I have just moved from Southern California for college, and I am an enthusiast of tattoos and piercings. Since I moved, I have been looking for a great tattoo or piercing shop. I have yet to try Artful Dodger tattoo located directly next door, but today I was pierced three times in a session at Evolve. Honestly, I have never had such a great experience at a piercing shop. Yes it's going to hurt, duh, Â it's a needle going through your skin. But...Evolve makes it less about the pain and more about the experience. Their insanely wide selection of body jewelry was beautiful and made you want to drain your bank account. Their piercers use so many sanitary methods I couldn't even remember half of the things they told me they were doing. Let's just say they are hospital grade sanitary which is what you want, the last you want is some nasty infection.
MY VERDICT:
10/10
Don't let one 1 star review detour you from this amazing shop. I was scared from that review but honestly I trusted my gut and my gut did not lie. So anyways, if you're considering a piercing TRY THIS PLACE OUT. They are so knowledgable about everything piercing related. Truly awesome experience thank you guys at Evolve you made my day.
HORROR STORY
I went in around March 12th to have my labia pierced. It was done by John Durante (the owner). Not only did he fail to mention that a captive ring would be far less comfortable than a barbell for a new labia piercing but he didn't put the ring on tight enough. Ten days later the piercing hurt more than on the first day (I had been trying to tough it out, soaking it etc) so I went back in. John wasn't there but a temporary piercer, Jinx, was. Jinx informed me that the bead had fallen out of the captive ring and the gap had twisted to be inside my body which is why it was hurting so much.
I had to buy another piece of jewelry (a small barbell) that wouldn't have been necessary if I had received sound advice the first time and have it replace the captive ring at great discomfort and some pain. The hole had to be stretched out for the new smaller gauge barbell... Every thing settled down after that but things still weren't healing right. I couldn't figure out what the problem was.
Last Friday, April 12th , I finally broke down and took out the barbell to get to the bottom of why it was so uncomfortable despite the care I was taking and I found the lost bead had been in my body the whole time. At that point flesh had grown over it to seal it in me. Pure fucking negligence. I was shaking I was so upset, this is my first and last experience with genital piercings and Evolve. When Jinx was putting in the barbell he had to stretch the hole because, he said, it had grown smaller. Now I know the real reason he had to stretch it back out is because the bead was still in there! WTF!!!
When I called Evolve the person who answered the phone wouldn't give me the owner's number and refused to call him with my number so he could call me. I was asked to come in to see the other temporary piercer who doesn't even do genital piercings. Why would I trust someone from Evolve a third time, especially someone from Evolve who doesn't even work on that part of the body?
I was told things like this happen often...
I have been getting tattoos since 19 and I'm near 40 now - have about eight. Â Can I just say, this is the best piercing/tattoo parlor I have ever been too in Seattle, WA?!! Â As soon as I got in, I was greeted by a petite lady (I guess this is Jessica - I never caught her name) who really knows her stuff. Â She was very professional and informative of what kind of stud I might choose for my nose piecing. Â She gave me the price range for various studs and I was grateful for the many choices. Â I chose my stud, signed some paperwork and then I sat down to be seen by my personal artist. Â As I sat, an artist by the name of Jimmy (I think that was his name) nickname: Jinx came, introduced himself and shook my hand. Â Wow, I thought in my head - very cool! Â He told me he'd be right with me in a few minutes so he could prepare the room. Â About five minutes later, I walked into the room with Jinx and saw an amazingly neat, clean, and home style area! Â There were framed pictures on the wall of the owner and other artists (who was upfront with a couple other artist packing their exquisite jewelry) and some natives of Cambodia (I think), some tools in sterile solution packets and remarkably - he even had his iPod covered! Â He then dotted my nose and asked me if I liked the spot of the dot. Â He even had an individual packet that he used on me only and we began the procedure. Â While this was taking place, he explained to me what was happening and what he was using. Â Two tears came out of my eye, I yelped really loud and it was done. Â I went back up front - paid, tipped and thank everyone for a service well done. Â If I decide to get another tat or piercing, I will go back to Evolve, this place will be my staple tat shop. Â I was really impressed with their customer service, friendliness and how clean that place was! Â Can I just say, the artists there have traveled the world and have years of experience. Â This made me feel at ease. Â My stud is not tender yet and I don't feel like it's even pierced. Â I'm really excited about the job he did. Â I got about six compliments today and I'm so grateful!
