Introducing the babes behind Studio Sashiko — Shaughnessy and Kyle Otsuji. Studio Sashiko is a premier tattoo studio and boutique in Langley, BC, Canada. Shaughnessy works as head artist in the studio, specializing in eyebrow microblading and areola restorative tattooing. Kyle helps operate and maintain the back-end of the studio. Together, Kyle and Shaughnessy lead an impressive team of quality artists that focus on a variety of services including cosmetic and restorative tattooing. After Brunette the Label founder Miriam Alden visited the studio, Shaughnessy and Miriam became fast friends and ever since Studio Sashiko has been a huge supporter of Brunette the Label, carrying Brunette the Label products in-store and collaborating on custom pieces. Shaughnessy and Kyle are babes because of their true passion for helping others through restorative tattooing.
What does Babes Supporting Babes mean to you?
Shaughnessy: Babes Supporting Babes means uplifting and helping others to reach any goals that they’re chasing. Supporting your friends, family and community will help build a stronger, more positive surrounding!
How did you get started and what is the history behind your business?
Kyle: We worked in tattoo studios for many years where Shaughnessy was a manager and I was a piercer. We always knew we wanted to run our own business but never really knew where to start. Shaughnessy heard about microblading and was interested in learning more so she found and took a course and was instantly busy.
At the time, no one was offering realistic eyebrows, so naturally she was highly sought after. After a few years of working in other tattoo studios we decided to open our own store. At the same time, we were looking to move out of the city and found ourselves in Langley where we bought a house. In 2015, Studio Sashiko was born!
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your business?
Shaughnessy: We wish people knew that tattoos are a huge commitment and that you should do your research before deciding to take the plunge. We see far too many previously tattooed eyebrows come through the door that are totally unworkable and require removal before we can correct them.
What is the hardest part of having your own business?
Shaughnessy: There are a lot of hard parts, but finding a team of quality artists who are passionate about helping others and who can produce the work that we’re known for can be difficult! There are plenty of microbladers out there but there’s only a small percentage that we would consider having on our team. We’re lucky we found an awesome group of artists who work well together and produce amazing natural-looking work.
What would you like to be remembered for?
Kyle: We would love to be remembered for our artwork and the impact it has had on thousands of clients. Our goal is always to create the most realistic-looking results and luckily we are quickly becoming well-known for this style of work.
What person or organization would you love to collaborate with and why?
Shaughnessy: We’d love to branch out and collaborate with BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre or any other organization that focuses on women’s’ health. Our client and friend list consists of so many incredible female business owners that we’re lucky to already have collaborated with so many — like Brunette the Label!
What inspired you to pursue this industry?
Shaughnessy: We noticed a lack of realism in the cosmetic tattoo industry and we were confident that we could produce great eyebrows at Studio Sashiko.
What motivates you on a Monday morning?
Kyle: Knowing that we have a full week of beautiful faces to look forward to! We absolutely love our job so Monday is just like any other day.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Shaughnessy: We heard this once and we pass it on to all of our artists: Treat every client as if they are your first. Although on some days it may seem like just a job, the clients have been waiting for this moment for a long time so we want to make sure that their experience is an amazing one.
What do you do when you feel like giving up?
Shaughnessy: Be like Nike and JUST DO IT! If you don’t try, you’ll never know.
What book do you think everyone should read?
Shaughnessy: Becoming by Michelle Obama.
What trends are you noticing in your industry?
Shaughnessy: It’s great to see so many artists around the globe embracing the art of the fluffy brow. We’re starting to see a lot more clients who are looking for a wispier, more unkempt brow which is our favourite style to tattoo.
Tell us about a Babe who has supported you?
Shaughnessy: The Studio Sashiko Babes! Every single human that works with us is so genuine and supportive. We’re constantly inspiring each other and everyone is always so excited about all of our crazy ideas. It’s amazing having such a great support system surrounding us every day.
What is the most fulfilling part of your career?
Shaughnessy: The best feeling comes from helping our clients feel like themselves again by restoring features they’ve lost.
What are three things in your bag that you couldn’t live without?
Shaughnessy: My iPhone, chap stick and brow gel.
Kyle: Also my iPhone, toothpicks and allergy pills.
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Kyle: The decision to finally branch out and start our own tattoo studio. We don’t have business educations so it was definitely scary at first, but you learn as you go. It has been incredibly rewarding.
Champagne, wine or cocktail?
We don’t drink! So… green tea! 🙂
What quality are you working right now?
Shaughnessy: Living in the moment and not overthinking things. Also, Marie Kondo-ing our life by focusing on the things that spark joy.
Do you have a life mantra or motto that you live by?
Do good while you’re doing well.
Who should EVERYONE be following right now?
Everyone needs to follow @pardonthyfrench who is a tripod rescue Frenchie and a cancer survivor. You’ll thank us later.
If you could put anything on a billboard, what would it be?
Shaughnessy: NIPPLE TATTOOS! We’d spread the word about the services that are possible for individuals who’ve experienced breast cancer or surgical trauma.
What’s next?
Kyle: Hopefully we’ll continue to grow and eventually have more locations. We want to be able to service ALL of our amazing customers around the world and in order to do that we need to multiply.
Keep up with Shaughnessy and Kyle on Instagram at @shaugnessy, @plant.tings and @studiosashiko.
Interview by Miriam Alden.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.
Video by Laura Reid.