Curiosity Shop

Google asks, when leaving a review, "what do you like about this business?". There really needs to be an EVERYTHING option. A little history here - my dad passed away almost a year ago. At the time, I had been mulling over ideas for a new tattoo. As I was leaving the hospital that morning, it hit me. I'd get a pin up girl tat in memory of my dad (he had an old pin up style girl he got while serving in the Navy and used to make her "dance") The ideas were coming fast & furious and I immediately started researching tattoo artists who specialized in pin up girls. I knew of Hannah from her time on LA Ink and I admired her work so imagine how thrilled I was to discover she was now located in Pittsburgh, a mere six hours from my home.

From my first contact with her shop, I had an amazing, excited, yet calm, feeling come over me. Her assistant was awesome to work with. I shared my ideas and photos of what I hoped to incorporate into my tattoo (a Navy themed pin up girl) and, well, let me just say it's like Hannah reached into my brain and picked out EXACTLY what I envisioned.

I had my first appointment just before COVID shut the world down. It was a little surreal being in a strange city that was, for all intents and purposes, a ghost town, and getting a tattoo. It was just Hannah and I in the shop and although my first sitting lasted 6+ hours, it sped by in the blink of an eye. From the moment I arrived at the shop and got the grand tour, I felt welcomed. And not "just another client" welcomed, either, but a heart-felt welcoming feeling. Hannah shared her drawing of my tattoo and BAM! I got a little verklempt. It was everything I had in mind and then some and I couldn't wait to get started. I feel Hannah shared my excitement over her drawing and she is amazing to work with. When I've gotten tattoos in the past, I usually chat a little and then zone out with a book. That didn't happen with Hannah. We talked practically through the entire sitting. About anything and everything. It was a though we were long-lost friends catching up. She made me feel unbelievably comfortable and, well, special (if that makes sense). Hannah has an indescribable presence about her that just makes you relax and feel at home as she's embedding ink into your dermis with teeny little needles. :) I felt comfortable asking questions as I watched her work and her hands & eyes are amazing. (ok, I'm NOT artistic in ANY way and am continually blown away by those who possess such an innate talent as to make art look simple)

I had to wait SEVEN LONG MONTHS, while the world stood still, before I could return to finish my tattoo. When I arrived at the shop, Hannah reviewed all of the new COVID protocols and it was comforting to see her shop taking the virus and everyone's safety & health seriously. (please, don't respond to my post with a bunch of virus bs) It was great to see Hannah and again, I felt welcome and comfortable in the shop. It was great having a little area to be able to "unmask" to eat & drink, and I even got to meet Shannon, who is super nice and supremely talented in her own right! I just returned home from another 6 hour (roughly) sitting and I've gotta say, my tattoo exceeds my wildest expectations! And yeah, I got a little verklempt again seeing the finished project. It's a wonderful memorial for my dad and Hannah just blew it away. I mean out of this WORLD blown away. My husband can't stop talking about the piece and will be going with me in a few weeks to meet Hannah and have a consult. He can't wait. Nor can I! Especially to see what ideas she comes up with for his piece (and also talk about further embellishing mine - she's got a LOT of fabulous ideas for both!)

All in all, if you want a GREAT (I just think the word "great" isn't good enough but y'all get my drift) tattoo coupled with spending time with a truly amazing person, take the trip to Pittsburgh to see Hannah. You won't be disappointed.

Thank you, Hannah, from the bottom of my heart.

I've had nothing but good experiences at Curiosity shop tattoo! Jessi is a wonderful artist and great to work with. The studio space is a few blocks off of Butler St so it's nice and private, and it has a cool little oddities shop up front where you can browse a selection of vintage clothes and antique knicknacks.

Exceptional experience with Hannah, every time ♥️ ! Been going to her since the Chicago days; both biceps unfinished due to my procrastination, I’ve finally decided to take the Pittsburgh journey, and I certainly do NOT regret it ;D She rocked out a solid 6 hour session for me on my left arm - sleeves should be done by next visit ;) So much was done this time, and so much to still to do, but I will certainly and most definitely be returning to finish up and finally be done! While you’re here, make sure you buy a vintage item from the shop - it’s practically the only shop in Pittsburgh where you can get these exclusives ;)

I had the privilege of meeting and learning from Scott years ago. I have to say that not only was he the reason I got into tattooing but he was also a big part in my decision to leave the field. Watching him not only work in the industry but also contribute to the industry made me realize that I had nothing to offer the field. I realized that there was more to tattooing then just putting out art, even art I was very proud of. Scott is not only extremely talented but he seems to have a vision for the industry that lifts it to new heights. I highly recommend being tattooed by him. I assure you it would be an amazing experience you will never forget. I speak from experience.

I had a tattoo done by Jessi and she absolutely nailed it! It turned out better than I could have imagined. If you're looking for a black work tattoo in the Pittsburgh area, book her as soon as possible because talent like hers is hard to find.

Such a weird method to get into the store, but well worth it. I didn't get a tattoo, but perused the oddities. They have a ton of cool stuff for a good price and they are truly some of the nicest people.

I can’t say enough about Hannah and Scott. It was a phenomenal experience and I would be hard pressed to recommend anywhere else over this shop. I had the best time spending the day there and am over the moon happy with the complete experience. You can’t go wrong for expertise and atmosphere.

Wuz ok xcept da hipster behind da counter wuz esp pretentiocious

Both the resident artists and the guest do amazing work, and their collection of oddities for sale is fascinating. Any time I'm in the neighborhood I make sure to stop by and see what's going on at Curiosity Shop, it's always a great time!

Always a great experience visiting The Curiosity Shop. Hannah & Scott are a couple of the nicest and most professional tattooers you"ll ever come across.