A new business is opening in the plaza on 8th Avenue in Invermere. Fire Vixen Tattoos, owned and operated by Sarah Eastwick and Craig Smith, will be opening its doors on May 13.

This will be the first shop that Eastwick, who has been a tattoo artist for over 10 years, has worked in that she owns.

“I feel that the timing is right,” said Eastwick. “I’m ready as an artist. This is something I’ve always been dreaming of. Of all the places I’ve travelled, this is my favourite. I couldn’t ask for a better community and area.”

Eastwick and Smith’s friends have volunteered their time to assist with building and renovating the parlour and getting the word on the street about the new shop.

Ray Ray’s Beach Pub has also worked with Fire Vixen Tattoos on cross-promotional business, and will be hosting the parlour’s grand opening party on May 21.

“Excited is an understatement,” said Smith, who is ecstatic with the parlour’s opening. “The transition has been great. This wouldn’t have happened without support from others.”

“People here really take care of each other,” added Eastwick.

She and Smith both went on to thank the various businesses and volunteers who have helped bring the parlour’s opening to fruition.

Eastwick is a former high school teacher. She fell into art and tattooing while in university, studying fine arts while taking a break from her teaching career.

“After honours, I met people who taught me to tattoo, and I never looked back,” said Eastwick.

She has taken her craft across Canada, and has also worked in guest spots in Amsterdam and other European cities.

Of all the places Eastwick has worked, though, Canada has the highest health standards for tattoo parlours – something Eastwick finds extremely important for her work.

As of now, Fire Vixen Tattoos offers only tattoos, but Eastwick is open to hiring a piercer when the time is right.

The tattoo parlour is also hosting guest spots for other tattoo artists in the Valley.

Smith will be handling the business aspect of the parlour, dealing with finances, booking, and more.

He had worked for over four years with a hockey team-owned sports development facility, where he operated a successful sport medicine clinic.

Smith hopes to eventually open a similar clinic in Invermere, but for now, his priorities are with the tattoo parlour.

“I knew that there would be some who would have some doubts about this type of work,” said Eastwick. “I hope those doubts will be put aside when we open. We want to promote a positive and artistic air.”

Eastwick and Smith also hope to decorate their interior with a gallery showcasing artwork from Valley residents.

“At my core, I’m an artist,” said Eastwick, who also does painting and sculpture.

Eastwick hopes to promote this artistic vibe in the parlour with the showcased work.

For more information about Fire Vixen Tattoos, or for a consultation, call 250-688-1115.