OLIVIA

I was born in South Africa and migrated to Canada in 1991 when I was 8 years old.  I have always loved painting with acrylics, but didn't know how to turn that into a career until one day - in 2012 - I decided to google "how to make money from painting pictures?". Tattooing came up in my search! At first, I wasn't sure if I would fit into the industry, but I followed my gut and jumped into it.  Urban Ink in Mississauga took me on as an apprentice and I had the honour to apprentice under some amazing artists.  Once my apprenticeship was done in 2013, I spread my wings and worked at Follow The Son in Fort McMurray for two and a half years. Following the birth of my beautiful son, we decide to move back home, where I then joined the team at Rockstar Ink  in Hamilton for a few years. Finally, with the support of my amazing husband, I took a leap and opened The Golden Pearl in November 2018.  I specialize in black and grey realism and stipple work.  I no longer do colour pieces.