Emails of pictures, pins from Pinterest, fired back and forth for days. Some were too large, or simply too outrageous. We tentatively settled on a simple infinity symbol with the word “sister” in it; however it just wasn’t us yet. We wanted something different but something that represented each of us. We wanted something special. So we put our creative minds together and came up with the prefect design! Instead of the English word “sister” we chose to have the Welsh word “chwaer” which means sister as part of the design. It was a way to honor our Welsh heritage from both maternal sides of the family. Each sister would choose a symbol that meant something to them or just something she liked to be included, because we didn’t really want matching tattoos. We also decided the tattoo had to have elements of 3 since there are 3 of us. One sister picked 3 blue birds, one picked a sea turtle with 3 different colors on its back, and I picked 3 flowers each a different color. With our design in mind it was time to decide where to get this done!
We decided Stay True Tattoo was the best fit for us. In our deciding phase, Stay True replied to our emails, answered our questions and was willing to help in any way they could. That was a big determining factor for us. They even chatted with us on Facebook! We descended on the place like a small circus hitting town. We instantly felt a connection with all the staff at Stay True. They listened to our ideas, gave us great feedback and explained the process to us. The artist Brody Debates drew up our ideas and presented them to us. It was exactly what we wanted!
Stay True is located on Hwy 65 in Sedalia, Missouri. The shop is comfortable, bright, and most importantly, clean! The artists and staff are friendly and proud of the art they put out. We had a blast chatting with them. The equipment was sterile; the artist wore gloves, which they changed several times throughout the process. I think on my session, Holly Gressley used 3 or 4 pair of gloves. Brody tattooed my sisters and Holly did mine.
Holly has been tattooing about a year and while she did mine, we chatted to keep my mind off the pain. Yes, it hurts! She told me she always knew she wanted to be an artist and considered studio art for a while. But after getting a few tattoos herself, she soon found her niche in the art world. I was able to see some of her art work which was hanging on the wall. The girl has talent! Unfortunately, I didn’t get the opportunity to hear Brody’s story about how he got started in tattoos. However, our tattoos (which he drew) are testament to his talent as well. Kyla Mehrens, who was working the front desk, was friendly, informative and (as it turns out) went to school with my daughter. Small world, eh?
We snapped pictures, and went from room to room to watch each other get our tattoos, laughing at the ones who grimaced and made faces. Yes, that would be me. We had a blast that day and we have a permanent memento to remember it by. Getting a “sister” tattoo with my sisters had a special meaning for me, as well as my sisters, and Stay True understood that. Stay True has a relaxed atmosphere and we were able to be ourselves. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and are happy to wear Holly’s and Brody’s art.
If you go:
Stay True Tattoo
1030 S. Limit
Sedalia, MO 65301
660/826-4646