How A Tat of Class got started

I have always wanted to be able to live in the country and walk out my door,

with a coffee in my hands and 2 golden dogs at my feet. To do what I wanted

to do - which was artwork. This was my dream at 14 years old.

Ever since I can remember, I've gravitated to art, in one form or another. It was the therapy that I did (needed) and something that no one could take away from me (even during divorce). I struggled raising 2 boys on my own. I worked as a welder at John Deere in Welland. Until one day, they announced they were closing. I was already searching for a better future than factory work. I was going back to school! This time to do what I should have done in the first place - art. At the time of leaving John Deere, the guys were encouraging me to persue my art. I finally started listening. They said I didn't belong in a factory. I had to ogree. Some of my recent art was being published in a Canadian Wildlife hardcover. It was always art....

I did a Graphic Design course in Niagara College. I couldn't imagine myself working in a cubicle somewhere, but I was glad I learned these skills. It was like the Universe was waiting for me to get my shit together and start helping myself. And a phone call came, offering to teach me how to tattoo. I didnt hesitate and said yes! Learning now at 38 years old?? Whatever! I learned off another artist who was opening shop near me. But then he never did. I went out on my own. A shop in Niagara Falls with another female artist. I am not a city girl whatsoever. There were drug deals going on in my front window and I never felt safe there.

One day, it burned down. Mysteriously the same day a big tattoo shop opened next door. This was my new direction!

I approached a local day spa in Fort Erie and offered to rent a room from them. I was in ! Having the advantage of being older and a very non-intimidating location, I stayed there for about 14 years. In the latter years, I purchased land up north here in South River, ON and started building. I ended up in an office of my own in Parry Sound.

Then Covid hit 2020. It shut me down. Devistated business. We were in the middle of building a chicken coop for the homestead and hubby pushed the idea of turning it into a studio. Who's going to come out here? A tiny 12 x 12 foot she shed (bitch barn?). I haven't looked back since!

And here I was, living in the country, walking out the door with a coffee in my hands and 2 golden dogs (rescues) at my feet - to do what I wanted to do! Who knew it would have been tattooing?!?! I colour for a living! And get to live out here with the moose and bear next to Algonquin Park! How much better can life get?? Life is good!

I have to thank each and every client for following me through my story. Even the ones who laughed at me and said it counld't be done.

Love Jennette