Sarina Keys had a feeling she and tattoo artist AMART would quickly become close friends—and she was right.
The two met at Colby Avenue Tattoo in downtown Everett, where their friendship blossomed swiftly. Keys even found herself in a position to save AMART’s life and his dog during a critical moment.
Their bond laid the foundation for Oh Boy Original, a tattoo parlor that opened its doors on Baker Avenue this January. The shop’s creation is steeped in a shared passion for ink, enduring friendships, and overcoming personal challenges.
A Serendipitous Beginning
AMART, the co-owner of Oh Boy Original, moved to Seattle from Utah over a year ago, initially en route to Disneyland. During his travels, he stumbled across a post from Colby Avenue Tattoo, which was seeking a new artist. He responded and, on a whim, decided to visit the shop.
Within a month, AMART had relocated to Everett, taking on guest spots at Colby Avenue Tattoo. It was there that he met Keys, who immediately declared, “We’re best friends now.”
However, during this time, AMART was grappling with a long-term battle against anemia—a blood disorder that prevents the body from producing enough healthy red blood cells. His condition had him in and out of hospitals, with one particularly severe episode leading to a dangerously low hemoglobin level of 5 grams per deciliter, which could have led to heart failure or death.
Keys was the one who took AMART to the emergency room that day. “It was a rough day,” she recalled, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Despite enduring health struggles, AMART focused on his work at Colby Avenue, though he often felt detached due to his illness. During his recovery, he and Keys began discussing the idea of opening their own tattoo shop—one that would offer a fresh, intimate approach to the tattoo experience.
A New Vision for Tattooing
Oh Boy Original (OBOG), which operates by appointment only, promises a personalized, private tattoo experience. From initial consultation to the final design, the shop is dedicated to providing clients with the space and time to trust their artists and articulate their vision—far from the intimidating, impersonal experience often found at typical tattoo parlors.
“I think giving the client the space to trust you in your creative style is important, but also giving them the space to say what they’re looking for, as opposed to the stress of just picking something off the wall,” Keys explained.
AMART, who has been tattooing for 12 years, described the typical tattoo shop environment as transactional: “You go in, get the work done, and leave.” However, both he and Keys are excited to be part of a larger cultural shift in the industry.
“The tattoo industry is evolving in real-time,” Keys said. “People are appreciating better art, and that’s why places like ours are becoming something clients want—and something tattoo artists crave as well.”
A New Home in Everett
AMART knew he didn’t want to live in Seattle, having come from the busy city of Salt Lake City. He sought a change of pace and a quieter lifestyle. Keys, who has clients in both Seattle and Everett, didn’t want to move too far north, so the pair settled on Everett. They are both optimistic about the city’s future, citing upcoming developments like the Port of Everett Waterfront revitalization and the new downtown stadium.
“It’s a really cool area,” AMART said. “You can see businesses moving in, and we’re pretty excited about it.”
As Oh Boy Original settles into its new home, AMART and Keys are eager to contribute to Everett’s growing creative scene while continuing to offer a tattoo experience that emphasizes artistry, personalization, and connection.
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