If you're on the fence about this spot, don't be - you will be quite pleased. Â It's on the bus line, near Seattle Central, Rite Aid and Dicks Hamburgers - so you know its Centrally located. Â
Thank you Evolve! Â You guys are the BOMB! Â ; Â - D
P.S.  I found Evolve on Yelp and read the five star - five reviews and this is what  swayed me to hit this place up.
I scoured the internet for raw faced (or rough faced) Amethyst plugs for a few months before having Evolve custom make me a pair. "Custom made" plugs seemed daunting and expensive at a glance, but it truly wasn't and I'm glad I finally had it done!
I was offered a chance to pick the stone, but I preferred to leave it up to the cutter to choose the best rock for the job. The turn around was just a few days, and my gorgeous custom made 1" tear drop plugs were ready! They were made to my specifications for width and what style of wearing surface I'd like. The double flare Jason used makes them sturdy to wear, not loose and falling out like a lot of other heavy stone jewelry. The wearable surface is smooth as can be, unlike some other stone plugs I have that are cracked or chipped even when brand new. These are the crown jewel of my collection. I will be buried in them.
Not only did I get to be so picky with my plugs, but even custom made the full retail price was LESS than any same sized pair I'd seen online in the past. I get compliments on them everywhere I go, they just have quality you can see.
The entire staff here is genuine and knowledgeable about stones, body modification, and jewelry. You can tell when speaking to them that *this* is their industry, not their day job. I will definitely be back for more.
We came in -on a 'right as rain' recommendation from a neighboring shopgirl - looking for simple jewelry but walked out having received some of the friendliest and most thorough customer service ever.
The owner himself helped us find some captive bead rings and beJEEZus did they have a selection!
And soooo helpful!
I'm fairly comfortable in piercing/tattoo shops- despite my own no ink or protruding metal status-but even if you're timid to step in, don't worry for a moment. This shop and it's staff are spanking clean, professional and did I mention SO FRIENDLY! You won't get an attitude unless you bring your own, and even then, I'm guessing they'll nice you out of yours.
We didn't even ask but they offered to put the rings in and BAM! We were done so quickly, it was amazing. Prices were reasonable, again selection fantastic, and it was a perfect experience from start to finish.
I'd tell anyone who will listen, if you want to get pierced or need some jewelry, this is THE spot.
Whenever I want a new piercing, or have a question about jewelry, or (more likely) need new hardware, this is where I go. Â I've known John a few years now, and he's never been anything BUT straight with me. Â And Jessica is, of course, the queen of customer service. Â Much love for Chris, who although I didn't know before Evolve opened this shop, I already get along with like gangbusters.
If you're going to get holes put in your body, or resized, or just want to go stare at the covers from classic comics, this is where you should go.
The name Evolve carries a lot of weight so I expected nothing but excellence from this shop and that is what I got. The space is lovely with evolve stone and wood jewelry sparkling in their cases. Anatometal, Neometal, and Industrial Strength take your pick because they've got it.
5 stars for cleanliness alone with a Statim in the piercing room and a separate clean room for tools.
The staff are some of the radest people you'll ever meet. Jessica, co-owner extraordinaire, is so accommodating, helpful, and sweet. John D is one of the most knowledgeable and nicest guys, a true pillar in the pacific northwest body modification community. Last but certainly not least, Chris J, who is an overall amazing guy and look forward to being pierced by again. The whole staff is incredible patient so don't feel like you have to be in and out! Get to know them they are awesome!
There is not a single time that I am on Capitol Hill that I don't stop by this place. Â 5 stars for sure!!
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