ink runs in the family SINCE 1999
Our story might be long but it’s a good one. It’s not by accident that we’re the longest-standing tattoo establishment in the US Virgin Islands. And we want you to be part of our legacy.
Jim and Gail, Matt's stepfather and mother, open the shop under the name Jimmy Buffham Tattoos. Jim becomes known as a talented tattoo artist as Gail runs the shop and perfects her practice as a piercer.
1999
2003
Matt begins working with Jim and Gail, learning how to tattoo and manage the shop.
2009
Jim and Gail retire to Ecuador, leaving the shop in the hands of Matt, his brother Jason, and Jason's wife Ingelise.
2011
Jason and Ingelise move to Denmark to start their family. Matt runs the shop by himself until Corinna joins the family, and eventually the shop in 2019.
2022
The shop is renamed Legacy Tattoo & Piercing inspired by Jim’s legacy.
your
shop
We're a tattoo and piercing shop that values and holds onto its history but isn't afraid to move forward and evolve. We strive to always be learning, improving, and bringing the best possible product we can to our clientele.
We provide our clients with a trustworthy, safe, and fun experience where everyone feels welcome.
Talented artists & really nice folks
Matthew
Rusilowski
tattoo artist
Originally from Michigan, Matt moved to St. Thomas in 2001 and joined Jimmy Buffham Tattoos in 2003 where he apprenticed under his stepfather, Jim. He specializes in fine line, minimalist, and script/lettering tattoos.
PLUS, HE’S AN EXPERT DART PLAYER, LIKE SERIOUSLY. JUST ASK.
Ned
Auradou
piercer
Born and raised in St. Thomas, Ned loves being outdoors and is a modern-day Renaissance man with multiple areas of interest and expertise.
HE’S LIVED MANY LIVES AS A MOKO JUMBIE, PAINTBALL INSTRUCTOR, DJ, ARTIST & NOW, PIERCER.
tattoo artist
Originally from Arkansas, Rob began tattooing in 1999. He’s experienced in all tattoo styles but enjoys color and black and gray realism, as well as dark imagery and bio-organic the most. He first visited St. Thomas in 1990 and moved down permanently in January of 2025. Rob loves fishing, playing guitar, cooking, and spending time with family.
always in the pursuit of human flesh to tattoo on. will accept money & friendly banter for payment.
Rob
Austin
Operations
& Social Media Manager
Corinna moved to St. John as a 1-year-old and grew up on the island. Her first tattoo was done by Jim and her second tattoo by Matt. That’s actually how they met and started dating. She moved to St. Thomas in 2008 and became the shop manager in 2019.
loves to make lists (just to feel the satisfaction of crossing things off) while hanging out on the couch with matt & the cats. #perfection
Corinna
Magee
Ned has pierced me a few times and his needle handling is fantastic. Always very quick and painless, and he’s very knowledgeable. Only piercer I go to on island.
Amazing!!!! My husband and I were in St. Thomas for our honeymoon and really wanted to get a small tattoo. This was my first tattoo and I could not have picked a better place to go. Everyone was absolutely amazing. Matt explained everything to me step-by-step and was patient with me. I would definitely go back.
My friend and I walked into the studio yesterday and I got my ears pierced and Ned was super professional, super skilled, and a really cool guy! My friend then booked a tattoo for today. Matt, the owner, did the most rad tattoo for him! Such a nice atmosphere and friendly people!