Inside the tattoo studio bringing Hamilton's creatives together

Tattoo studios have long been places where people tell stories through ink. Tucked away in Hamilton, one local studio is expanding that idea even further.

Step inside Thistle & Fae and you'll find more than tattoo artists at work. Antique furniture sits alongside shelves of books and plants, artwork by local creatives lines the walls, and every Sunday, one of the private rooms transforms into a space for tarot readings.

Throughout the year, the studio also hosts exhibitions, book launches, and creative events, bringing together artists and the wider community under one roof.

For founder Alicia Carroll, better known as Lish, that sense of creativity and connection has always been the vision.

“I’ve always wanted it to feel communal, but still tattoo focused,” Lish said. “We also love doing art events and community events. It’s a really versatile space.”

From sketchbooks to tattooing

Lish's path into tattooing began long before she ever stepped into a studio. "I've always loved art," she said. 

Working alongside a mural artist from the age of 15, creativity had always been part of her life. Then, at 16, her dad surprised her with something unexpected.

"My dad, very naughtily, bought me a tattoo machine off eBay," she said.

"I did some really awful tattoos on his back, and they were the only ones I ever did."

Despite instantly loving the craft, Lish knew she wanted to learn properly.

"I was still pretty level-headed as a teenager. I thought, I'm not going to play around with this until I actually learn how to do it."

Not long after finishing school, while getting tattooed with a friend, she struck up a conversation with the studio owner who mentioned he was looking for apprentice. Although nerves delayed her for a few weeks, she eventually returned with her portfolio.

"I didn't hear back for a couple of weeks, so I went back in. I wasn't trying to be pushy, I just really wanted to know if this was happening because it was something I wanted to do."

That conversation led to an apprenticeship, followed by several years working across Newcastle studios. But even while building her career, another goal was quietly taking shape.

"I'd always thought I'd have my own studio. I've always been a bit more business-minded."

Creating a space that feels different

When the Hamilton shopfront became available, Lish knew she'd found the right place.

"It was the first place I looked at, I looked at a bunch of other places, but I just felt really drawn to this spot."

Opening at just 24 years old, launching her own studio was a leap.

"I literally just went all in. I was like, okay, this is happening."

The result feels less like a conventional tattoo studio and more like a thoughtfully curated creative space.

The colourful exterior was hand-painted by local sign writer Ruby of Rosy Sign Co, while the interior reflects Lish’s love of Art Nouveau, Pre-Raphaelite art, medieval imagery, and nature. Vintage furniture sits alongside lush greenery, creating an environment that feels calm, welcoming and distinctly different.

"Green is my favourite colour," Lish said.

"I'm really inspired by Art Nouveau and the Pre-Raphaelite era. I love the female figure, nature, plants, and medieval things."

Rather than specialising in one particular aesthetic, Thistle & Fae has brought together artists with their own individual styles.

Lish primarily creates tattoos while gradually exploring more colour work, while the wider team specialises in everything from ornamental designs to traditional tattooing.

"Everything is welcome, I love all styles."

More than just tattoos

People often ask Lish where the name Thistle & Fae came from. The answer is surprisingly simple.

"I've always had the name, even before I knew I was going to open a studio."

Describing herself as a spiritual person, Lish says the studio feels like something she'd imagined long before it became reality.

"It sounds silly, but I really did manifest where I am."

That outlook naturally extended into the experiences offered inside the studio.

From makeup and nail art with ever-so-talented Pres With Courtney to Tarot readings, now held every Sunday, the studio has also hosted exhibitions showcasing local artists, with plans for future life drawing sessions, creative workshops, and other community events.

Growing alongside the community

Since the studio opened in January 2026 Thistle & Fae has already grown beyond a one-person studio. The team now includes multiple artists and apprentices, each developing their own style while learning alongside experienced tattooists.

One recent flash day became a milestone for Lish.

"We booked out within half an hour, but it wasn't the bookings I was most proud of, it was that I was actually the last artist to fill up."

"That was one of the proudest moments because I realised the shop's not just me anymore."

Building a supportive environment for emerging artists has become just as rewarding as tattooing itself.

"The support people have shown our apprentices has been amazing."

"My clients are genuinely the best people. I've met some incredible people through tattooing and I just genuinely love everything about it."

Whether you're booking your first tattoo, browsing a local exhibition, or dropping in for a Sunday tarot reading, Thistle & Fae is redefining what a tattoo studio can be.

Part creative studio, part community space, and entirely led by storytelling, it's proof that sometimes the most meaningful works of art aren't just the ones created on skin – they're the communities built around them.

Photo credit: Shannon Wappet