We are Darian & Wendy — a husband and wife team, proud parents of two incredible kids, and co-creators of this little haven we call The Gilded Needle.

Our cozy studio is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the heart of downtown Asheville. Our space is more than just a place to get tattooed — it’s where your stories are shared, your ideas comes to life, and lasting connections are made. We’ve poured our hearts into creating a relaxed, welcoming environment where everyone feels at home the moment they walk through the door.

Between the two of us, we offer a wide range of tattooing experience to the table, but we have a real soft spot for realism, illustrative work, and painterly styles. That said, we love all forms of tattoo art and are always excited to collaborate with you to achieve your vision — whether it’s your first tattoo or you’ve lost count.

We tattoo side by side, raise our kids under the same roof, and treat every client like part of our extended family. Here, it’s about more than just ink — it’s about trust, comfort, creativity, and genuine connection.

Thanks for stopping by. We can’t wait to meet you and create forever art with you!