Our stories bring us together

I I truly can’t say enough wonderful things about the artists in this shop, but my tattoo experiences have been with the incredibly talented Jessie Crotty. Jessie hasn’t just created beautiful, meaningful pieces of art for me—she has intentionally made each one part of my healing journey. My first tattoo with her was a cover-up on the inside of my ankle, meant to replace a painful memory. From there, a genuine friendship grew, and I’ve had the privilege of watching her heal people through her art—something that is truly a thing of beauty. At one point, I shared a very dark part of my past and present with her—things I had never told anyone before. She created a space where I felt completely safe to open up. I told her about the healing I had done, what I was still working through, and where I hoped to be. Then I gave her full trust: no direction, no ideas—just a blank canvas. My only request was that she tell my story. The day of the tattoo, I committed to the process fully—I chose not to see the design beforehand. The first time I saw it was after she finished the outline. When I looked in the mirror, I was overwhelmed—in every sense of the word. Overstimulated, emotional, but also incredibly powerful. She captured something I didn’t even know I needed. It’s not something I would have chosen myself, but it is perfect. It is my shield. On my hardest days, when I’m facing my past or fighting my demons, I look at it and remember: I am strong. I have survived. I have done hard things—and I am still here. What Jessie does goes far beyond creating stunning tattoos. She connects, she listens, and she pours all of that into her work—and into her clients. Queer-friendly. A safe, welcoming space for authentic, “weird” humans. A place for trauma and healing. Private rooms and deeply intentional sessions. I’m forever grateful.

I got a tattoo from Jessica back in October, and I can honestly saw it was the best experience I've ever had. After having someone negative experiences with previous artists, I was nervous, but the moment I met Jessica, it all felt right. Jessica was warm, welcoming, understanding, and so incredibly nice. The studio was beautiful, clean, and exactly what you want to see when walking in to get a tattoo. I really enjoyed my experience and my tattoo is absolutely beautiful. I will definitely be going back in the future and I think you should to. Thank you Jessica! ❤️

Absolutely love Jessica and Josh! I have been getting tattooed by Jessica for 8 years now and she is such an amazing artist, very helpful in making my ideas come to life and they both makes you feel very comfortable in the studio. Would highly recommend Jessica or Josh to anyone!

I worked with Jess several times. She is one of the sweetest and caring people I’ve met! She wants her clients to be happy so she asks for input will give options for me to choose from. She is a perfectionist too and will make sure the tattoo looks exactly how it’s supposed to. She is very talented and remarkably quick! I honestly can’t say enough good things about Jess! I haven’t gotten tattooed by Josh, but I’ve seen his work! His use of color is amazing and the tattoo itself is picture perfect! He is always inviting and easy to talk to! It’s a great tattoo parlor and I would highly recommend it to anyone!!!

As far as I'm concerned, Josh and Jessica are THE premium tattoo artists of the North Shore. There are no other options. They are masters of their crafts - brilliant artists, ready to bring the brightest corners of your imagination to life upon the canvas of your own sweet, sweet flesh. I have personally given Josh kindergarten-level sketches, and he has been able to realize them beyond my the limits of my grasping conceptualizations. It is also worth noting that they are both incredibly kind and compassionate people who will go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable while under their needles. Long story short, they are 100% worth their cost. Take heed, lest you taint yourself forever with an inferior experience elsewhere.

Absolute adore Fable Grove. I have a few. pieces by Jessica and I cannot express how safe and comfy I feel with her tattooing me. The environment at Fable Grove is not only beautiful but calming, peaceful and full of love but extremely clean. Jessica and Josh put so much work into creating a welcoming and safe place. It’s easy to see how much they care for each client individually and the shop itself.

I've been seeing Josh monthly since August of 24. He's been bringing my double sleeve concept to life in the most colorful way possible and I couldn't be happier! Josh and Jessica's studio is so welcoming. I've seen Jessica's work often while sitting and it's always just as amazing as Josh's. As long as I'm living in Duluth they'll be my first choice for tattoos.

