Today we’d like to introduce you to Bart Andrews.
Hi Bart, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story really starts with art and community.
My wife Pepper and I opened Unify Tattoo Co. in St. Augustine back in 2014 with a simple goal — to create something different from the typical tattoo shop. We didn’t want flash on the walls and a traditional vibe. We wanted a welcoming, creative space that felt more like an art studio or gallery where people could feel safe, inspired, and connected.
From day one, Unify was built on intention. We focused on craftsmanship, hospitality, and culture just as much as tattooing. Over time it became more than a studio — it became a gathering place. We hosted art shows, events, and collaborations with local musicians and creatives. People weren’t just coming in for tattoos; they were coming to hang out, connect, and be part of something.
That community energy is really what led to Kava & Canvas Lounge.
We started noticing that so many meaningful conversations were happening after hours — people wanting a place to slow down, create, and connect without the pressure of alcohol or the typical bar scene. Kava felt like a natural fit. Historically, kava has always been tied to ceremony, storytelling, and community — which mirrors tattoo culture in a lot of ways.
When we built the lounge, we were intentional about doing it right. We brought in our partner, Kelley Fitzsimonds, who has over 30 years of craft cocktail and bar programming experience, to help shape the botanical menu and overall bar experience. His knowledge and passion helped us elevate the concept beyond just drinks and into something thoughtful and curated.
Kava & Canvas is now a sober social environment centered around botanicals, art, music, and wellness. We host everything from live music and open mics to yoga, sound healing, art nights, and educational workshops. It’s designed to be a place where people can show up exactly as they are — whether they’re getting tattooed, sharing a drink, or just connecting with others.
Today, both businesses really operate as one ecosystem. Unify is about permanent art and self-expression. Kava & Canvas is about presence, conversation, and community. Together they create this creative hub that feels uniquely St. Augustine — equal parts art, culture, and intention.
At the end of the day, we’re not just running businesses. We’re building spaces where people feel like they belong.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any small business, it definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road — but honestly, I think that’s part of what shapes you.
Unify Tattoo Co. has always been a growing and evolving space. Over the years we’ve had incredible artists come and go, which is natural in a creative industry. But we’ve always focused on maintaining strong relationships and a positive culture, and that consistency is what’s allowed us to keep moving forward. Growth has never just meant expansion to us — it’s meant community and longevity.
Opening Kava & Canvas Lounge brought a different kind of challenge.
The lounge was born out of my own sobriety and our shared love for art, connection, and creating healthier social spaces. Because it’s such a unique concept — combining a tattoo studio with a sober botanical lounge — there wasn’t really a blueprint to follow. We ran into both internal and external obstacles, from navigating city logistics to simply helping people understand what we were building.
We also learned that when you evolve, not everyone evolves with you. Some familiar faces fell away — but in their place we’ve been incredibly grateful to see new people step in who truly align with what we’re creating. That shift actually strengthened our community more than we expected.
Now we’re seeing regulars come in during the day to work or relax, and then stay for music, art nights, or events. Watching that organic growth has been really rewarding.
At the end of the day, no business is 100% smooth sailing. But those rough patches teach you how to adapt, how to lead, and how to build something that lasts. If it were easy all the time, you probably wouldn’t grow the way you need to.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Personally, I’m known for versatility and adaptability as an artist.
Over the years, I’ve worked across nearly every tattoo style — from large-scale custom pieces and photo realism to traditional Americana, Japanese, black and grey, and complex cover-ups. I’ve never wanted to be boxed into one lane. My approach is always about listening first and creating something that fits the individual, not forcing a specific aesthetic. That flexibility has really become my signature.
Beyond tattooing itself, I’ve also naturally stepped into the role of curator and community builder. I’ve hosted conventions, organized events, and love creating platforms where artists and creatives can connect. For me, it’s just as important to build the environment around the art as it is to create the art itself.
My wife, Karrie (Pepper), brings an incredible level of technical precision and fine-art mastery to the studio. She’s especially known for her photo realism work — from animal portraits to meaningful pieces honoring loved ones — and she’s also an accomplished painter. Her traditional art background adds a depth and craftsmanship that really elevates everything we do.
With Kava & Canvas Lounge, our partner Kelley Fitzsimonds contributes over 30 years of craft cocktail and bar programming experience. His passion for thoughtful ingredients, balance, and hospitality helped us approach botanicals the same way we approach tattooing — intentionally and creatively. Instead of simple syrup-based drinks, we focus on craft mocktails and layered flavor profiles that create a more refined, sensory experience. It’s about elevating both the palate and the atmosphere.
Together, we’re known for creating more than just a tattoo shop or a kava bar — we build immersive, creative spaces. Places where the visuals, the drinks, the art, and the energy all work together. That attention to detail and depth is really what sets us apart.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that often surprises people is how deeply intentional and spiritual I am.
Tattooing and hospitality can seem like purely creative or social industries, but for me they’ve always been rooted in something more meaningful. My sobriety, mindfulness, and personal growth have really shaped how I approach both life and business.
I see tattooing as storytelling and healing in its own way, and I see the lounge as a space for connection and presence. A lot of the decisions we make — from the atmosphere to the events we host — come from wanting to create environments where people feel grounded and safe.
So while the outside might look like art and drinks, the foundation is actually purpose, community, and intention. Outside of work, I try to keep life simple — spending time with my family and getting outdoors whenever I can. That balance keeps everything centered.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.unifytattoofl.com & www.kavaandcanvaslounge.com
