or obstacles … however,
tattooing has had its challenges!! Jared makes it look super easy. After all, he’s been doing it for over 24 years now.
It takes lots of practice, determination, positivity & effort. I draw every single day & exercise to keep strong. Tattooing isn’t just creating art, you truly put your whole mind, body & soul into it. Our bodies do go through “growing pains” in the process of making your tattoo look amazing. Is it worth it…. Absolutely!!
One thing I continue to work on is finding balance in my life, as I am running a few different businesses at the same time as tattooing.
Before my tattooing career, I was doing monthly sound sessions with my holistic healing practice “BMoonStruck”. I ended up needing to cut back to offering seasonal sessions instead.
Also, from time to time I do Weddings… as I am a non-denomination Minister…. Where I specialize in Handfastings & Crystal Rituals. I love when people reach out to me to officiate their weddings. I’ve even been blessed to have done a few weddings for our clients, which was extra special.
Each service I do is so unique & different, it’s hard to let them go completely. But right now, I feel pretty good where I’m at with them all.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Tattoo Artist , Permanent Jewelry Artist, and Owner of Unity Tattoo in Mesa, AZ.
Right now I enjoy tattooing styles such as… traditional, illustrative & fine line.
I’m excited to grow and learn new styles as I continue onward in my tattoo journey.
What sets me apart from other artist, is I truly care about each client in my chair. I try to make each person feel welcome & comfortable. I enjoy learning about each client & talk during the tattoo process. By the end, I feel like I’ve made some really neat friends.
I welcome anyone who has been thinking about getting a tattoo or permanent jewelry to come on down & meet me! I offer free consultations.
If it’s been on your mind, this is your sign!
I would love to make your tattoo dreams come true & you know what, you deserve it!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always into entertaining and being creative. Even when I was a wee-one, I would make up skits that my siblings & I would perform for our parents.
As I got older, I enjoyed dancing & singing and still do today.
I also had some years where I did modeling & acting under my stage name, “Inkerbella.” Even then my name reflected the tattoo lifestyle.
I really like marketing for myself & our business. It’s fun coming up with content to share with everyone.
When I’m not tattooing, I enjoy painting and crafting things up, and playing my Ukulele.
My absolute favorite thing I love to do on my off time is spend it with my family Jared, Kelsey & Nick. I enjoy adventures of off-roading & mining for Crystals, just to name a few. I also love spending time with our fur babies.
I want to thank Jared for all his support, advice & continued teaching me this amazing skill. Also to Kelsey & Nick…thanks for always being there & helping us with pictures for the shop & being supportive. Love you guys & couldn’t do it without you!
Thank you to eveyone who has trusted me & allowed me to tattoo them! It truly has been a dream come true & I appreciate all of you so much. I’m also grateful to all the people who continue to come back to me for more appointments.
I welcome to opportunity to meet new people & help you achieve your tattoo & permanent jewelry dreams.
Feel free to text me at (909) 851-4305
Or email at UnityTattooAZ@gmail.com
I look forward to meeting & working with you soon!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.UnityTattooAZ.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tattoobridget
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/Bridget.M.Shoup
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@unitytattooaz?si=ZbeZqTwXVq2uuaxA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tattoobridget?_r=1&_t=ZT-969Rn2ecB0H
