My story
Born with the ink of creativity flowing in my veins, my journey into the world of tattoo artistry began at age 15 when I got my first tattoo. I was so intrigued by the process that I imagined myself at the other end of the tattoo bed. But this was the 1990s, a time before Miami Ink brought tattooing out of the realm of shame and taboo. A time when you could realistically know every tattoo shop in your city, and every artist that worked there. A time when unless you had a tattoo artist uncle or best friend, artists were anything but eager to let you into their club.
As fate would have it, in 2002 just a few weeks after celebrating my 18th birthday, I found myself in one of the busiest tattoo and piercing shops in Montreal. Despite finally being old enough to get a tattoo without a parent to sign for me, I was actually there to get my eyebrow pierced. A lovely conversation with the woman behind the desk (who turned out to be the manager and co-owner) led to a job offer. The following week, I dove headfirst into the vibrant and dynamic industry. Little did I know that this would mark the inception of a lifelong passion.
In the early days, I adorned skin not with permanent ink but with the temporary art of henna and body paint. Learning the ins and outs of the shop, I dealt with clients, sold jewelry, sterilized tools, mopped the floors, and occasionally assisted with body piercing.
The year 2004 marked a significant shift as I traded the fleeting beauty of henna for the enduring legacy of tattoos. At first, my portfolio comprised every style imaginable—from the bold strokes of traditional tattoos to the intricate delicacy of fine line work. I tried every style, and took on most challenges. As I dipped my toes into this vibrant ocean, I immersed myself in learning the intricate ins and outs of the craft, absorbing the wisdom of those who paved the way before me. Every ink stroke was a humble expression of gratitude.
As the years unfolded, so did my artistic identity. Black and grey realism emerged as a magnetic force, drawing me into its shadows and nuances. It was like finding your favorite flavor of ice cream, except the flavor was shades of grey, and instead of a cone, it was skin.
In 2010, an unassuming decision marked a shift in my journey. I bid farewell to the familiar shop that had become my second home and, in 2011, hailed the dawn of Dahlia Professional Piercing and Tattoo Studio. The decision to focus on black and grey realism felt like a natural progression, a sincere dedication to a style that resonated with both artist and canvas.
The year 2022 unfolded as a chapter of change, marked by a relocation and a fresh identity – Wild Magnolia Tattoo Studio emerged, not just a name change, but a rebranding, a declaration that the artistic soul of the studio had evolved.
Awards, though humbly accepted, are like whispers of encouragement along the way. With more than 40 won at different conventions over the years, they reflect not just personal achievements but the shared joy of creating meaningful stories on the skin of others.
Amidst the ink and awards, I wear the mantle of responsibility. Multiple certificates from Health Educators Inc. in Sterilization, Bloodborne Pathogens, Principles of Infection Control, and the Anatomy of a Wound underscore a commitment to the well-being of those who trust me to turn their visions into stories that will be with them forever.
In the tapestry of Wild Magnolia Tattoo Studio, humility is the ink that binds every stroke, and gratitude is the heartbeat that echoes through each creation. For every tattoo, every award, and every chapter written, I remain grounded, acknowledging the privilege of weaving art into the fabric of people's lives.