Site Navigation
HomeAbout
Services
Testimonials
Contact
News
Info
FAQ
Purple Thistle Tattoo
About Us
Welcome to Purple Thistle Tattoo, your go-to tattoo and piercing destination in Oelwein, IA, since 2022. As a locally-owned and operated shop, we specialize in black and gray, realism, traditional color, and cover-ups. In addition to custom tattoos, we offer body piercings, tattoo design, aftercare products, and body jewelry. We are excited to partner with the communities of Waterloo, Independence, and West Union to deliver a top-tier tattooing and piercing experience. We invite you to contact us today to book your appointment!
Recently, we’ve added The Blackbird Coffee House in the back of our shop, offering a cozy spot for coffee, snacks, and conversation. Now, clients can relax and enjoy a fresh beverage before or after their tattoo or piercing experience.
COMING SOON: Get What You Get Tattoos!
Our Story
Purple Thistle Tattoo was created to fill a local need in the community—a professional, welcoming tattoo and piercing studio where quality artistry, cleanliness, and exceptional customer service come first. Since opening our doors in 2022, we have proudly served Oelwein, IA as a locally owned and operated shop dedicated to helping clients express themselves through meaningful, well-crafted body art. From first-time clients to seasoned collectors, we strive to create an experience that feels comfortable, personal, and memorable from consultation to aftercare.
At Purple Thistle Tattoo, we believe great tattoos begin with trust and collaboration. Our artists take the time to listen, educate, and guide each client through the creative process, ensuring every design reflects their vision while maintaining the highest artistic standards. We specialize in a wide range of tattoo styles, including black and gray work, realism, traditional color, portraits, and detailed cover-ups. Whether you’re looking for a single custom piece, a full tattoo sleeve, custom lettering, or finishing and touch-up work, our team is committed to delivering results you’ll be proud to wear for a lifetime.
In addition to custom tattooing, Purple Thistle Tattoo offers professional body piercing services in a clean, modern facility that meets strict hygiene and safety standards. Our piercing options include nose, cartilage, bridge, eyebrow, lip, dermal, nipple, and naval piercings, as well as select body modification services. We use high-quality equipment and jewelry to ensure comfort, precision, and proper healing for every client. To support long-term results, we also carry a selection of aftercare products, numbing ointments, nose rings, and body jewelry to help protect your investment and keep your work looking its best.
As a community-focused business, Purple Thistle Tattoo is proud to serve not only Oelwein but also surrounding areas including Waterloo, Independence, and West Union. We are passionate about building lasting relationships with our clients and being a positive, creative presence in the region. Our shop is designed to be a welcoming space where questions are encouraged, creativity is celebrated, and every client feels respected and valued.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to introduce “Get What You Get” tattoos—an upcoming offering designed to add a fun, spontaneous option for clients who enjoy a little surprise with their ink. This is just one of the many ways we continue to grow and evolve while staying true to our mission of quality and community.
New at Purple Thistle Tattoo, we’ve added The Blackbird Coffee House in the back of our shop. This cozy coffee house offers coffee, snacks, and a relaxing space where clients can unwind before or after their tattoo or piercing. It’s the perfect complement to your visit, making each appointment a full experience of art, community, and comfort.
Whether you’re planning your next tattoo, exploring piercings, or simply looking for a studio you can trust, Purple Thistle Tattoo is here for you. Contact us today to book your appointment and experience the difference of a locally owned shop dedicated to great art, great service, and a clean, professional environment.
Areas Served
Fayette County, IA | Dubuque County, IA | Oelwein, IA | Waterloo, IA | Independence, IA | West Union, IA | Waverly, IA | Manchester, IA | New Hampton, IA
Our Professional Associations
- Chamber of Commerce
Our Certifications
- Bloodborne Pathogens Certified
- CPR Certified
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish
What We Offer
Our Specialties include:
- Black and Gray
- Portraits
- Realism
- Traditional Color
- Cover-Ups
Our Services include:
- Tattoos
- Custom Tattoos
- Tattoo Sleeves
- Tattoo Design
- Tattoo Finishing
- Tattoo Touch-Ups
- Custom Tattoo Lettering
- Body Modification
- Nose Piercings
- Cartilage Piercings
- Bridge Piercings
- Eyebrows Piercings
- Lip Piercings
- Dermal Piercings
- Nipple Piercings
- Naval Piercings
Our Products include:
- Aftercare Products
- Numbing Ointments
- Nose Rings
- Body Jewelry
Testimonials
On 2/1/2026
Myles Cornwell
had this to say:
Honestly it was a great experience, very therapeutic and professional. But not uptight or uncomfortable. Thanks Jon and Marcus for the time spent with them.
On 1/22/2026
Alexandra Taylorshanda
had this to say:
Beautiful tattoos, many styles. I like how they adjust to what you want.
On 1/15/2026
Drake Ball
had this to say:
Cool place, good atrists
On 8/28/2025
Teri
had this to say:
Markus did a fantastic job incorporating two completely different tattoos together and making them look like they were supposed to be together. I highly recommend anyone in the studio as they are all talented at their craft
Testimonial written by Teri on this site.
On 7/28/2025
Alan Munger
had this to say:
Markus was kind and accommodating, as were the other artist in the studio. I was absolutely taken care of and over the moon with the results. Can’t recommend enough!
Testimonial written by Alan Munger on this site.
Contact Us
Purple Thistle Tattoo
9 S. Frederick Ave Oelwein, IA 50662
Phone: (319) 238-8212
Email: purplethistletattoo
Located across from Veridian Credit Union
Where To Find Us
Follow us on GoogleFollow us on Facebook
Follow us on Yelp
Follow us on Instagram
Payment Types Accepted
American Express, Android Pay, Apple Pay, Personal Checks, Debit Cards, Discover, MasterCard, PayPal, Visa
Our Hours
Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Coffee Shop Hours: 7AM-3PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Coffee Shop Hours: 7AM-3PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Coffee Shop Hours: 7AM-3PM
Friday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Coffee Shop Hours: 7AM-3PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Coffee Shop Hours: 7AM-3PM
Sunday: By Appointment Only
News
Bella embarked on her journey as an apprentice under Markus over a year ago, where she honed her skills and developed a specialization in neo-traditional tattoos. Her passion lies particularly in crafting animal and memorial style tattoos. Bella views tattoos as profound expressions that forge connections, define identities, and showcase one's creative essence through chosen art forms.She finds immense value in the tattoo community, believing that one can glean insights into a person's story through their tattoos. Bella approaches each client's interaction with sensitivity, adeptly matching their energy. When clients are uncertain or anxious, she instills confidence and ensures a positive experience, while their excitement fuels her own enthusiasm, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Bella draws inspiration from diverse sources, particularly leveraging Pinterest to meld multiple artworks into uniquely personal designs. She finds role models in esteemed tattoo artists such as Brock and Dustin from Driftless Soul Tattoo in Decorah, IA, as well as her mentor Markus of Purple Thistle Tattoo & Piercings, and Brock, under whose tutelage she trained.
Expires 1/1/2026
Info
Food MenuDrink Menu
Shop Merch
FAQ
Legal
Terms of UsePrivacy Policy