LEAVING A MARK IN SASKATOON
Local body artist’s business continues to enjoy success
Moving into a new, bright and open space further down 20th Street West was the “breath of fresh air” Veronica Tricker needed to continue growing her tattoo and piercing shop in the relaxing, laid-back atmosphere her clients had come to expect from ON2U Tattoo and Body Piercing.
Tricker originally started off piercing more than 20 years ago, renting space in local shops before deciding to open ON2U in 2009.
At that time, she didn’t have any experience tattooing, but with a long-standing love of art she was able to teach herself the skill and has been creating custom pieces ever since.
“I think people tend to migrate towards me because I have a bit of a softer touch and a softer way of approaching (a project,)” she said. “I feel like I’m much more approachable than the average tattoo person.”
Tricker isn’t the only tattooist in the shop, with two more artists and an apprentice by her side, the shop can offer any style — from portraits to tribal to script — though they pride themselves most in their custom one-of-a-kind pieces.
So, if you have a specific style in mind they will make sure you’re matched with the artist best suited for the job.
And if you have a tattoo you are no longer fond of, look no further as Tricker also offers laser tattoo removal to either completely erase the old design or lighten it enough to create an ideal canvas for a coverup piece.
“There’s a lot of people walking around with unwanted tattoos,” she explains.
“And I feel like (laser removal) added a good option to that tattoo industry that people didn’t have before.
“People were basically left with the choice of having (a new tattoo) being bigger and blacker in order to cover an old one. Now, we can lighten the tattoo — which just gives you so many more options that weren’t there before.”
Leanne Bourdages wants to give her clients the VIP experience everyone hopes for when booking a salon treatment — though she does it with a distinctly Cuban flair.
“I’m very involved with the Latin community in the city, so I kind of like to tie that in to the decor and services,” she says.
It’s hard to miss Salon Rojo’s new location thanks to the large mural by local artist Sam Forsyth that covers the building ’s exterior.
The salon’s recent move from its location on Idylwyld Drive into Riversdale has allowed Bourdages to more than double her staff and the salon’s square footage.
Bringing in more staff has diversified the styles and skills available to the salon’s clients, Bourdages explained.
“I really like bringing together all the different personalities, services and ideas,” she said.
“One of our stylists is right from London where he was trained by Vidal Sassoon, so he provides a really upscale hair service.
“For myself, I also speak Spanish so I tailor a lot to Latin speaking clientele.”
Alongside the stylists, there are also a variety of estheticians offering options such as waxing, manicures, pedicures, microderm abrasion, facials, cold laser therapy, massages, Reiki and more at a variety of price points and options to add on additional services to create your own perfect experience.
“I’m aiming for more of a spiritual atmosphere,” Bourdages said.
“Our massage therapist is more of a spiritual service than a clinical one — same with our Reiki practitioner ... I believe everything is energy based and all comes from within so it’s very important to me to feel connected with myself and others and I like sharing that with the clients.”
If you are interested in learning more about the salon, Bourdages suggests checking out their grand reopening celebration Nov. 17 where you will be able to meet the staff, have mini treatments, win prizes and more.
SALON ROJO Owner: Leanne Bourdages Address: 226C Avenue C South Website: salonrojo.ca Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: 306-290-3680 Check: Facebook and Instagram