Brightside: Women-Owned Tattoo Shop

SALISBURY, Md. – Women-owned, LGBTQIA+ friendly, and safe place; a local tattoo shop in Salisbury is creating a more welcoming environment
when it comes to tattoo culture.

If you can’t find what you need, become what you need; that’s the philosophy Peach, owner of Cry Baby Tattoo took when it came to opening up the only women-owned tattoo shop in the area. “I always thought to myself, I’d love to have my own tattoo shop, but I never thought I could. There’s no other women’s tattoo shop you can go to around here,” says Peach.

Butterflies, baby dolls, unicorns, glitter, and plenty of pink, Cry Baby Tattoo shop doesn’t necessarily follow the usual tattoo culture. “It’s very intimidating to go into a tattoo shop, so I figured that if I paint it pink and I put all the cute girly stuff that I would want to see in a tattoo shop, it would make other people feel comfortable to come in here.”

Peach tells us, that this one-stop shop is a growing business that goes beyond just offering tattoos. Piercing, lashes, permanent makeup, and all in a welcoming environment. While sometimes seeing dozens of customers a day, Peach says they’re changing hearts and minds, one tattoo at a time. “It’s creating that comfortable environment for your client is better than anything you could ask for because they’re trusting you with something permanent.” She adds, “I’m doing something new, I’m doing something that isn’t happening in other shops, I’m forming those lines.”

Peach has been a tattoo artist for several years and says getting into the industry was no easy feat. However, as an artist, she knew she could express herself the way she wanted to, and that she could create a platform in what she calls a cutthroat industry. “You have to be tougher than a two-dollar steak to make it in this industry,” says Peach. “It’s not just the fast-paced-ness that causes the stress, it’s when you start tattooing on top of it.”

Working in this environment has made Peach resilient, so when it came time to open the shop, she knew how much of a difference it could make when it came to stigmas surrounding tattoo shops. “I don’t ever want my tattoo or my shop to create any negative experience.” Peach adds, “I hear often that a lot of people seek us out because women are very light-handed, pay attention to detail, and we’re very nurturing at the same time.”

Peach says her shop sets a new standard by treating each customer like they’re a close friend, and on rare occasions, that love needs to be a little tough. “As far as I stand for morals and tattooing, if you come in here and ask for a face tattoo and you don’t have any other tattoos and you’re 19, 20 years old, I’m not going to do it.” She adds, “I care about people’s well-being, and if that’s not tattooing someone, so be it; You’ll thank me in the end.”

Along with creating this positive, light-hearted environment, Peach takes pride in being a business that openly supports and invites the LGBTQIA+ community; Further reiterating her passion to be a welcoming, kind, and community-orientated business.

“I don’t think I’m a superhero whatsoever, but I would love to use my voice to change the world, to help people.” Peach goes on to say, “Working with the community is the best way to become successful.”

Beyond tattooing, Peach hopes to partner with businesses in the area to host events and connect with more resources. She says she owes part of her success to organizations like the Small Business Alliance for helping to provide much-needed resources to get her shop up and running.

To learn more about Cry baby tattoos you can find them on Instagram or their website. Or as Peach says, stop by and just say hi, she’s located at 223 East Main Street in Salisbury.