5 enthusiastic stars for this shop and the artists! Fable Grove is conveniently located in downtown Duluth and is the most creative, clean, and comforting tattoo shop I’ve ever experienced. Jessie and Josh are not only incredible artists, but they also provide the utmost professional, high-quality, and trauma-conscious services to their clients. I have multiple pieces done by Jessie, totaling around 30 hours of work together. She took the time to listen to my story and understand the inspiration behind the healing work I was seeking, then executed each piece beyond my hopes and expectations. Most of her work on my leg was done freehand, and the rose was a special treat from one of her flash events. She ensured my comfort and safety during every session—offering breaks, snacks, and clear home care instructions. My tattoos remain vibrant as time passes, and I can’t wait to be in her chair again. I couldn’t imagine trusting any other shop with my work.

Fable Grove Tattoo is truly an enchanting place with the most talented artists! Jessica and Josh are truly the best. They are welcoming, warm, SO talented, honest, and incredibly knowledgeable. I have been commuting from the Twin Cities multiple times over the last year for a few pieces with Jessica Crotty and wouldn't think twice about making the commute to sit with her for future pieces. Jessica's work is truly exceptional. Layer on top of that her care, genuineness, and full-hearted presence as an artist - pure magic! Jessica has been incredibly responsive and thoughtful about the design of my full sleeve and I feel like she really listened to what I was hoping to capture through her art. What she designed is literally a dream and the way she has been able to weave together multiple elements of my story is such a gift! During one of my visits, I had an old piece from a different artist that I was hoping to fix/cover up and Jessie and Josh were both very straightforward about what it would take to really do that well. I so appreciate their honesty and respect for the craft. The studio itself is such a good vibe. The curiosities, art, exposed brick, high ceilings, greenery, snacks, comfy couches, and always varying eclectic music make this studio one of kind.

AMAZING!! Jessica is so kind, so thoughtful, and OOOZING with Talent!!! ❤️ She made me feel very comfortable sitting for my six hour sessions - I’ve had a few with her! 🙂 So happy to see Fable Grove Tattoo come to fruition! It’s A STUNNING PLACE! I can’t wait to begin work on my second sleeve with her!

Had a wonderful experience here getting a tattoo from Jessica & hope to be back in the future!

A friend and I drove to Duluth from the Twin cities and spent two full days at Fable Grove. Jessica and Josh have created such a lovely space! The vibe at Fable Grove is truly different than any other tattoo shop that I have been to. We felt so comfortable and welcome! We both had custom tattoos done by Jessica and they are gorgeous and timeless! I would highly recommend this shop to anyone looking for a welcoming and comfortable space and a gifted artist!

My husband and I recently visited Fable Grove Tattoo for our first tattoos. The entire experience was amazing. Jessica and Josh made it so easy and calmed our nerves. They explained each step of the process, and checked in with us throughout to make sure we were doing okay. The space is beautiful; clean, quiet, private, and with a gorgeous atmosphere. Jessica and Josh are clearly both very skilled in their professions. We had communicated a couple ideas via email/zoom prior to the big day, and the designs they created were absolutely perfect. Jessica is absolutely amazing at botanicals, and Josh executed my husband's astronauts perfectly! The healing process was super easy with minimal trauma to the skin. Jessica and Josh walked us through aftercare and provided some really nice, soothing balms. They have been available via chat/phone for any follow up questions as well. Overall, would definitely recommend Fable Grove Tattoo and will likely be back again!

I can't recommend this place enough! Josh is such a talented artist and could not of found a better person for my tattoo! The place is so clean and such a calming environment that really matched the style that I personally like! Josh was very pleasant to have a nice conversation with and I was pleasantly surprised how relaxing getting my tattoo was. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking at getting a meaningful tattoo or a sleeve!

I had a flash tattoo done at the Duluth Cider Big Apple Bash event by Josh and it turned out amazing! Even at a pop-up, everything was clean and sanitary. Everyone I encountered helping for the tattoo pop-up was super friendly and made me feel comfortable. Highly recommend!

Cannot recommend enough. I worked with Jessica Crotty for my 1st ever tattoo and had an amazing experience. The Fable Grove space is beautiful in and of itself. So welcoming! Jessica explained everything so well, and made me feel safe and confident with the process. Her artistry is incredible. She did a freehand floral that is stunning. It fits me and what I wanted to so well, and her ability to freehand means a complete custom piece that fits me perfectly. I've received so many compliments. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I will definitely be working with her again!

I have been lucky enough to get a full sleeve and leg tattoo by Jessica Crotty. She has always been very communicative and helpful during the design process. Her artistic skills and attention to detail are like none other. I am proud to get to have her artwork on me, and get endless compliments on it. I can’t say enough about the amazing space Jessica and her husband, Josh, have created at Fable Grove. They have created a space that reflects them as artists and individuals. It is inclusive, welcoming and calming.

