We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sara Phillips. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sara below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Sara with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I get my work ethic from my parents. I grew up in a household where both of my parents worked in creative industries — my dad as an architectural photographer and my mom as a designer. They each ran their own businesses, so I was surrounded by entrepreneurship from a young age. Watching their dedication, professionalism, and passion for their craft taught me that hard work and perseverance make anything possible. Growing up in that environment instilled in me the mindset and discipline I needed to pursue a career in art and build a successful creative business of my own.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
From a young age, I was fascinated by tattoos — both their aesthetic and the culture surrounding them. With a lifelong passion for art, I earned my BFA with honors, along with a Certificate in Sustainability and a Minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Iowa. After exploring a few creative fields following graduation, I began my tattoo journey in 2018 through an apprenticeship.
Five years later, I decided to open my own studio, Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, in Lombard, Illinois. Once the shop opened, I noticed many young female artists gravitating toward our space, often leaving toxic or exploitative work environments. Hearing their stories — many of which mirrored my own experiences — made it clear that the tattoo industry needed more safe, supportive spaces for women and marginalized artists. I wanted Bone & Blossom to be more than just a tattoo studio — it’s a creative, inclusive, and empowering environment where artists and clients alike are treated with respect and care.
At Bone & Blossom, we’ve cultivated a workspace that is artist-forward and client-centered, emphasizing fairness, collaboration, and inclusivity. I’ve truly enjoyed the process of working alongside my team — learning from each artist, growing together, and supporting each other’s success. This kind of collaboration is rare in the tattoo industry, where too often shop owners exploit artists for personal financial gain.
After receiving numerous requests from artists wanting to join our team — and having to turn them down due to space limitations — I realized there was a lack of accessible resources to help artists advocate for themselves. In response, I co-founded The Ripple Affect, an organization focused on providing mentorship, educational resources, and practical tools to help artists navigate their careers confidently and ethically.
Sustainability and community are also at the heart of my business. I prioritize eco-conscious practices whenever possible — using compostable tattoo supplies and using environmentally friendly brands like Who Gives a Crap, Good Judy, and Maverick Supply Co. My goal is to build a business that not only uplifts others but also leaves a positive impact on the planet and the tattoo industry as a whole. I’m excited to see how my ventures continue to grow and what good they can bring to our creative community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey are compassion, dedication, and tenacity.
Compassion drives me to take action when I see others being mistreated or facing challenges.
Dedication keeps me focused on working hard, finding creative solutions, and pushing through until a problem is solved.
Tenacity gives me the courage to take risks, trust my instincts, and follow through on big ideas — even when the path isn’t easy.
For those who are still finding their passion, my advice is simple: don’t be afraid of failure. Fear can hold us back from discovering what we’re truly capable of. Every misstep is an opportunity to learn, grow, and build resilience. Trust your gut, stay true to yourself, and maintain a positive mindset. You might need to pivot along the way, but with consistency and a strong work ethic, you can absolutely turn your dreams into reality.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
One of the most impactful things my parents did for me was teaching me to be resourceful and self-reliant. From a young age, when I had questions or ran into challenges, they didn’t simply give me the answers — they guided me through the process of finding solutions on my own. By working alongside me, they helped me develop problem-solving skills, independence, and confidence.
That approach also built a deep sense of trust and taught me that it’s okay to ask for help when needed. Their guidance made me a more capable, adaptable, and well-rounded person — qualities that continue to shape how I approach both my art and my business today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.boneandblossom.com
- Instagram: boneandblossomtattoo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550728754776
- Other: Keep an eye our for “The Ripple Affect” on instagram @rippleaffecttattoocollective and our podcast coming soon to YouTube.
Image Credits
all photos taken by Rhys Bakulinski, https://www.rhysbphotography.com/information, https://www.instagram.com/rhysbphotography/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
