The story behind Erica Poppo’s tattoos
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erica-poppo
This is part of our ongoing series titled Inked, the human stories behind Charlotte’s tattoos. Erica Poppo is a native Charlottean and hairstylist at Salon 42.
Photo of tattoo:
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When did you get it?
I started at 22 years old and finished at 25. I’m the ripe age of 31 now, so it’s been a while.
Where did you get it done, artist’s name, costs?
Most of my work is done by Matt Skinny who now lives in New York. He runs about $275/hr. Jenn Small did my “hairstylist” tattoo and a few more. She’s at 510 in NoDa and runs about $125/hr.
How’d it go down?
All of my tattoos were a collaboration of my ideas and their artistic vision. Tattoo artists are all so talented in their own way and when you really connect you can make beautiful masterpieces that last a lifetime…literally.
What other design did you consider (what was your 2nd choice)?
Originally, the pin-up girl on my outer forearm was supposed to have either a World War II Jeep (my grandad worked in the motor pool) or an old school plane (he flew small planes for as long as I can remember) incorporated into it to represent my dad’s father. My outer forearm was too small for both so the pin-up girl represents my Nana.
What’s the story behind it?
The portrait on my upper arm is an exact picture of my grandparents and the phrase “Regrets are Worthless”. I never really knew my grandad as he died when I was one and a half. My grandmother and I were very close. I took care of her while I went to hair school at night and she suffered from Alzheimer’s. We used to sit on the front porch and sing the songs “Blue Moon”, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and “Happy Birthday”.
The anchor on my forearm represents my friends. That’s exactly what they are. Your anchor! And of course, The Beatles song lyrics “I get by with a little help from my friends” (yes, I know it was originally done by Joe Cocker).
Upper inside of my arm is my “hairstylist” tattoo with the saying “I run with scissors” and my very first arm piece! The skull and crown represents the Queen City. I’m a Charlotte native and I love it here!
What’s next?
I still need to get the WWII Jeep or old school plane! I’m thinking more plane. I’d also love to have the Tree of Life from the Animal Kingdom at Disney but also incorporate multiple religious and spiritual icons into it. That piece is so intricate that I think I’m daydreaming on that one and it would be better on canvas to show all the small details.