Meet The Team
Sara Atamian
Sara Atamian is a Los Angeles-born tattoo artist from a big and beautiful family. As a first-generation Armenian American, she loves and is proud of her culture. Sara’s passion for the arts began at a young age, and during her teens, she started exploring tattooing as a career, which led her to complete a traditional tattoo apprenticeship.
Sara began her tattoo career in 2017 in San Diego, where she worked hard to establish herself in the industry. After gaining experience in various street shops and working in different creative environments, she took a bold step to open her own tattoo studio. Her vision was to create an ethical and honorable space that upholds the traditions of authentic tattooing while offering a versatile range of styles in a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere that clients absolutely love.
Specializing in black and gray tattooing with an emphasis on fine line and single needle techniques, Sara brings precision and artistry to every piece she creates. While her expertise shines in these areas, she also has a deep appreciation for American traditional tattoos and is skilled in a variety of styles, ensuring each client leaves with a design that’s not just unique, but truly “hot.”
In her free time, Sara enjoys staying active through hiking, spending quality moments with family and friends, and indulging in her love for cooking and movies. The mountains are her happy place, where she frequently escapes for some much-needed relaxation and adventure.
Adam Anthony
Meet Adam Anthony!
Born and raised in San Diego, Adam Anthony knew from a young age that tattooing was his future. His passion led him to pursue a traditional apprenticeship, where he honed his craft. Since 2017, Adam has been dedicated to creating stunning tattoos that reflect both his skill and artistic vision.
Specializing in American traditional style, Adam brings a timeless quality to each piece he creates. However, his versatility as an artist allows him to work in various styles, ensuring that every client leaves with a tattoo that they love.
When he’s not in the shop, Adam channels his creativity into his other business, where he molds and resin casts vintage toys, preserving a bit of nostalgia in every piece. His dedication to his craft, both in tattooing and toy making, speaks to his love for art in all its forms.
Ciara Royea (she / her)
Ciara Royea is the professional piercer at Spirit Tattoo and Body Piercing. Born and raised in San Diego, Ciara is a 31-year-old queer Latina with a deep connection to this vibrant city. Her journey into body piercing began in the beauty industry, driven by a passion for helping people look and feel their best. Transitioning to body piercing allowed Ciara to combine her love for aesthetics with the art of creating beautiful, personalized body adornments.
Committed to offering services to people of all body types and anatomies, Ciara strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected. She is dedicated to continually advancing her skills and knowledge by attending courses offered by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) and engaging with fellow professionals in the industry to stay updated on the latest techniques and best practices. It is her career goal to become an APP member while at this shop.
At Spirit Tattoo and Body Piercing, Ciara prioritizes the safety and comfort of every client. She uses fully disposable tools and offers implant-grade titanium and solid 14kT gold jewelry, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and quality. Ciara is committed to ensuring people have informed consent and autonomy over their bodies, and she is adept at educating clients through the entire process.
Ciara genuinely cares about her clients and strives to offer the safest and most comfortable piercing experience possible. Whether clients are getting their first piercing or adding to their collection, Ciara is there to help them achieve the look they desire with professionalism and care.
Jeremy Mendones
Jeremy Mendones is a skilled tattoo artist at Spirit Tattoo and Body Piercing with three years of experience in the industry. He is passionate about creating tattoos that resonate with his clients, and his favorite styles to work on are American traditional and lettering. Jeremy’s attention to detail and dedication to his craft make him a sought-after artist for those looking to add timeless pieces to their collection.
Outside of the studio, Jeremy is a devoted father who cherishes every moment spent with his daughter. He is also committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, working out every day. When he's not with his family or exercising, you can find Jeremy indulging in his love for cinema, watching every movie you’ve never heard of.
Jon Royea (he/him)
Jon Royea is the dedicated shop manager at Spirit Tattoo and Body Piercing. Known for his kindness and approachability, Jon plays a vital role in ensuring the shop runs smoothly and that every client feels welcomed and taken care of.
An avid tattoo enthusiast, Jon has a deep appreciation for the art of tattooing and loves adding to his own collection, especially in his favorite style, American traditional. His passion for tattoos is matched by his love for the community and culture surrounding the art form.
When he's not managing the shop or helping clients, Jon enjoys spending quality time with his beloved boxers, June and Bones. His hobbies include drumming for his band, hitting the gym, and indulging in some PC gaming. Whether he's behind the counter, on stage, or lifting weights, Jon brings the same enthusiasm and dedication to everything he does.