Jen Beirola “Jen B”

Jen Beirola is an award-winning tattoo artist recognized for her bold, expressive work. A lifelong artist, Jen’s creative journey began with a dream of attending art school, which she initially postponed to serve in the U.S. Air Force in 1998. While stationed in Omaha, Nebraska, she discovered her calling in tattooing and became a regular at a local tattoo shop, eventually securing an apprenticeship.

Her first mentor was the late James Addy, known as Jimbo, at Crash Tattoo—a classic 90s-style street shop. Following Jimbo’s closure due to personal struggles, Jen continued her apprenticeship with Dick Warsocki and Robbie Holmes at Grinn & Barrett Tattoo in South Omaha, where she honed her skills in street shop tattooing.

After 9/11, Jen’s military commitment forced her to pause her tattooing career until her honorable discharge in 2004. She returned to Grinn & Barrett, ultimately becoming the owner. Recognizing the evolving industry, she transformed the studio into a welcoming destination for custom tattoos and seized opportunities to travel to conventions for work and education.  During this time Jen was also entrusted by the US Marshal service to do cover-ups on people entering the witness protection program.  

With over two decades of tattooing experience, Jen returned to the East Coast to establish Rocky Shores Tattoo Co. in her hometown. The shop features a vintage, eclectic ambiance with a focus on artistic integrity, client comfort, and coastal energy.

When not tattooing, Jen enjoys DIY projects, spending time by the water, playing pickle-ball, traveling, golfing, and paddle-boarding. She previously volunteered as a wildlife rehabber for the Rhode Island Wildlife Clinic and hopes to return to that work when time permits. Whether in the studio or outdoors, Jen’s passion for art, nature, and community remains at the forefront of her endeavors.