Creative Women in Business is a series of articles that focuses on women-owned businesses in the creative spaces of St. Louis. The main purpose of my series is to highlight women, and to give them recognition for their art in the community. This first business is a tattoo shop called Dreamland.
Photo courtesy of Isabelle Roig
Dreamland is by far the cutest private tattoo studio in St. Louis. Founder and owner, Gogomarz, has reopened the business after remodeling in January. This studio is women-owned and women-operated, and is by appointment only for 18+. If you love anime, Hello Kitty, or anything adorable, this studio is the place to go for your next tattoo!
Photo courtesy of Liz Santimaw
Considering that it is still a male dominated industry, I want to highlight this business and the high quality service and care they offer as tattoo artists. It’s important to support local businesses and creators as well. The top priorities of Dreamland is for everyone to feel comfortable and welcomed, including Maryville students.
Photo courtesy of Liz Santimaw
My first interviewee is the founder and owner Maria, known as Gogomarz. She has been doing tattoos professionally for 4 years, and has over 6 years of experience. She is on Instagram @gogomarz, where you can find out if her bookings are open or closed, and the following is the link to her website: www.gogomarz.com. Gogo is currently booking for her Valentine’s Day flash! She will also be guest spotting at Joy Studio in LA during the end of March, from the 21-24th.
Photo courtesy of Gogomarz
The collage above showcases a mix of her work. Gogo’s style focuses on fine-line and micro/color realism. She is very detailed in all of her tattoos!
Photo courtesy of Liz Santimaw
“I’ve always been interested in art whether it was coloring, painting, or working with my hands. My work is heavily inspired by anime, especially manga books that fit the fine line and shading style I use in my tattoos. I’m close with a lot of creative people and my friends inspire me constantly. All these relationships are special to me. I’ve built so many strong connections with people through tattooing, something I would not have if I were in any other profession…” (cont.)
Photo courtesy of Liz Santimaw
“…I didn’t know how tattooing and making it financially would work, but I wanted to try. Being able to sustain myself doing my job feels super rewarding. Seeing my art on my clients and friends is a great feeling as well. Through my work I’ve shown my family that
going the traditional route isn’t always the best for everyone. They’re able to see that you can follow your creative dreams and support yourself.” ~ Gogomarz
Photo courtesy of Liz Santimaw
The other resident artist at Dreamland is Reagan, known as Jinxpoke. She specializes in hand-poked tattoos/stick-and-pokes. She started her apprenticeship under Gogomarz in March 2023, and got her license in November 2023. Her Instagram is @jinxpoke, and the following is the link to her website: www.jinxpoke.com.
Photo courtesy of Jinxpoke
The collage above showcases some of Jinxpoke’s work. Her style focuses on pointillism for light dot work that looks soft and dreamy.
Photo courtesy of Liz Santimaw
“I started tattooing myself and my friends, and then took it more seriously over this past year. I loved drawing in pointillism on paper when I was very young, and it translates to the style of tattoos I do today. I’m really inspired by nature, plants, and animals. Gogomarz also inspires me, she has taught me so much. Cute and creepy designs are what I enjoy tattooing the most…” (cont.)
Photo courtesy of Liz Santimaw
“…Stick-and-pokes are niche and haven’t become super common in the tattoo industry. Hand poking is a very intentional process, it takes longer to complete than a tattoo gun would. It’s focused more on dots than lines, which results in a grainy look. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing people leave my booth feeling more confident in their bodies. And fun fact the name Jinxpoke is inspired by my cat Jinx, who just celebrated her 5th birthday.” ~ Jinxpoke
Photo courtesy of Liz Santimaw
To book an appointment, directly contact the artists and fill out the booking forms on their websites. Dreamland is located on 3325 Cherokee St. with free street parking for clients. You can bring one friend to accompany you as well. The waiting area has snacks, coloring books, manga, and other activities available for use until it’s time for your tattoo session.
Photo courtesy of Liz Santimaw
These women are extremely talented, professional, passionate, and artistic! Their work is unique and truly one of a kind. Gogomarz is very sweet and accommodating, and is an inspiration to the community. Jinxpoke offers a special technique with an intentional hand. Many clients have enjoyed their experience at Dreamland, and you can too! Don’t forget to grab some complimentary candies before you leave. <3
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