A tattoo artist has fulfilled her dream after opening her new shop in Darlington this week.

Daniela Winwood, 25, from Newton Aycliffe, has spoken of her joy after opening Wasted Space Tattoo Club on Bondgate in Darlington on Monday (April 22).

After tattooing for four-and-a-half years and working out of a private studio in Newton Aycliffe, Ms Winwood said she had always wanted to open a shop on a high street and this venture was a perfect opportunity to do so.

The Northern Echo: Wasted Space in Darlington Credit: WASTED SPACE

She said: “I always wanted to have my own shop on the high street, and when I saw that shop come up for rent, I kind of impulsively went and checked it out.

“I didn’t have a plan in place or anything, it just felt right. I just went for it without a plan and very impulsively decided to open.

“Since I’ve opened, I’ve had a crazy amount of messages and lots of people wanting to book. It’s created quite a bit of a buzz because it’s something different.

“There are millions of tattoo studios, I think there’s 23 tattoo studios in Darlington now.

“I think mine has a really different vibe and has kind of caught everyone’s interest.”

She added she has taken a few breaks from tattooing over the years, but has been “crazy busy” since the end of last year.

She will be joined in providing customers with tattoos alongside her apprentice Helen Britton.

Ms Winwood added she specialises in blackout work, which she said is a “niche” and difficult style in the profession.

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She said clients often travel to her for this work – with client coming as far as Scotland.

“My shop is a very chill and friendly atmosphere. [If] anyone wants to pop in, I’m open Tuesday to Saturday, feel free to pop in for a chat and a consultation, or whatever you fancy doing.”

The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, and appointments will be available Sunday and Monday.