Stefi Hallstrom wears many hats: fire captain, artist, entrepreneur—and now, owner of Cathlamet’s only tattoo studio.
Hallstrom, who moved to the small town in 2022 from Everett, Wash., opened Stoneriver Tattoo last year with her partner, Nick Sevald. The couple, who live just off Main Street with their blended family, also volunteer at the Cathlamet Fire Department. Hallstrom was recently voted in as one of the department’s two captains and responded to a residential fire on Jacobson Road earlier this month.
“It takes a certain kind of person to be willing to fight fires, especially for no money,” Hallstrom said. She describes that kind of person as “empathetic and a little crazy.”
Her tattoo journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic. After an internship fell through, Hallstrom dedicated herself to drawing for hours each day, eventually building a strong portfolio. When the world reopened, she launched into what she calls “the dance of the apprenticeship fairy,” taking her first steps into the professional tattoo world.
Recognizing her talent, Sevald encouraged her to turn it into a business. Together, they converted a small travel trailer into a full-service mobile tattoo studio—now a fixture in Cathlamet. Sevald manages logistics like inventory and taxes, while Hallstrom focuses on the art and client experience.
“Tattooing made art sustainable for me,” she said.
Stoneriver Tattoo derives its name from a translation of “Hallstrom,” the Swedish surname of her grandfather. The mobile studio features a distinctive atmosphere, complete with eclectic wall art, a framed bat skeleton, and progressive rock streaming from hidden speakers. Cleanliness and sterility are top priorities, Hallstrom emphasized.
Looking ahead, she hopes to establish a permanent, brick-and-mortar shop where she can train apprentices and build a small team. “I always wanted to own a business,” she said. “I want to be a good boss.”
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