Meet the 3 Charlotte tattoo artists building their businesses with pop-up events
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Kayla B. Morales (L), the owner of High Vibes Tattoo Studio, hosts some of the most sought-after tattoo pop-ups in the Charlotte area. Photo: Courtesy of Cameron Murray/High Vibes Tattoo.
Move over cocktail bars, tattoos are taking over the pop-up scene in Charlotte.
Why it matters: These tattoo pop-ups, often with waitlists that fill up quickly, offer the chance to get inked in an unconventional setting — like your favorite coffee shop or brewery.
We've rounded up three local artists who are taking their tattoo stations on the go. Here's everything you need to know— from pricing to designs—plus where to catch them next.
High Vibes Tattoo
High Vibes, an east Charlotte fine-line tattoo studio owned by Charlotte native Kayla B. Morales, has gained a reputation for its popular tiny tattoo pop-ups.
Flashback: Bell began hosting pop-ups two years ago with encouragement from her social media manager, Cameron Murray.
What to expect: High Vibes hosts events at Charlotte businesses like Thrift Pony, Rowan Ear Piercing, and Night Swim Coffee, to name a few.
- The pop-ups operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with Bell and her team hosting at least two to three events each week.
- A sign-up sheet is typically available to hold your spot in line, but fills up quickly so plan to arrive early.
- A flash sheet of available designs is posted on Instagram the night before the event, along with a box of leftover designs from previous events to choose from.
- Tattoos cost $75 for one or $100 for two.
What's next: Morales says she has plans to bring her pop-ups to other cities, including Asheville, Wilmington, and Raleigh, in 2025. The studio has several Charlotte pop-ups planned for December, including:
- Dec. 13 at Thrift Pony from noon-7pm (Friday the 13th themed)
- Dec. 14 from 9am-9pm at Resident Culture South End's Taylor Swift Market
- Dec. 17 at Traust Brewing in Mount Holly from 3-9pm (holiday themed)
Stop by: Visit the studio at 7316 Wallace Road, off East Independence.
Venus Tattoo
Venus Tattoo is a fine-line tattoo and permanent makeup studio near Pineville. Its owner, Agnieszka "Aga" Anderson, often hosts pop-ups at local businesses across the Charlotte area.
What to expect: Pop-ups are walk-in only and a flash sheet of available designs is typically shared on Instagram beforehand.
- Tattoos cost one for $70 or two for $100.
What's next: Three pop-ups are planned for February.
- Feb. 7 at Jewelers on Main in Mooresville.
- Feb. 11 at The Brass Bird in Pineville.
- Feb. 17 at FNDTN BEAUTY in Albemarle.
Stop by: Outside of pop-ups, you can find the studio at 10643 Kettering Dr.
The Lash Krave
The Lash Krave is a Mount Holly beauty salon specializing in both fine line and cosmetic tattoos. Its founder, Haley Gloss, also appears as a pop-up artist at various small businesses and vendor markets in Charlotte and the Gaston County area.
What to expect: Tattoos are available on a first-come, first-served basis with a sign-up sheet provided.
- A sheet of available flash designs is posted on Instagram before each event.
- Tattoo prices may vary depending on the event but typically start at $50 per design.
What's next: No upcoming events are currently listed — check their Instagram for updates.
Stop by: The studio is located in downtown Mount Holly at 129 S. Main St., across from Traust Brewing, inside of Salon Studios on Main.
