Women’s History Month at The Loyal Sparrow: Art, Autonomy, and the Women Who Changed the Game

Women’s History Month isn’t just about looking back—it’s about recognizing who’s shaping culture right now. At The Loyal Sparrow Tattoo in Bozeman, Montana and Belgrade, Montana, that story is personal.

We’re proudly partially woman-owned by Nina Scott, alongside her husband and co-owner Jimmy Scott. Together, they’ve built something more than a shop. It’s a collaborative, creative family rooted in respect, craft, and showing up fully as who you are.

Women Have Always Been Here, Even When History Tried to Ignore Them

Tattooing and piercing didn’t start as a boys’ club—but history sure tried to rewrite it that way. Women have been marking skin, performing ritual adornment, and practicing body art for centuries across cultures. In the modern tattoo world, pioneers like Maud Wagner, often cited as the first known female tattoo artist in the United States, helped crack open doors that were welded shut.

Piercing followed a similar path. Women played critical roles in the evolution of modern body piercing, from early underground scenes to professional studios, even when credit didn’t always follow. The industry didn’t become inclusive overnight—it changed because women insisted on being seen, respected, and paid for their work.

That legacy matters. And it shows up every day in our shop.

The Women of The Loyal Sparrow

Our team is stacked with talent, vision, and zero interest in shrinking themselves.

Our tattoo artists—Shay, Kim, Keeley, Mia, and Nina—bring a wide range of styles, perspectives, and lived experiences to the table. Each artist approaches their work differently, but all of them share the same commitment to intention, skill, and client trust. This isn’t about trends or ego. It’s about craftsmanship and connection.

We’re also proud to collaborate closely with Ashley, owner of Faded in Montana Salon, whose presence adds another layer of artistry, entrepreneurship, and woman-led business energy to our space.

And none of this runs without our shop support team. Emery and Michelle are the backbone—the ones keeping things moving, grounded, and organized while the rest of us are elbows-deep in ink, jewelry, and creative chaos.

And Yes, the Dudes Matter Too

Women’s History Month isn’t about erasing anyone—it’s about balance. The men in our shop show up as allies, collaborators, and professionals who respect the space they’re in. Jimmy leads with experience and integrity, and alongside him, tattoo artists Ethan and Adam, piercer Kyle, and shop support Story understand that real strength in this industry comes from mutual respect, shared vision, and letting people lead where they shine.

This Creative Hybrid Is What Collaboration Actually Looks Like

The Loyal Sparrow isn’t a hierarchy—it’s a collective. Artists, piercers, support staff, collaborators, and owners are all bringing something real to the table. Different backgrounds. Different styles. One shared standard: do good work and treat people right.

Women’s History Month reminds us that progress happens when space is made—and when it’s taken. We’re proud to be a shop where women don’t have to ask for room. They already own it.

Our shops in Bozeman and Belgrade are not only places of work; they are where we build, create, and collaboratively advance this industry.