The Crossroads is getting fresh ink with the opening of Lovetta Tattoo Nov. 1

Lovetta Tattoo // Photo by: Rowan Bickelhaupt

Lovetta Tattoo will open its new home in the Crossroads Arts District on Nov. 1. The move marks a milestone for owner Melanie Lopez and resident artist Jim Little, who have built their careers on a mix of craft, creativity, and community.

Lopez envisioned Lovetta as a space that could grow, accommodating artists and clients meaningfully. “Lovetta started as something small—just me needing a proper space to tattoo, and it grew naturally,” she says. “Other artists started to express a desire to come and join what was organically forming, and it’s always felt right.”

Intentionality was a top priority when crafting the space, from the open layout to the curated walls filled with flash art. “I’d describe the studio as open, intimate, and traditional,” Lopez adds. “We dress the walls the way we dress ourselves: full of life and history.” Her emphasis on thoughtful design and collaboration establishes the mood of the shop and influences the team’s approach to each session.

Lopez claims that Lovetta’s core values are the cornerstone of the store’s success. “Our core vision comes from strong morals,” she says. “As long as we stay grounded in those ethics, Lovetta will keep evolving to fit the time, the vibe, and the community.” These principles shape the studio’s ethos, setting the bar for professionalism and purpose in all sessions. By prioritizing ethics and careful design, the team ensures that every client encounter is meaningful, and that every tattoo demonstrates a dedication to excellence.

Photo by: Rowan Bickelhaupt

Jim Little, a Kansas City native with 17 years of tattooing experience, has a style that is rooted in traditional tattooing, ranging from bold designs to delicate pieces, often influenced by heavy metal, science fiction, horror, and prehistoric art. He says the new setting has reinvigorated his approach.

“Any artist needs their own space,” he says. “Now that we have ours, everything just moves smoother. It’s new colors, new paintings, new energy. It feels like being born again as a tattooer.” 

Little describes how the location’s design has changed the rhythm of his work. “I’ve always been hungry to work,” Little says. “But this new space reignited that love even more. It’s ours, built with our own tattoo money, and that’s a magical feeling.”

Little is always looking for ways to up his game, recently inventing what he calls the ‘TatTool’—a multi-tool designed to solve everyday technical challenges for artists. “I started making a tattooing multi-tool in my garage to fix the little hangups I ran into day to day,” he says. “It makes maintenance easier, saves time, and solves simple problems tattooers deal with constantly.” His approach demonstrates how innovation and artistry coexist at the studio, giving the artists tools and techniques to focus on their work without distraction.

Photo by: Rowan Bickelhaupt

Equally central to Lovetta’s intentionality when it came to creating the shop, they obviously understand that their work leaves lifelong stories on their customer’s bodies. “A lot of tattooers forget that what they’re doing is life-altering,” Little says. “You’re marking someone forever. It might be another day for you, but it could mean the world to them.” 

Laryn Langford, the shop’s apprentice who trains under Little’s tutelage, embodies this mentality and has adapted to the close-knit crew quite quickly. “I’ve only been here a few weeks, but, already, I’ve fine-tuned my tattooing,” she says. “It’s inspiring to be around people who are always pushing to get better, no matter how long they’ve been doing this.” Her enthusiasm and dedication help maintain the collaborative, energetic culture that defines Lovetta.

For Langford, tattooing others carries a more profound significance. After her father passed away in 2024, she found a way to commemorate him in the artwork. “Tattooing became a way to honor him, a living memorial,” she says. “He always encouraged me to use my creative muscles, and now every tattoo carries a piece of that.” Her approach reflects the studio’s commitment to meaningful artistry, emphasizing that every tattoo has the potential to carry deep emotional value.

Little, Langford, and Lopez, the three L’s within Lovetta, work seamlessly together to create this distinct brand. Artists retain a supportive and inquisitive culture while exchanging tips and trying new methods. Customers experience a blend of professionalism, consideration, and creative enthusiasm as soon as they walk into the studio.

As the launch day draws near, Lovetta Tattoo is prepared to greet the Kansas City community at its new home. Each team member adds to a legacy rooted in love and tradition, each tattoo is meticulously crafted, and every encounter with a client is deliberate.

Lovetta Tattoo opens on Nov. 1 in the Crossroads. Follow @lovettatattoo for booking, artist updates, and opening details.