Kaie Peters, 24, always dreamed of working in a vibrant tattoo shop.
But it wasn’t always easy to break into the biz.
Together with her friend, Krystal Kurosawa, a professional piercer, they opened Radical Distractionz in Chilliwack, an all-female owned and operated body modification business.
“Our philosophy is safe and professional piercings and tattoos are the way to go,” said Kurosawa.
It took a year for them to get going from a tiny storefront space on Princess Avenue. Soon it was hopping with tattoo and piercing clients, but they still felt somehow they’d do even better in another location.
So they made the move over to Hocking Avenue, across from Southgate Plaza last month, and now they are in a spacious eight-room location on the second floor in Princess Court. After weeks of renos and painting, they’re working away in a bright, clean, funky and colourful space.
“We’ve tried to make our environment as comfortable and approachable as possible,” said Kurosawa, adding that questions of all kinds are always welcomed.
Tre’sa May, one of the two tattoo artists on site, offers creative and inspiring ideas, especially when clients aren’t sure what they want in terms of imagery.
“It’s up to us to help them find a way to express themselves. I find out what they want to say, and we go from there.”
To celebrate the grand opening they organized a woman-centred fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, offering loonie sized tattoos for $25, with proceeds going to the charity. That effort brought in a total of $1,200, said Kurosawa.
“It is important to us to be able to support a good cause,” said Peters.
“Overall we’re doing pretty well so far. The rent more than tripled with the new place. We knew it was either go big or go home.”
