JBPHH Team Takes a ‘Suite’ and Offbeat Route to Opening First Exchange Tattoo Studio in PAC

Seeking a tattoo studio that reflected a unique lifestyle and fit the Exchange’s and the Air Force’s stringent standards, the Hawaii Consolidated Exchange services team went deep into the ink: In August, team members attended the Pacific Ink & Art Expo (“PIAE”) in Honolulu.

The expo, which focuses on but is not limited to the traditional tattooing roots of Polynesia, featured more than 500 artists.

“This was the first time the Hawaii services team attended an event this large,” said Jennifer Estrella, Hawaii Exchange services business manager. “We went to see who would be interested in working with the Exchange. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to expand our horizons and find new sources.”

From the hundreds of tattoo artists, the services team narrowed choices down to about 10 who showed strong interest into coming onto Hickam Air Base. The team provided the list to Rosa Robles, the contract team leader in Procurement, to send them a solicitation.

From those names, Suite Dreamz Tattoo Studio, based in Honolulu, was chosen to be the first Exchange tattoo studio in Pacific Region. The studio celebrated its grand opening March 17 at the Hickam Air Force Base Exchange.

“Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is excited to be the first in the Pacific Region to offer this service to our service members and their families,” Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Commander Capt. Sam “Smokey” White said at the grand opening ceremony. “We are always looking for ways to add and improve the services we offer to the Joint Base team.”

From left: Robin White, wife of Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam Capt. Sam “Smokey White; JBPHH Executive Director Scott Thompson; Neil Porras, owner, Suite Dreamz Tattoo Studio; JBPHH Deputy Chief of Staff Chris Hergenreter; and Captain White. Suite Dreamz, which held its grand opening March 17 at Hickam AFB, is the first Exchange tattoo studio in Pacific Region.

General Manager Julia Woods said the studio’s opening  “marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Hawaii Exchange and the Pacific Region, where art, lifestyle and self-expression come together in a meaningful way.”

“For many, tattoos are not just about ink—they represent stories, sacrifices and personal milestones,” Woods said. “Our goal is to provide a safe space where people from all walks of life, especially our military community, can celebrate their individuality and the power of artistic expression in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment.”

Working with a Hawaii-based studio was important to the Hickam team.

“Local artists often incorporate elements of Hawaiian lifestyle, traditions and landscapes into their designs, allowing service members to have a unique and meaningful tattoo that reflects the islands’ rich heritage,” Estrella said. “You want it to be original. People want a tattoo that’s from a shop that’s well-known on the island.”

Neil Porras, the owner of Suite Dreamz, lists Polynesian and Filipino tattoos among his specialties on the studio’s web site. A professional tattoo artist since 2008, he established Suite Dreamz in Waikiki in 2012.

“Serving military personnel is an honor, and I deeply respect the sacrifices made by service members and their families,” said Porras, who has cousins in the Army and the Air Force. “Providing them with artistic expression through tattoos is the least I can do to express my gratitude.”

Suite Dreamz serves local and international clients, but Porras is especially proud to work with the Exchange.

“Establishing the first tattoo shop in the Pacific Region is an extraordinary achievement,” he said. “The full impact hasn’t fully registered yet. While being chosen was unexpected, we are fully prepared to meet the challenge. We are creating history, and I am deeply honored to be involved. So much work went into opening this shop and I can’t wait for what the future holds for us. I hope to be a great representative for the local people and tattoo community.”

Exchange tattoo studios must meet high standards, providing a safe and professional environment for Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families,

“We follow strict guidelines and work closely with public health to ensure the studio maintains proper sanitation procedures,” Estrella stated. “Regular inspections are conducted to ensure our service members receive the best care possible.”

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Kot conducted a pre-inspection of the studio Feb. 28. Pacific Region Vice President Jennifer Jordan was on hand for the inspection, which the studio passed with ease.

Estrella gave a shout-out to the Services Healthcare team and Jason Woods, the Exchange’s director of healthcare services, who helped ensure that those standards were met.

“Thanks to his assistance, we arranged a call with the command team,” Estrella said. “Jason emphasized the importance of sanitation and our adherence to body art standards, which helped secure command approval. He supported us throughout the process.”

Celebrating the grand opening of Suite Dreamz Tattoo Studio at Hickam AFB are, from left: Robin White, spouse of Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam commander Capt. Sam “Smokey” White; Kim Porras, wife of Suite Dreamz owner Neil Porras, with their children; Captain White; JBPHH Deputy Chief of Staff Chris Hergenreter; Suite Dreamz owner Neil Porras; JBPHH Exchange Services Business Manager Jenn Estrella; General Manager Julia Woods; and JPBHH Executive Director Scott Thompson.