Dunstable family independent businesses: Niftys Tattoo Studio

Designing a body art form.

Niftys on High Street South (Middle Row) has previously been a newsagents and a sweet shop. The building itself has a history as far back as the C12th.

Today it is a very calm and peaceful tattoo studio offering a range of different styles. It is a place where you can bring your ideas to life.

Owner, Dani, took over the business six years ago in November 2019, a few months before the pandemic! She has been working there for twelve years, having featured her apprenticeship in 2014.

Dani knew what she wanted to do, “Tattooing has always been a passion of mine. I found out about tattooing when I was 13, since then it has been an obsession. All I ever wanted to do was tattoo; I get to live my dream every day!”

She secured an apprenticeship at 18 while still at college. A fine arts degree followed (gaining a distinction). “I did three days a week at college and three dates apprenticeship at Niftys. I also had an evening job to earn a little money since the apprenticeship was unpaid.”

Finishing her apprenticeship, Dani grew her port folio. She says that Dunstable has been nothing but good to her; wonderful clients and a fun job. She manages all the administration, keeping everything very organised.

Over the twelve years Dani has seen many changes around Ashton Square.

Niftys is an appointment only studio. “The business is as strong as ever and I will be here for years to come.”