Finding Home at 126: The Story of Bone & Blossom Tattoo Shop

Nestled in the heart of Lombard, Illinois, Bone & Blossom Tattoo Shop is more than just a tattoo studio; it’s a testament to serendipity, connection, and following the signs the universe provides. As a female-owned and inclusive tattoo shop, Bone & Blossom has become a sanctuary for self-expression, art, and community since opening its doors in October 2023. But the journey to finding the perfect location and the perfect name for the studio is a story worth telling.

Bone & Blossom, 126 Home to creativity

Finding home at 126, A Flu, a Mix-Up, and a Life-Changing Discovery

Finding home at B&B all began on a day when I, Sara, was sick as a dog with the flu. My doctor had mistakenly sent my prescription to the Walgreens in Lombard on St. Charles Road instead of my usual location in Villa Park. Groggy and under the weather, I made my way to the pharmacy. On the drive there, something unexpected caught my eye: a “For Lease” sign in the window of a quaint building. Despite my condition, I felt a spark of curiosity.

After picking up my prescription, I couldn’t resist driving back to that building. I parked my car and peered through the windows, taking in the space that seemed to call out to me. Then I noticed something that gave me chills: the address was 126, the same as my childhood home. It felt like a sign—a loud and undeniable one.

At the time, I was in negotiations for a smaller, more private location for my tattoo studio. However, the connection I felt to the 126 building was too strong to ignore. I immediately contacted my realtor to schedule a showing, knowing deep down that this was the place where Bone & Blossom would come to life.

Finding home at B&B; What’s in a Name?

Naming the studio was as personal and meaningful as finding the location. Bone & Blossom reflects the duality of life and art: structure and growth, strength and beauty. Tattoos, to me, are an incredible blend of these elements, representing the permanence of self-expression and the flourishing of creativity. The name encapsulates the ethos of our studio—a place where everyone, regardless of their background, can feel welcomed and celebrated.

The Roots of My Passion

My love for tattoos traces back to my earliest memories. As a child, my family would make weekly trips to the local Family Video store, where I’d be captivated by a young woman at the checkout counter covered in tattoos. Week after week, I stared at her (apologies for the rudeness of my five-year-old self). One day, I finally mustered up the courage to tell her that I thought she was the most beautiful person I’d ever seen because of her tattoos. Her smile in response cemented my fascination and admiration for tattoo art.

Growing up in an artistic family—my mother a graphic designer, ceramist, and printmaker, and my father an architectural photographer and professor of photography—I was surrounded by creativity. Though I initially veered off the family’s artistic path by studying environmental science and business in college, I couldn’t resist the pull of art. My “reverse rebellion” eventually led me to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with honors.

After working as an assistant to renowned historical photographer David Plowden and venturing into web and graphic design, I realized my true calling was tattooing. The art form combined everything I loved: creativity, human connection, and the ability to leave a lasting impact.

Creating an Inclusive Space

When Bone & Blossom Tattoo Shop opened in October 2023, it wasn’t just a culmination of my journey but a reflection of the values I hold dear. As an inclusive tattoo shop, we strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone—a space where clients feel safe, seen, and celebrated. Tattoos are deeply personal, and our mission is to ensure that every person who walks through our doors leaves with art that resonates with their soul.

The address, the name, and the journey to opening this studio all symbolize something greater than myself. Bone & Blossom isn’t just a tattoo shop; it’s a home for creativity, connection, and community. And it all started with a flu, a wrong pharmacy, and a little building on St. Charles Road.