'I've gone from £300 a day to £60 a week': Chesterfield tattoo artist's pandemic nightmare prompts support from town businesses

Stu O’Neill was hoping to open a new studio on Derby Road after lockdown restrictions are eased – but has been forced to use his savings ‘simply to stay alive’ and can no longer afford to refit the premises.

He was working in another studio before the first lockdown last year and took on his new studio after March 23, 2020, so says he does not qualify for the various Government grants.

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Fellow business owner Ayshea Pirie, of Evolve Brows, on Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, says Stu is an ‘incredible’ and ‘talented’ artist who through ‘no fault of his own’ has been left ‘literally without an income’.

Ayshea has launched an online fundraiser to help Stu and see a fellow business owner recover from the pandemic.

"He is a hugely popular tattoo artist with an incredible talent,” she said.

"Stu put his hard-earned savings aside to kit out his new studio, but due to lack of income he has had to use these savings to live.

"He is therefore left in a heartbreaking predicament. He can’t kit out the new studio due to lack of funding, therefore the light at the end of the tunnel we are all seeing is still dark for Stu.”

Stu said he was ‘really touched’ by Ayshea’s efforts but admitted he was ‘slightly embarrassed’ by the situation.

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"You live to your means and I have gone from £300 a day to £60 a week on Universal Credit,” he said.

"It has been a complete nightmare. I’ve had my car repossessed, my bank account shut down and had to use a foodbank.

"The tattoo industry feels like a forgotten industry as it’s been so difficult to get help. I’m now speaking to the council about an additional restrictions grant. They’re hopeful but we will see.”

Stu says he needs about £5,000 to fit out the new studio with bed, chair, desk, ink and other essentials.

The Government said a full range of business support measures have been made available to companies.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told MPs this week he would do ‘whatever it takes to protect jobs and livelihoods across the UK’.

Visit the fundraising page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-stu-oneil-continue-to-trade-after-lockdown.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.