Emerald Buddha Tattoo — Attraction in Galena

My daughter and I wanted to get matching piercings to commemorate her high school graduation and turning 18 (yes, it's more common to get matching tattoos....and I'm allergic to tattoo ink). We had heard good things about EB's sister shop, Ye Olde Tattoo Shop in Platteville, and when I called them, we were instead referred to Emerald Buddha. They just happened to be hosting a walk-in event 4 days later, so we made a plan. As soon as my daughter was done with track practice, we headed south. Unfortunately, the piercing walk-ins had been insane already during the day, so supplies were low. The staff and especially the owner were very apologetic and helpful in assisting us to figure out our alternatives, and we were successfully pierced.

Moon was very friendly, willing to answer all questions (and I'm pretty chatty), and very professional. She took pains to ensure that every item/liquid used was not on my very long list of allergies, and she explained the process more than once, including as she was doing her work.

I will definitely return to Emerald Buddha if I choose to get pierced again and...

As a client: I've been tattooed by the owner Ben and Lexxx multiple times - both have done FANTASTIC jobs of bringing my ideas to life and expertly applying the designs to my skin. The atmosphere in the shop is jovial, open, and extremely accepting. I've always felt comfortable and at ease being tattooed in this studio.

As a tattooist: I have also done a guest-spot as a travelling tattooist at this studio: it is IMPECABBLY clean and well provisioned. Everything I could need to do my job was provided by the the shop. Vibes in the studio are always on point - a very copacetic environment for getting and giving tattoos.

The studio is VERY stringent about cleanliness, cross contamination and aseptic procedures. Client and artist safety are evidently high priority.

10/10 I cannot recommend the Emerald Buddha Tattoo...

I have been going to Emerald Buddha for a couple of years now, I have been tattooed by Elf, Kei, Ben and Rach and I have zero complaints! All of the artist there are such welcoming, professional, fun, and accepting people. The studio itself is super clean and inviting.

The artists all have their own unique talents and specialties and you can’t go wrong with going to them.

I do have a bias towards Elf as she has done all of my larger pieces and her artwork is incredible!! But, I have seen work from all of the artist there that blow me away!

All in all, I cannot recommend this place enough! Only good...