1867 Tattoo Company is more than just a tattoo shop; it’s a reflection of its owners’ deep connection to their craft and community. Founded by James and Casie, the shop’s journey began long before its doors opened on Bellevue’s Lincoln Avenue. James, a tattoo artist with nearly two decades of experience, discovered his passion at a very young age. He started his career in high school, interning at a tattoo shop east of Pittsburgh, cleaning floors, and learning the trade. In 2013, James and Casie moved to Bellevue. After 5 years of living in Bellevue and working as a tattoo artist in Pittsburgh, Casie brought up the idea of opening their own shop, ideally somewhere close to home. After a while of searching for the perfect location, they found their current space on Craigslist. Familiar with the community already, they knew they had to tour. The giant storefront windows and original tin ceiling perfectly aligned with their vision of blending historic charm with their personal style. Immediately, they felt right at home.
From the beginning, James and Casie were dedicated to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and comfortable environment with strong ties to their surrounding community. The name “1867” pays homage to Bellevue’s founding year, and their shop reflects a love for historic preservation. The decor includes various elements of the shop’s past lives, unique taxidermy, and a flag from Bellevue’s Centennial Celebration, which was found in the store’s basement. Clients contribute to their decor by donating pieces, too, forever enriching the shop’s remarkable collection of historic Bellevue. The shop often receives praise for its warm atmosphere, which to Casie, is the most rewarding part about being an owner. She always wanted the shop to feel like a second home for her and James and wants everyone who walks through their doors to feel the same.
What truly sets 1867 apart is its unwavering commitment to building lasting, personal connections with clients and making sure they feel comfortable throughout their tattoo journey. Earning and maintaining their clients’ trust is something the team deeply values, and it’s a responsibility the artists approach with care. While some clients arrive with a fully formed tattoo idea, others seek guidance in developing their vision. For many, this creative process is incredibly vulnerable—after all, the art will stay with you forever. Trust in the people bringing your vision to life is essential. Each artist in 1867 brings a unique style and approach to their craft but equally values the relationships they make with their clients. The shop proudly features three talented tattoo artists and one certified cosmetic and paramedical artist.
The Bellevue community has played a significant role in the shop’s success. Since opening, James and Casie have immersed themselves in local community events, and have collaborated with organizations like Bellevue Forward. They are forever grateful for the tight-knit and supportive atmosphere around them. Their commitment to giving back to Bellevue reflects their genuine passion for fostering strong, meaningful relationships with not just their clients but the community at large.
James and Casie want to continue to create and engage, holding a space for all clients no matter how they want to express themselves. They are looking forward to getting more involved in the many projects and events happening in Bellevue’s near future. Looking ahead as a business, the 1867 team is excited to expand its services, including paramedical tattooing, which will support clients on journeys of healing and self-expression. Reflecting on their journey, James shared, “Leaning onto fellow business owners is all we had in the beginning. For anyone new wanting to start a business, Bellevue Forward is a tool we wish we had access to.” Their advice to aspiring business owners is simple but heartfelt: have a plan, be patient, don’t be afraid to lean on others, and don’t forget to laugh. For James and Casie, the sacrifices and hard work have been worth it. They have successfully created a space where art, connection, and community come together in a truly special way. View their art and book an appointment here.