Meet Joy. Joy has lived in Kelowna for 2 years. She is a passionate tattoo artist and creates super rad and creative tattoo art! 

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Calgary, I have been here for 2 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My assistant Tanya, because she is my best friend!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
O-Lake Cafe and Bistro!

Describe yourself in one word.
Enthusiastic.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Ireland! It is so green, and there is a large blackwork presence there.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Tattooing!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I have a consultation with a client and say, "it's so lovely to meet you!" And they respond with, "You've tattooed me before."

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Being accepted as a guest artist in awesome studios across Canada.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My family and I didn't know what to name our new puppy, then we saw him skip through the grass and settled for "Skippy" as the name.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I donate to the local food banks.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I wish people would stop abusing dogs, and that puppies have good homes!

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Kalamoir!

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see change in reducing the amount of theft, burglaries, etc. Less needles in family-friendly areas.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The wineries and vineyards, they make me feel like I'm in Italy!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Guest spot in Europe
2. Own a dog
3. Learn to make pizza from scratch

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm actually extremely afraid of needles, which is funny because I'm a tattoo artist.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram!

What is the name of your business/organization?
Astral Ink Tattoos.

Why did you get into/start this business?
Tattooing is my passion!

What is the goal of your business?
To spread my artistry with the world!

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding a place to discover my tattoo identity.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do it all the same.

What do you always find yourself saying?
I only ever have five phrases.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't do anything with half of your effort, put 100% into it always!

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My mom!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It is great to support the craft of local artists!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
The friendships I have acquired through tattooing.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!Jays and Arrows!
They have given me the opportunity to become a resident artist at their studio, and everyone is awesome!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
@splootthecorgi on Instagram

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Come see me for a dotwork/blackwork tattoo at Jays and Arrows!

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!