Samantha Ishmiel

Tattoo Artist

Tattooing professionally since 2015, Sam has built a loyal client base solely through word of mouth. She is usually found organically by new clients that have seen her work in person, returning time and time again for her t0attooing ability and the unparalleled experience she provides.  She believes that tattoos are permanent pieces of art and insists on being selective about the work she creates, ensuring that both the artistry and energy put into each piece align with the client’s vision.    For over a decade, Sam has set herself apart by challenging the traditional tattoo experience and redefining the client-artist dynamic. Having spent time in multiple shops, she has acquired a well-rounded skill set and enjoys many different styles and techniques. 

She is comfortable working with both color and black and grey. Sam’s expertise extends to all skin types, having sought additional education to confidently work with a diverse range of individuals.  Her dedication to research, design, and execution ensures that every step of the tattoo process is handled with care and integrity.  She is committed to fostering an environment where clients’ ideas are not only heard but truly respected. Her focus is on celebrating and transforming lives through custom artwork that speaks to the individual. Understanding that a tattoo is more than just ink on skin, Sam prioritizes the unique needs and desires of each client, seeing them not just as a canvas, but as a person.

Christine Eshleman

Piercer

As a professional piercer since 2015 with a background in fine art, Christine brings a unique blend of creativity and technical skill to every piercing. She utilizes her understanding of the elements of art and principles of design which allows her to craft visually striking compositions, carefully considering placement, anatomy, jewelry styles, and color schemes. She specializes in Ear Styling and also piercings for young children.

 Christine views a child's first piercing as a right of passage and a bridge into bodily autonomy. She values striving for the best, and seeks out opportunities of continued education to refine her skills and stay at the forefront of the industry. Christine believes in the power of collaboration, working closely with each client to bring their vision to life while drawing inspiration from their personal and unique style. She takes pride in creating  a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience to ensure each and every client feels at ease. She feels honored to be trusted with your body and your piercing journey.

Alyssa "Lyss" Doss

Piercer

Lyss has been piercing since November of 2020 and is an APP member who regularly visits from Indiana to serve us here in Champaign. While she originally started her career in a local Champaign shop, Lyss has travelled the country far and wide to learn first hand from many prominent names in the piercing industry. She prioritizes continued education, attending as many seminars as possible. She is also a proud member of the "Pro Team" for both Buddha Jewelry and Stiletto Piercing Supplies. Lyss stands out in this industry with her passion for learning and consistent precision, as well as  having a very calming and professional demeanor. She makes a great addition to our team as she specializes in many technical and challenging facial and ear piercings.

Cortney "Jorty" Rahn

Tattoo Apprentice

Cortney has been learning the art of tattooing since 2023. Although new to the industry, her passion for art is unmistakable. Cortney's previous work experience has provided her with exceptional customer service skills and a high level of professionalism.  With a big smile and a steady hand, she confidently executes clean linework and soft pepper shading. Cortney is excited to expand her portfolio and is offering a discounted rate for specific styles. She is also forklift certified.

Jenny Trail

Piercing Apprentice

Jenny is a native to the Champaign area. She has had a lifelong fascination with the world of body adornment as self expression. A love of all animals brought her to a career as a well-respected veterinary technician where experience treating creatures from camels to canaries has allowed her to perfect her fine motor skills and gentle touch. She can perform piercings and install jewelry in a way that ensures precision and prioritizes the comfort of her clients. Her desire to work more creatively and blend her technical and artistic skill has brought her to an apprenticeship in body piercing at The Forest. 

She has been mentored by Christine since the fall of 2023. She enjoys jewelry styling but especially loves eclectic and maximalist styles incorporating gemstones and mixed metals. She is quite excitable at the jewelry case and her joyful energy is infectious. Jenny says that working with clients to create the curation of their dreams has become one of the most rewarding aspects of her apprenticeship so far. She looks forward to building relationships and continuing to learn new techniques.

Colton Ignozzi

Tattoo Artist

With seven years of experience, Colton is a dedicated tattoo artist specializing in black and grey realism, occasionally incorporating color. His tattooing journey has allowed him to travel, gain inspiration, and refine his craft while connecting with clients and mentors alike through meaningful artwork. Beyond tattooing, Colton is also a talented painter. Working between both art forms has helped strengthen his artistic eye. Colton brings passion into every piece he creates, and has a deep appreciation for tattoo culture. He looks forward to continuing to grow as an artist, pushing his creativity, and bringing new ideas to life through his work. 

Florence Sands

Shop Manager 

Florence is the reason our artists are able to get things done! She takes care of everything and anything that isn't the act of tattooing or piercing so our service providers can focus on providing excellent experience for our clients. Sometimes you can find her behind the scenes, while other times she is the friendly face you see at the front desk. She takes a lot of pride in taking care of each client on our artists' behalf and handles a lot of our communications. She also has great taste in jewelry and can serve as a wonderful guide to shopping the jewelry cases.