Curiosity Shop — Local services in Pittsburgh

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...

I love Hannah so much. I didn’t even get a tattoo here, I just came along for moral support and for a fun trip from Chicago to Pittsburgh. First off, when I found out we were coming to THE HANNAH AITCHISON’S shop, I lost my marbles. I remember watching her on LA Ink and she was my favorite!

Anyways, wow she is so sweet and kind and beautiful. She has this aura about her that just makes you so happy and so relaxed. It’s so rare I meet someone like her - who just gives off this warm, loving, kind energy. It was a 6hour session but I still loved being in there and just observing and just receiving that positive and loving vibe from her. Her shop is so cool - even has a vintage store when you first walk in with a lot of cool stuff. I met her husband and her assistant who both were so nice and wonderful and kind. I can’t speak highly enough about Hannah - she is just a pure joy. She’s so talented - truly gifted - and the tattoo she did came out so beautiful. I can’t wait to come back and hang out and one day get a...

I don’t even know that there are enough positive words in the universe to describe my experience at Curiosity Shop. My first contact was with Vivian via email and it set the tone for the whole experience. She responded quickly and the emails seemed genuine and not just scripted and straight business. The safety protocols at the shop were numerous and felt very effective without feeling “extreme” or uncomfortable. The shop itself is just cool there is no other explanation needed and the entire building has a great history and look. I feel so privileged to live in Pittsburgh and not have to travel to visit the shop...but if necessary I absolutely would. Hannah is literally one of the most captivating and interesting people I have had the pleasure of meeting. She is incredibly talented and intelligent while still being really down to earth and just a pleasure to chat with. I hope I have the privilege to continue getting tattooed at...