By Arianne Harell
Professional tattoo artist Margaux Vander Noot brings her drawings to life on the skin of St. Barths locals. Through her art, she turns ideas and moments into permanent memories.
Her work has taken the island by storm. Hundreds of people proudly wear her designs on their arms, legs, or chest. “St. Barths is a small place, so I see people on the street with my tattoos all the time,” says Margaux with a smile. “It’s such a rewarding feeling.”
Ironically, Margaux only has one small tattoo on her wrist. “I must be the least tattooed tattoo artist out there,” she laughs. But that little design holds a big place in her story. It marked the very beginning of her journey.
A natural draw to art
Margaux grew up in a creative world. As a child, she spent hours drawing while her mother, Véronique Vander Noot, a well-known painter on the island, encouraged her every step of the way. Later, she explored culinary art by sculpting cakes. Still, tattooing wasn’t on her radar. That changed just before her 27th birthday, when she received a gift certificate for a tattoo. During the appointment, she told the artist about her passion for drawing and showed him one of her pieces. He was so impressed that he offered to train her.
Margaux said yes. She started out practicing on bananas and synthetic skin. Her mentor then let her work on his own thigh, which became her very first draft. Friends who trusted her talent offered their skin so she could keep practicing. After three months of steady training, her mentor felt she was ready to start charging for her work. She stayed at the shop for two years, learning every day. “He followed my progress closely, worked with me on each client, and passed on his techniques so I could improve,” she says.
“A tattoo becomes part of a new beginning”
In 2020, Margaux took over the space in St. Jean and launched her own studio, St-Barth Ink. Thanks to her earlier work in culinary arts, she already had a solid reputation on the island. “Things move fast in St. Barths. The next day, everyone knows there’s a new tattoo artist,” she says. “You have to prove yourself.” Over the years, she’s built a loyal base of local clients who trust her with large, detailed pieces. Some ask for full arm or back tattoos, while others collect small designs across different parts of their body. Seasonal workers often stop by before leaving, wanting a tattoo to remember their time on the island.
Anyone who’s been to her studio can feel how welcoming the space is. Since 2022, Margaux has been working alongside Eva. “She started out as a client and ended up becoming my assistant, my teammate, and my friend,” she says. Thanks to the duo’s energy and kindness, the studio has grown into something more. “It’s about sharing, about good vibes. People leave with a tattoo, but even more, they leave with a memory.”
Before every session, Margaux takes time to talk with each client. “I always set aside a moment to connect, understand what they’re looking for, and prepare the design,” she explains. She also offers a listening ear during the session itself. “People often come in with a personal story. Sometimes it’s something tough. Sometimes it’s a turning point in their lives,” says Margaux. “That’s when the human side of this job really comes through. A tattoo becomes a meaningful part of that new chapter.”
Always moving forward
Thanks to her skill and dedication, Margaux sees a future full of possibilities. She plans to take part in tattoo competitions and conventions so she can keep growing. She’s eager to meet other tattoo artists, discover new techniques, and explore different artistic styles. But more than anything, she’s looking forward to sharing her passion with artists from around the world. For Margaux, there’s no reason to set limits. No matter the surface, she’ll always find a way to express her art.
