New tattoo shop, nail salon and coffee lounge opened at Victoria Street, Newark

A couple has opened a new three-in-one shop that offers a tattoo studio, nail salon and café under one roof.

Mickey Buff and Stuart Bell officially opened Rebel Base on Victoria Street, Newark last month.

It also offers for sale artwork produced by Stuart or friends of the couple.

“It was my idea to turn it into more than just a tattoo shop,” said Mickey.

“I’ve always worked in coffee shops and I know how to do nails, so it’s the perfect combination.”

The premises, with its quirky decoration, aims to welcome everyone and create a safe space for all, regardless of age, style or background.

Mickey added: “The idea is that people walk in and say ‘wow this is nice’. I want it to feel like a living room, not a café, not a tattoo shop.

“We want to make it really cosy and to feel like a second home.

“At the end of day if you’re being tattooed by someone that’s a lifetime commitment and you should trust the person that is doing it, be friends with the person.

“We both have been through a lifetime of bullying and teasing for being weird, nerds, Goths, etc, so we just want everyone no matter how they dress or look to have a safe space to pop in.”

The majority of the art displayed in the shop was painted by Stuart or friends or the couple and it is for sale.

“We are not here only to cash in and make money, yes it is a business, but it’s also to promote Stuart’s art. He has got so much art that we don’t really know what to do with it but share with others,” said Mickey.

The couple intends to organise art therapy at least once a month at the shop.

People will be given paints and an empty canvas so they can focus and relax through the art.

The classes need to be pre-booked and will work through donations.

“We’ve both lost people to mental health issues and I suffer with them myself so we know how powerful mindfulness can be as well,” said Mickey.

“We pride ourselves on being a bit more than just a tattoo shop and being friendly and welcoming. We understand if you need to bring your children, as we are parents too.”