Julia Hayes settling into her new space on the waterfront in Kingston on the open day of Daisy Chain Tattoo
KINGSTON — On any given morning along the Kingston waterfront, the hum of creativity now carries a new rhythm. Inside a bright studio tucked beneath the span of the John T. Loughran Bridge, artists lean over sketchbooks and tablets, trading ideas, laughter, and quiet concentration. The newly opened Daisy Chain Tattoo is not simply another shop relocation. It is the careful planting of a shared vision, one rooted in community, craft, and a deep respect for the natural beauty that surrounds the Hudson Valley.
Lease holder of the space, Julia Hayes has moved her studio from the former Little Moon Tattoo location to a welcoming space in the picturesque district along the Strand. The move reflects both growth and continuity. Hayes has been working in Kingston for several years and has developed strong ties to the region. In her words, “It’s been great working in Kingston. A lot of my clientele is from the Hudson valley, which was the case even before I moved here, now they just don’t have to commute down to the city to get tattooed.” That sense of accessibility and belonging has guided the evolution of her work and the direction of the shop itself.
Hayes, @hen.wife on Instagram, artistic focus often honors the quiet wonders of Upstate New York. Her flowers, butterflies, and farm animal characters carry a sense of warmth and familiarity. The reflect the rhythms of rural life and the calm beauty of the Catskills and Hudson Valley landscapes. It is a style that resonates with clients seeking tattoos that feel personal and grounded in place. Yet Daisy Chain Tattoo is not defined by a single artist’s vision. The strength of the studio lies in the range of voices working side by side.
Maddie Osborne, known online as @bonesattack, brings a whimsical energy to the studio through her mystical “tattoodles.” Her work blends playful line work with natural elements, creating designs that feel spontaneous while still carefully composed. There is a sense of curiosity in her art, as if each drawing is an invitation to explore.
Shannon Wolf, whose work appears under the handle @shannonwolftattoo, leans into surrealist figures touched by abstraction. Her designs often feature unexpected shapes and dreamlike forms that challenge the viewer to look twice. The imagery carries a quiet humor and a willingness to experiment.
Rachel Finelli, @rachel_finelli, approaches tattooing with a reverence for mythology and the natural world. Her black line sketches show remarkable restraint and clarity. Twisting vines, bending leaves, and symbolic creatures come together in compositions that feel both ancient and modern. Clients drawn to storytelling often find themselves inspired by her work.
Alice, known as @knoteyetattoo, has developed a reputation for precision, with designs that are filled with intricate detail that rewards close attention. Figures and elements from nature are rendered with patience and discipline. The effect encourages viewers to lean in and study each line.
The newest addition to the team, Evan Paul English, expands the studio’s connection to botanical imagery. His signature floral artwork appears both in tattoos and in his fine art practice. Rich clusters of blossoms and layered colors capture the spirit of spring and summer. His careful approach to shading and texture gives each piece a sense of depth and vitality.
Together, these artists form a studio that feels less like a hierarchy and more like a circle. The name Daisy Chain Tattoo carries symbolism that reflects this philosophy. A daisy chain is created by linking individual flowers together, each one holding its own shape while contributing to a larger pattern. In the same way, the artists at the shop maintain their individual styles while supporting one another.
Hayes is clear that the structure of the studio reflects shared responsibility rather than top down control. “We operate primarily as a collective,” she explained. “I’m technically the owner and am the one on the lease, but the goal is not to profit off of the other artists. The idea is to create a comfortable studio space where we can all work together and share the overhead.” That approach has fostered a sense of mutual respect and independence among the team.
The move to the waterfront location came at a moment when expansion was necessary. Demand for appointments had grown steadily, and the previous space had reached its limits. Hayes recalled the decision with a sense of gratitude. “When we saw the MonumentHV space opening up we jumped at the opportunity. It’s a gorgeous space, and we desperately needed to expand since we were already at capacity on Abeel Street. I’m honored to carry the torch for this space. Sally and Rich Cali had grown a vibrant community here throughout the past year ” Her words reflect both excitement and a recognition of the community that existed there before.
That community connection remains central to the studio’s identity. Each artist manages their own schedule and client relationships, creating a balance between independence and cooperation. Hayes described the shared work ethic that binds the group together. “We’ve all been tattooing for a long time, some of us almost 20 years, and have a strong dedication to treating our clients well and putting out the best work possible. It’s an honor to be trusted to put permanent art on people’s bodies.”
As Daisy Chain Tattoo settles into its new waterfront home, the studio stands as a reminder that creative success often grows from collaboration rather than competition. The artists greet clients, share techniques, and celebrate each other’s achievements. The atmosphere feels steady and welcoming, shaped by long hours of practice and a genuine love for the craft.
In the end, the shop’s presence along the Strand is less about a single owner or a single style. It is about a group of dedicated artists showing up each day to do careful work, support one another, and contribute something lasting to the community they call home. Like the simple chain of daisies that inspired its name, the studio thrives because each link holds firm, connected by patience, friendship, and shared purpose.
For more information see: @daisychain.tattoo on Instagram
