Tia Ng, an avid tattoo enthusiast boasting 84 tattoos since 2010, made history as the inaugural client of Evanston’s sole tattoo parlor, Sweetheart Ink Tattoo. Ng stumbled upon news of the shop’s grand opening during a visit to the neighboring Hoosier Mama Pie Company, where she works.
Excitedly, Ng exclaimed, “This is both wonderful and dangerous, because I’ll be spending all my money there.”
Following rigorous city and state approvals, David Libert, along with his fiancée Isabella Viola, inaugurated Sweetheart Ink Tattoo at 530 Kedzie St. on May 8. Ng, eager to mark this momentous occasion, rushed over to become their premier customer after catching wind of the announcement on the shop’s social media platform.
During her visit, Ng not only received a petite tattoo but also consulted on a larger design, expressing her pride as a neighbor witnessing the shop’s bustling commencement.
With nearly seven years of tattooing experience under his belt, Libert specializes in the vibrant Chicago new school style, characterized by its vivid colors, distorted perspectives, and diverse line weights. In contrast, Viola, who commenced her journey into tattooing by perfecting eyebrows last year, harbors aspirations to venture into other realms of body art.
Prior to its grand opening, Sweetheart Ink Tattoo navigated the bureaucratic maze, securing a city special use permit after engaging in three meetings to outline their business vision and address city officials’ inquiries. Their perseverance paid off when the request received unanimous approval during the April 29 City Council assembly.
Reflecting on the seamless journey to establishment, Viola remarked, “Everything aligned perfectly with our plans and aspirations. It feels like destiny.”
The pair attests to the overwhelmingly positive reception from the community, with Libert likening the shop’s emergence to the final piece of Evanston’s puzzle.
Libert’s path to tattooing diverged unexpectedly from his original career trajectory as a graphic designer, nurtured over 13 years, with aspirations in game art. “Tattooing found me in an unexpected twist,” Libert reflected, recounting how a friend’s suggestion during a tattoo session involving Disney’s Stitch spurred his serendipitous apprenticeship.
At Sweetheart Ink Tattoo, Libert aims to not only craft stunning tattoos but also cultivate an enriching educational atmosphere, equipping clients for future tattoo endeavors. “Each tattoo should harmonize with the body’s contours, becoming an integral part of the wearer,” Libert emphasized.
For Libert, the essence of operating a tattoo parlor transcends artistic prowess, emphasizing the importance of trust and customer satisfaction. “Every tattoo should evoke positive memories,” Libert asserted, underlining his commitment to crafting memorable experiences for clients.
With unbridled enthusiasm, Libert looks forward to realizing their vision, unencumbered by limitations, and ensuring every client departs with a piece of art that resonates with them.