On Friday, June 24th, Liquid Amber Tattoo celebrated 10 years of successful business with a party at Joe’s Apartment in downtown Vancouver. The 100% female owned and operated tattoo shop in the heart of Vancouver’s Gastown district has come a long way to get where they are today. Liquid Amber Tattoo, which is named after a type of tree commonly found in the Southern United States, was started by co-owners Luvia Petersen and Justina Kervel. Liquid Amber Tattoo first opened on West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano during the summer of 2001 before moving to their downtown Vancouver location on Burrard St. Currently Liquid Amber Tattoo has settled on 62 Powell Street in Gastown with no future plans to move. In fact Liquid Amber Tattoo co-owner Luvia Petersen plans on building on to what Liquid Amber Tattoo has already accomplished.
“Yes we have a 5-year plan where we would like to be a high-end boutique, appointment only, tattoo shop.”
With ambition like that, it’s no wonder Liquid Amber Tattoo is the top female owned and operated tattoo shop in Vancouver. With four gifted artists who have been working on their craft for years you know you’re in real good hands with either Justina Kervel, Jenny Jarrett, Kylie Gibson, or Rene Botha. However, once Liquid Amber Tattoo does become an appointment only tattoo shop, you may have to get your name on a waiting list before getting tatted up. Local celebrities such as Tegan and Sara, Bif Naked, and television anchor Steve Darling, already know about Liquid Amber Tattoo and it seems Vancouverites do as well. As of today popular artist Justina Kervel is the most sought after artist with a waiting list of over a year. Kervel is still getting use to all of the attention her exceptional work has received.
“At first I didn’t like it”
Jenny Jarrett who doesn’t have a long waiting list started working at Liquid Amber Tattoo in 2005 because of her driving passion to work as an artist.
“I like being able to draw all day, and having my own schedule.”
Jarrett, who has never worked at another tattoo shop, appreciates the close-knit bond that a 100% female owned and operated business can bring to a work environment. While some might frown on working at a business without the other sex, Jarrett doesn’t see it that way.
“We all understand each other and know where everyone is coming from.”
Artist Kylie Gibson, who first started working Reception at Liquid Amber Tattoo, also agrees with the positive aspect that the close family- like atmosphere brings.
“I get along with everyone; there is no drama and no politics,”
With Liquid Amber Tattoo being so succesful with their female empowerment and supportive sisterhood tattoo shop, you might think their clientele would tend to be more women than men. Well, that is not the case according to co-owner Justina Kervel.
“We get tons and tons of men; I would say it’s about 60/40 men.”
When your body has a bare patch of skin that’s craving some ink , it’s clear to me that Liquid Amber Tattoo is the place to go if you want comfort, kindness, and a kick ass tattoo. If you don’t believe me, call them up, make an appointment, and see for yourself.
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