Royal Ink Tattoos

I met Hillary through my sister and after months of following her on instagram decided she was definetly the artist I wanted to do my bigger pieces. I went in for a quick consultation on my lunch, I brought in a few ideas and both of us were pretty excited for the actual process to begin. The shop is very comfortable and the style is on point to Hillary and who she is. I like that it’s just her and for the most part she is only in when she has appointments set up for work or consultations.
My first session was on Saturday and we got started on my back work. You can choose to listen to the pandora station of your choice and just relax while the work is getting done. It was an absolutely wonderful experience and though it’s just the outline so far, I know that the finished work is going to be beyond gorgeous. I am 100% looking forward to all the work I will be getting done from Hillary. I don’t see myself going anywhere else. This is straight up a local female owned business with all the heart and soul you could ever need. Not sure I could ever go to a random shop again like I have in the past.
HILLA FOREVER! XO

Here’s an overview of my tattoo journey with Royal Ink Tattoos:
Consultation Day: I had the best experience meeting with Hillary for the first time. Her studio is in a little office building, so it’s not your typical tattoo parlor, but it was extremely inviting and super comfortable. I like the idea that when I go in for my first session, she will be concentrating on me and not on any commotion going on in a tattoo parlor. She’s a total sweetie, very easy to talk to, a really good listener, and her portfolio was excellent. She totally made me feel comfortable and answered all of my questions. We discussed my ideas for my tattoo and she had great suggestions for me. I left there totally excited for my first session. I can’t wait to see her ideas for me!
The Design: Hilla texted me a sketch of my tattoo and after a few back and forth suggestions she came up with the perfect design! It was exactly what I had imagined and couldn’t wait to get started.
Session 1: We made a few last minute changes to the design, turned on some music and got started. She was as gentle as can be with a needle. Of course it hurt, but she was very sensitive to me and took breaks here and there when I needed them. When I left there the outline was completed and absolutely gorgeous! We made the next appointment for color for about 7 days later to give it time to heal. I followed Hilla’s instructions for cleaning and healing and everything happened exactly as she said it would (normal peeling, etc.). By day 5 it was pretty much completely healed and ready for Session 2.
Session 2: Pretty much the same as session 1. Another great experience and I left extremely happy with the piece!
Couple of more notes:
* Hilla’s husband/​partner Chris sets the scheduling and is extremely easy to work with. (Bonus: he was there at my sessions and totally helped keep me distracted from the pain with fun conversation)
* The studio and tools are very clean and she takes extra care to be sanitary.
* This was a cover-​up of an old tattoo and you would never know it by looking at it. She did a fantastic job covering it up.
* Not gonna lie, this was my first tattoo in over 20 years and it hurt like a SOB. I probably won’t be getting more done, however, if I DID… Princess Hilla would be my artist for sure!!!

Hillary is the only person I’ll let ink my body from now on!!! She’s the absolute best!!!

After wonderful word-​of-​mouth recommendations for Hillary Santagata, I took my leap and had her give me my first tattoo. Six hours later of paint I received a stunning and beautiful tattoo of her own design. Her script work is perfection and her artwork is a thing of beauty. I was completely happy with her work.
Hillary Santagata was very professional and a wonderful person to meet. Her studio is a piece of art in itself, inviting, and relaxing. She maintains a clean environment in all aspects, including the equipment itself. I felt very comfortable knowing all this coming in.
Hillary is the tattoo artist to see. She will definitely be the only person on my list when I’m ready for tattoo #2.