Tattoo studio owner worked his way to top
Ex-saturday boy takes over shop
A TATTOO and piercing studio that’s inked Geordie Shore stars and Newcastle United footballers has been taken over by its former Saturday boy.
Jon Moss is the new owner of Pins and Needles Tattoo Studio on Grainger Street in Newcastle city centre after spending 15 years working his way up from a weekend desk role to studio manager – a role he’s held for the past decade.
Founded in 2008 by James Norrey, the business is said to be one of the city’s last remaining ‘walkin’ studios.
The 47-year-old former owner is handing over the reins to Jon as he looks to spend more time with his family in Scarborough, however, he will still be a regular face at the studio.
Jon, 38, said: “It is a massive movement for me. It is life-changing. I have so many plans. I want to expand the team and bring in guest artists from around the world. But the main thing is that I want everyone who works for me to be happy. We pride ourselves on being a high street tattoo studio that is welcoming and friendly.
“I don’t think there are many studios you could go in and there would be a pub quiz on the radio!
“I just want to make it even more open and friendly for anyone who wants to come in and get their first tattoo or those coming back in again.”
Pins and Needles, which currently has seven tattoo artists, has a number of regular clients, some of whom have visited the studio for the last 10 years.
“Over the years we’ve done piercings and tattoos on Geordie Shore stars as well as Newcastle and Middlesborough players,” Jon said.
“At the moment people seem to want really fine line and minimalist tattoos. Nose and helix piercings are also popular.”
Jon, who specialises in piercings and laser removal, said: “Every day I have people messaging me asking for apprenticeships.
“It is a good industry to work in but a hard one to get into. It is not like a regular job, a lot of people get into it by becoming friendly with the studio they get tattooed at. I’m pushing each of our artists to build their own clothing range and merchandise to help them.”