Fable Grove is a tattoo studio built upon the passion for art that both Jessica and Josh share. Certainly, one may be able to recognize that both in the quality of their work, as well as the inviting atmosphere that they create for those seeking their services. I was first tattooed by Jessica years ago. A young 20 something at the time, I hadn't had the best of tattoo experiences, and I found myself quite anxious. Jessica took the time to make me feel safe in her chair, and truly made the whole process enjoyable. The thought and effort she put into customizing a deeply meaningful tattoo is a direct reflection of the compassion and care with which she seems to meet each and every project. Artists like these two are something special. If you are looking for an unparalleled tattoo experience with industry folk who care, Fable Grove is the place for you.

I’ve been getting tattooed by Jessica for over 5 years now, and I’ve loved her calm energy and beautiful color work so much that I follow her wherever she goes. I make the trip from Minneapolis to Duluth to get tatttooed by Jessica and I was so beyond happy to get to be tattooed at her very own shop (Fable Grove). The environment is so relaxing and beautifully created, it has so many amazing touches that make it feel very much like home. Jessica and her husband are both great people who deserve the world and I’m so glad they have their own space to share their talent with the world. I promise you that a trip to Fable Grove will be the best tattoo experience you’ve had. Thanks as always Jess! I have been getting non stop compliments on how bright and bold my sleeve is and how much people love it! Can’t wait to finish it up!

This was my first tattoo and a 3/4 sleeve as a matter of fact; so I was a bit nervous at first but I couldn’t be more happy with the whole process beginning to end! The studio is amazing and I felt more than comfortable and at home for each of my sessions. I can’t recommend Jessica enough!

The first thing you have to do is check out the shop - the second you step in it feels like a little slice of heaven. And then you meet Jess and Josh. Equally as amazing. I've never had the pleasure of getting any work by Josh but I've seen his work, and watched his sessions and plus Jess wouldn't open a studio with someone just average. Jess. There are no words for the level of her customer service. First tattoo, first session with her, 20th session with her. You are the ONLY thing that matters the second you walk through that door. Add to that the level of her art - nothing short of magic. Black and grey, color, floral, ornamental, animals, name it and she will do something so outstanding it will exceed expectations. Getting tattooed by her is an honor.

I now have 2 tattoos done by Jess and they’re just stunning. Jess put a lot of thought and creativity into both pieces while also incorporating specific details I wanted. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a tattoo artist, and also recommend giving her creative license to take your idea(s) and run with them. You won’t be disappointed!

I have been getting tattooed by Jessica since 2021 and have nothing but wonderful things to say about her as a person, an artist, and a professional. She has tattooed most of my upper body at this point, so I have spent a pretty significant amount of time in her chair! Both Jessica and Josh put so much care into their shop and it shows in every last detail of their space. They care not only about providing quality tattoos, but providing a safe and comfortable experience start to finish. I have been getting tattoos for over a decade now and have learned through experience that quality work does not always equate to a quality experience. The Crottys take pride in their work and are genuinely passionate about the pieces they take on. They are also so supportive and encouraging of each other’s artistry, it makes for a very positive experience as the client. Again, I cannot say enough good things about them and I am so grateful that they have created this space in Duluth ❤️

I can not say enough good things about Josh, Jessica and their new space. It is beautiful and very comfortable.

Such a cool space ran by a talented, kind, respectful, and overall awesome couple. Josh has done a lot of work on me and Jess has done a lot on my wife. I can’t recommend them enough.

Fable Grove Tattoo is a welcoming studio with talented and kind tattoo artists. I saw Jessica Crotty over the span of a few months to complete a full sleeve. She was communicative and accommodating and made the process truly wonderful while creating a beautiful piece that gets compliments wherever I go. I made the trip from the Twin Cities for each appointment, and I would travel even further to work with Jessica again. She really went above and beyond any expectations and I will enthusiastically sing her praises wherever I can. If you are looking for a beautiful tattoo and a great studio, look no further.

Jessica warmly welcomed me! The space is stunning and I immediately felt that I was in a safe space. I booked a full day. Jessica was very communicative, making sure the process went smoothly and I was okay the whole time. LGBT friendly and no judgement! I made the trip from the Twin Cities and would highly recommend the shop to anyone in the state.