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Karyna Sidorenko and Artem Ivanov left Ukraine as Russian artillery battered Zaporizhzhia, where the neighborhood surrounding their tattoo shop became part of the front lines. They ultimately rebuilt their business in Arlington, opening Banana Peel Tattoos on Washington Boulevard.

“It was not easy,” Sidorenko said. Since moving to the area in 2023, the artists have combined their Ukrainian tattoo experience with an emphasis on hospitality and cultural exchange.

Their work has earned more than 30 trophies, along with sponsorship from Extreme Inks. The studio also uses custom products from Galliott Needles.

Banana Peel’s unusual name reflects the playful experience its owners want to create. Customers are offered fresh fruit, snacks and tea, with the shop’s receptionist also working as a barista. Sidorenko said the team wanted something funny and found that clients liked the idea.

Customers have also praised Ivanov’s work and attentiveness. One reviewer called him “an incredible artist,” while another said Ivanov helped him remain comfortable through a tattoo session lasting more than eight hours.

The artists are scheduled to appear at the first annual Northern Virginia Tattoo Arts Festival at Dulles Town Center from Friday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Oct. 26. The Villain Arts event will feature tattoo artists, piercers, tooth-gem artists and vendors offering jewelry, clothing, artwork and unusual collectibles.

Scheduled entertainment includes circus acts, burlesque sideshow performances, a contortionist archer and human suspension.

Ivanov’s U.S. honors include first-place finishes at the Baltimore Tattoo Convention in 2023, 2024 and 2025, the DC Tattoo Convention in 2023 and the Richmond Tattoo Convention in 2024.