As the Russian artillery pounded the city of Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, Karyna Sidorenko and Artem Ivanov knew there must be other options for their tattoo business so they packed up and left, ending up in Arlington where they opened “Banana Peel Tattoos,” on Washington Boulevard.

“Where our shop was located, now it’s the front lines,” said Karyna. “It was not easy,” she added. They’ve combined art with resilience and cultural exchange to make it work at Banana Peel.

They found the right spot too, and since they moved in 2023 they’ve won over 30 trophies and brought on a sponsor, “Extreme Inks,” for the ink that they use. Throw in custom needles from Galliott Needles, snacks and tea around the shop and they have a winning formula. More is planned too, but they’re keeping it secret.

Karyna Sidorenko and Artem Ivanov brought their tattoo skills from Ukraine. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Something really, really new in the tattoo industry,” Karyna said.

Even the name “Banana Peel,” says a little more. They serve fresh fruit to customers and their receptionist is a barista too so she brews a variety of teas to make the customers’ experience feel unique. So unique that when the name “Banana Peel,” was brought up, they liked it. “We want to make something funny,” she added, “our clients like it.”

Clients chimed in too. "Artem is an incredible artist" said one reviewer while another named Pablo noted his experience: "He made sure I was comfortable the whole time and helped me get through the whole 8+ hour tattoo in one session"

Next week, they plan on setting up shop at the tattoo convention at the Dulles Town Center. On Friday, Oct. 24 thru Sunday, Oct. 26, Dulles is hosting the Villain Arts’ 1st Annual Northern Virginia Tattoo Arts Festival. In addition to all the tattoos, there will be expert piercers, tooth gem artists, and vendors selling everything from fancy jewelry and stylish clothing to rare oddities and art pieces. There is also a full lineup of live entertainment all weekend, including a contortionist archer, dazzling burlesque sideshow performances, circus acts, and even stunning human suspension, the description said.

Award Winning

Artem has received several top awards during his time in the U.S., including:

– 1st place at the Baltimore Tattoo Convention in 2023, 2024, and 2025

– 1st place at the DC Tattoo Convention in 2023

– 1st place at the Richmond Tattoo Convention in 2024