Warrior Tattoo Studio

06/24/2026

Update from John🖤 (long post)

Over the past 30 years I have worked my tail off. 20 years in the military with multiple combat deployments and mental challenges… followed by ten years of owning a tattoo shop. The result is that I’m tired, but there’s more.

I have completely ignored my PTSD. My injury trauma. My trauma. And avoided my functional depression. I was a firm believer that if you ignore it, the depression and trauma will go away. On top of that, I felt asking for help in the military would eliminate my chances to make it to higher ranks. These actions were just avoidance. The result is my mental health has gotten much worse and I can no longer run from it.

I started treatment six months ago and it is so many things. Challenging, terrible, enlightening, crushing, but needed. I have learned so much but I have lots of work to do to make sure I stick around. I owe that to family and myself.

So I have made the decision to retire from owning Warrior Tattoo and also… retire the name. I was the Warrior in the name… and that needs to go with me. I WILL NOT BE RETIRING FROM TATTOOING HOWEVER!!! Instead, the shop will stay in the same location and get a complete facelift at the beginning of September!!! The artists that are currently at Warrior will stay to include me. But there will be a new name, vibe, and owner!!!

Alia Hendricks will be taking over as the new owner in September! I literally couldn’t be happier!!!! She is a young incredibly talented tattoo artist with huge dreams and the ability to achieve them. She will be the perfect person to take this shop to the next level as I focus on my own mental health.

So thank you for all the support of Warrior Tattoo Studio over the past decade. I look forward to working as a tattoo artist and business mentor to Alia as she transitions the shop to Blood Oath Tattoo Studio.

A blood oath is a solemn, binding promise or pact between two or more parties that is sealed or symbolized by shedding of blood. That is literally what tattooing is… it is the perfect name for what we do and who we are!

Thank you for the massive support over the years and we hope it continues as we move forward and grow!!!

Ps. In the next two months I will share some of the amazing things we’ve accomplished over the past ten years …they are so impressive!!! ❤️

05/30/2026

So proud of our girl Alia Hendricks for crushing it on the first day of West Plains Tattoo Expo. Bringing home 1st place in the FINE LINE category (yes, fine line… who is she?!) and whipping out some beautiful pieces! Can’t wait to see what she cooks up during these next few days. 👏

05/11/2026

National Piercing Day is May 16th! Come celebrate with Shanon Rae and treat yourself to a new piercing!

✨ Celebrate with Shanon Rae Piercing! ✨

🤘It’s National Piercing Day on May 16th, and I'm celebrating the only way I know how: with some shiny new holes and a killer deal! 😜

💎Shanon Rae is ready to help you level up your ear game (or nose, or... you get it) with a sweet discount.

🔥 THE DETAILS:💰 $20 OFF any piercing!

⏰ WHEN: May 16th | 12:00 PM – 7PM 📅 mark your calendar!

🏃‍♀️ HOW: Walk-ins ONLY!

THE RULES (because I have to): First come, first served! Once these spots are gone, they’re gone. Excludes ge***al piercings. Limit one deal per person (let's share the love!). Show up early, bring your best vibes, let’s celebrate and decorate!

Tag your "always down for a bad idea" bestie and come see me!! 🖤✨

04/28/2026

❤️❤️❤️Some recent tattoos by Alberto, Alia, Halle, Amberly, Suda, Moni, and John! Thanks for the continued support!! 🩷🩷🩷

04/25/2026

🩷Tattoo Artist Opening!🩷

Warrior Tattoo is a busy tattoo shop in the heart of Waukee, Iowa. We are looking for an established artist who fits with our team.
▪️About us
-we are percentage 70/30
-we provide all tattoo supplies except ink and machines
-we have a full time manager that orders all tattoo supplies so you won’t have to
-we have a tremendous amount of messages daily asking for tattoos
-our manager also can book your appointments
-we travel to conventions frequently for the experience and networking
-we do quarterly charity events to donate to incredible causes
-not looking for apprentice at this time

🩷Direct message John on Instagram if interested or want further details! Thanks in advance!

04/24/2026

🖤Message from John.
So today Zack left the shop to return to All Day Tattoo Studio in Ankeny. We absolutely loved having Zack in the shop and we definitely did not want to lose him.

That being said, Zack came to me and mentioned that he was struggling with his schedule. I completely understand this because my life is driven by a schedule due to my PTSD. He felt like he wasn’t the best version of himself having to spend so much time driving back-and-forth between Ankeny and Waukee and I completely respect that.
The beauty in this situation is we, as a shop, are now close friends with Zack. Good luck big man… we love you brother! ❤️

04/23/2026

Pretty ladies, pretty flowers. Done with love by Halle, of course. 🌸✨

04/21/2026

❤️ Alberto!!! had a last-minute cancellation for tomorrow. Direct message if interested in filling that spot. Below is some of the amazing work he just did two days ago in our shot. Absolutely stunning flag Tattoo.!!!

04/19/2026

Kristi Gearhart is about 9 months on skin and is whipping out some beautiful larger pieces! She has really taken to mandalas and has several pre-drawn designs she would love to do. Check her out!

04/18/2026

We’ve got something new at the shop! You’ll be seeing us using Blasted Tattoo Care products and recommending them for aftercare.

We’re always careful about what we use and suggest for healing, so we’re super stoked to be partnering with Blasted! We think you guys are gonna love their products (yes, some of the products do have numbing agents!) 😁