Kim has wanted a certain phrase tattooed to her inner arm for a few years now. Tonight, she pulled the trigger.

We went to Smith Street Tattoo Parlour. Luckily, Dan was free when we walked in. He patiently listened to her requests and looked at the pictures she brought. Then, he drew some samples. After getting Kim’s feedback and changing a few things, she was ready to go. Since this was her first tattoo, she was so nervous! Dan was very nice and patient – he didn’t rush her at all. Come to think of it, everyone at Smith Street Tattoo was really nice.

Smith Street Tattoo is spotlessly clean. Kim spotted hospital grade cleaning wipes that can’t touch human skin and can kill MRSA. These guys are serious about a sterile working environment.

Dan created a stencil from his drawing and put it on her skin.

Once the stencil got Kim’s stamp of approval, it was go time. They say your inner arm is one of the most painful places to get a tattoo. They are right. Kim practically broke my fingers.

It was quite cool watching Dan expertly etch words into my sister’s tiny arm.

About ten minutes later… behold! Obviously this was before Dan wiped off the extra ink and applied the bandage. I can’t take a picture of the final product because it needs to be wrapped up for 24 hours.

We celebrated her new body art with watermelon and mango paletas from Sley Deli. They are the best.

I highly recommend Smith Street Tattoo Parlour. The staff are really nice and not hipster snobs at all. Since I’m sure people are curious are prices, Kim paid $100 + tax + tip, which translates to about $128. Considering the area and quality, I’d say she got her money’s worth. For reference, she was quoted $175 and $200 for the same thing at two different places in the Park Slope area.