Quality Tattoos & Microblading in Asheville, NC
Built by the People, for the People
Located inside WNC Barbell at 237 Sardis Road #10, Asheville, NC 28806
Call or Text: (828) 424-6135
Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Wednesday – Saturday
Welcome to Empowered Tattoo
Empowered Tattoo brings over 15 years of professional tattooing experience to the Candler and West Asheville community. We’re not just another tattoo shop. We’re a studio built on the foundation of personal connection, honest craftsmanship, and inclusive service.
Our philosophy is simple: everyone deserves quality artwork. Whether you’re getting your first small piece or adding to a full sleeve, whether you work at a corporate office or a local restaurant, you’ll receive the same level of care, professionalism, and artistry. We believe in transparent pricing, one-on-one consultations, and creating custom designs that reflect your story.
Every piece of equipment, every improvement to our studio, and every hour we spend perfecting our craft exists because of our clients. That’s why we say we’re “Asheville made” – this community built us, and we’re here to serve everyone in it.
Our Services
Custom Tattoo Work
We specialize in creating personalized tattoos that tell your story. Our artists work across multiple styles to ensure you get exactly what you envision:
Photorealistic portraits, nature scenes, and detailed artwork that captures every shadow and highlight.
Bold lines meet modern design sensibility. Classic tattoo style with contemporary flair.
Delicate, precise designs perfect for minimalist aesthetics and detailed smaller pieces.
Transforming old tattoos or covering scars with beautiful new artwork. We’ve successfully covered even deep scarring with full-color custom designs.
Every tattoo starts with a conversation. We don’t use flash books or generic designs. Your tattoo is created specifically for you.
Professional Microblading
Microblading is a gentle, semi-permanent brow treatment that enhances your natural eyebrows. A tiny, handheld tool is used to create soft, hair-like strokes on the skin with pigment, giving the brows a fuller and more defined look.
Amanda Garrett (Browsbypanda) has been creating custom eyebrows for over 7 years. She has worked with clients post-cemo, clients with alopecia and a whole lot of 90’s brows, herself included. From ages 18-80, microblading is gentle enough for any age.
The results heal quickly and natural-looking with a recommended yearly touch up. Most describe the feeling as multiple hairs being plucked or a light scratching. Numbing cream is also used before and during the process to keep the client comfortable.
Meet Our Artists
Sam Garrett – Owner & Lead Artist
Instagram: @sgtat2
Sam has been tattooing in Asheville for over 15 years before opening Empowered Tattoo in October 2023. Featured in a 2015 WLOS News 13 special report on the tattoo industry, Sam has built a reputation for detailed custom work and honest, straightforward client relationships.
Sam’s approach centers on personal connection. Every consultation happens in person because understanding your vision, your story, and your personality results in better artwork. This isn’t an assembly line – it’s a collaborative creative process.
Specialties: Black & grey realism, neo-traditional, fine line work, cover-ups, scar coverage
Indica Willis (A.K.A. Ink) Artist
Instagram: @inkbyindica
Indica Willis started her tattoo career like so many this generation. One morning she managed to corner Sam Garrett in the parking lot of WNC Barbell and asked him for an apprenticeship. While discussing her experience when asked if she had a portfolio, she popped the trunk of her car, and showed Sam the culmination of her time obtaining her degree at UNC Asheville. It was then with her sunny disposition, and her gangster-like trunk art hustle.
Sam knew there was a tattoo artist standing before him. After 2 years and a lot of hard work she can be found tattooing at Empowered Tattoo shop, sharing stories, music, and video games. As well as her passion for black and grey realism.
Amanda Garrett – Microblading Specialist & Owner
Instagram: @browsbypanda
After several years in the retail business. Amanda Garrett decided she wanted to take on her passions for helping people and cosmetics to a level she had not seen locally. After 5 years she finally joined her husband Sam and opened Empowered Tattoo as an equal partner. Amanda believes in kindness, compassion, accountability, and of course her kitten Pickle.
With these beliefs she has molded her microblading into a business built on integrity and caring. Where Amanda can be the one to decide how best to treat her clients, she also makes it possible to incorporate the wishes of those she services. You can find Amanda, alongside her portrait of Pickle and her Husband Sam at Empowered Tattoo.
Book your appointment today! Call or text (828) 424-6135
Our Approach: Why We’re Different
One-on-One Consultations
We require in-person consultations for every tattoo. This isn’t about making things difficult – it’s about making your tattoo better. When we meet face-to-face, we understand your vision more clearly, we can discuss placement and sizing properly, and we get a sense of your personality that translates into your custom design.
In-person consultations are highly recommended for best results. Online booking and email consultations often lead to miscommunication and generic designs. We’d rather spend 30 minutes with you in person than hours trying to interpret messages and unclear descriptions.
Transparent, Accessible Pricing
We don’t have large dollar minimums or large per-hour rates that put quality work out of reach for working people. We price fairly based on the size, complexity, and time required for your piece. Our clients range from service industry workers to business executives, and everyone receives the same quality and care.
Quality tattoos should be accessible. That’s non-negotiable for us.
No Gimmicks, Just Honest Work
We focus on what matters: clean technique, custom artistry, proper healing guidance, and treating every client with respect.
How to Book Your Appointment
Step 1:
Call or Text
Reach out at (828) 424-6135 to schedule your free consultation. Let us know you’re interested in getting tattooed and what style or idea you’re considering.
Step 2:
In-Person Consultation
Meet with us at the studio during business hours. Bring reference images, ideas, or just a concept. We’ll discuss your vision, review placement options, talk about sizing and pricing, and determine if we’re the right fit for your project. There’s no pressure to book during the consultation.
Step 3:
Schedule Your Session
If you decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your tattoo appointment. Depending on the size and complexity, your piece may require one session or multiple sessions.
Step 4:
Get Tattooed
On appointment day, we’ll finalize the design with you, ensure you’re completely happy with it, and create your custom tattoo. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome walk-ins when artists have availability, but we recommend calling ahead to check our schedule. For custom work, a consultation appointment ensures we have adequate time to discuss your project.
Pricing depends on size, detail, placement, and estimated time. We provide pricing during your consultation after discussing your specific project. We believe in fair, transparent pricing without inflated minimums.
Bring any reference images, ideas, or inspiration you’ve collected. If you’re getting a portrait, bring clear, high-resolution photos. Otherwise, just bring your ideas and questions.
Eat a full meal before your appointment, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol for 24 hours before, and wear comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the area being tattooed. We’ll provide complete preparation instructions when you book.
We require all cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Cancellations must be made by contacting the individual artist, and or the shop directly. Do NOT have a friend call or message for you as we will not take it seriously until we hear directly from you.
Yes. Sam specializes in cover-up work and has successfully covered both old tattoos and significant scarring. Bring photos of what you want covered to your consultation so we can assess the project.
View our work on Instagram at @empowered_tattoo or with the individual artists:
You’ll also see portfolio examples during your in-person consultation.
Visit Us
Empowered Tattoo
237 Sardis Road Unit #10
Asheville, NC 28806
Located inside WNC Barbell gym in Candler, just minutes from downtown Asheville and easily accessible from West Asheville, Enka, and surrounding areas.
Phone: (828) 424-6135
Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Wednesday -Saturday
Instagram: @empowered_tattoo
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Ready to Get Started?
Call or text us at (828) 424-6135 to schedule your free consultation. We’ll discuss your ideas, answer your questions, and help you create custom artwork you’ll be proud to wear.
Professional tattooing and microblading in Asheville, NC. Walk-ins welcome, consultations preferred.