Tesiamonials

Breanna

Tesia made me feel so safe and comfortable during my consults and during my tattoo appointments. She would ask before adjusting any clothing and was just the most professional, considerate, safe space. I felt safer during this process than I've felt at some physiotherapy appointments. 

She considered all my requests and implemented everything into the tattoo design that she could, while still being honest with me if something wouldn't heal well or look right. Whenever I asked anything she responded kindly and professionally and she explained everything which I found so helpful. Her design was incredible, on both tattoos that she has done for me I was blown away by how she was able to take my terribly worded descriptions of what I was hoping for and turn them into incredibly intricate designs capturing everything I hoped for but couldn't even fully picture.

I wasn't able to sit through the entire tattoo we had about one hour left when I felt I just couldn't do anymore, Tesia was so understanding and helped me reschedule the last hour of my tattoo. She didn't make me feel bad for not being able to handle just one more hour and I am so looking forward to coming back to complete it. 

All in all a wonderful experience and I cannot recommend her enough. 

Jaelyn

I got my first one done in October of 2020, a beautiful portrait of my pup, I’m absolutely in love with it! It’s one of my tattoos I get the most compliments on, I have anxiety and talk way too much but Tesia truly made it a great experience. It was a simple pup portrait and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Then I got another pup portrait in Jan of 2023 and I can absolutely see how much Tesia’s skills have skyrocketed! I love both portraits equally especially with how different they are. As Tesia did her amazing artwork she also listened to me blab about all my life and was truly a great listener. She’s such a kind caring person, her shop and all the people there are so sweet and comforting as well. I’m not great with strangers and can be quite uncomfortable but she was fantastic and felt like I’ve known her for years. She’s one of my top artists that I recommend to anyone I can to check out!

Jay

Tesia did my first larger tattoo, and was the first artist I went to who didn't make me feel like I was beneath her, or barely worth her time. My thigh piece is still one of my favourite tattoos, and the amount of dedication she put into my little spider still shows 4 years later. Altogether an amazing experience.

Chantal

Tesia is such a lovely human. Not only is she amazing at her craft, she's also incredibly kind, caring and super interesting! (Ask her about her science background!!!)

I am a woman in a larger body that assumed I couldn't or rather shouldn't get tattoos for years and years. I've now collected two pieces of Tesia's art on my body and not once did I feel uncomfortable or judged. I feel safe and sturdy on her table and each time I've gotten tattooed, she's made sure I've been in a comfortable position. 

The tattoos she's done for me have healed so so well. I'm not sure if it's her light touch, the way she wraps/covers them or magic, but the process has been smooth both times. I also get so many compliments on my tattoos (its actually almost annoying lol). People are always so amazed at the detail Tesia was able to recreate in my little Bailey's crooked teeth!!! 

I almost don't want to tell people where I got my pieces done because I want her all to myself! Can't wait to get more, boop heart here I come! 

Jake

Tesia is & will forever be much more than a tattoo artist to me. A mutual friend connected us after I lost my mother in a housefire & wanted to ink myself in her memory. I’ve been plagued with chronic illness & Tesia was a crucial part of my grieving process. From there, it just grew & blossomed. I found myself ‘donating’ my right arm to the cause of dinosaur tattoo awareness, & over the course of a year, went to visit Tesia every month for another session of dinosaurs. During our sessions, Tesia introduced me to not only some of the best music I’ve ever heard in my life, but exhibited some of the most welcoming, accepting, validating & beautiful company I’ve ever had. Her stories & life experience are the highlight of every moment spent being her canvas. The day my sleeve was finished was a sad one for me, because it meant our monthly chats were coming to a (temporary) close, until I return to her chair for my next piece.

Tesia has validated my existence as a trans man with a disability, & has made me feel safe in every aspect when I’m in her space. She is professsional & passionate about science, which I personally feel adds to her identity as a tattoo artist. Her art style is perfect - reminiscent of illustrations in old science textbooks & honest, raw & profoundly expressive detail is what I think of every time I look down at my tattoos. She is able to reach levels of elemental intricacy with black work that many tattoo artists can only achieve through colour work.

It’s been a blessing to work with Tesia. 14 dinosaurs, 2 marine reptiles, & 1 cretaceous bird later, I am full of 17 prehistoric heroes that have allowed me to love my trans body even more — especially having it done by an individual as stellar & affirming as Tesia. I truly can’t wait for my post surgery body to be her canvas once again.

Adele 

Not only does Tesia create incredible art, she also is super inclusive and supportive. I’m a member of the LGBTQ+ community and I’ve always felt very comfortable talking about myself and about my partner, all three times I’ve been tattooed by her. I’m in LOVE with all of the work she’s done on me and would highly recommend her to anyone!! Top tattoo artist in Winnipeg.

Fiona

Tesia’s artwork is amazing. I have five tattoos by Tesia, as well as several prints and original art pieces. She was genuinely enthusiastic about all my tattoo ideas, and made some great recommendations to make my tattoos even better. I felt like she really listened to me and understood what I was looking for. When I wanted to put one of my tattoos in a place that was going to make it look really distorted, Tesia took the time to explain why that might not be the best place for it and suggested some other places it could go. She is so respectful, knowledgeable and professional. She was really friendly and we laughed a lot. Her setup was super clean and my tattoos healed beautifully. I’ve had them for a few years and they still look fantastic. I would highly recommend her for a tattoo, she’s awesome and super talented. One of the best tattoo artists in Winnipeg.

Molly S.

I got my first tattoo ever by Tesia back in summer of 2019. She made the process as comfortable as possible, and the music selection was a plus! 

Since then, I’ve gone back to see Tesia many times. She is an amazing artist who is so very kind. She will work with what you have thought of, while adding her own beautiful twists. 

She is definitely one of the best artists in the city in my opinion, and she makes every time I see her enjoyable.

Ilona

I was tattooed by Tesia in February of 2020. The design she achieved with my idea and concept made me cry with joy. The vibe of her studio was relaxing and she was soothing as she did her work that I managed to rest while she worked. From the outset to the completed work it was what I needed. And I cannot wait for my next design once restrictions are relaxed for the industry. May it be soon.

Ashley

Tesia is the most gentle, kind, talented, and professional person I have ever met and the same words can describe how she tattoos. (Yeah - she tattoos very kindly). I have dedicated my left arm as “Tesia’s arm” and I almost don’t want her to fill it because then it will be full and WHAT WILL I DO THEN?!  I guess move onto my legs and face.

She is so dang talented and truly honestly, one of the funniest, goofiest people I know. I feel so safe and taken care of in her chair. 

K.

I got two tattoos from Tesia when she was still an apprentice. The first one I got with her was my first tattoo that I sat for more than an hour for as my others were quite small. This made me nervous as I didn’t know how I would take it, but Tesia was warm, kind and patient with me as we corresponded on ideas before and during the session. I remember being amazed that she was only apprenticing as she was so professional, incredible at what she does and it had seemed like she’d been tattooing for years already. I enjoyed her work and calm atmosphere so much I immediately booked another tattoo with her for the next week. Not only did she handle everything with professionalism and satisfaction to my wants and needs, she was incredibly respectful and made sure to ask my pronouns as I am a transgender man who was in the very early stages of my transition. She was wonderful and made every effort to be sure that I was being respected and it really felt that she cared deeply about what she does and the people she does it for. I highly recommend this gifted individual be your next tattoo artist if you had your eyes on her, she is well worth her booking!

Marla

Tesia is one heck of a nice, talented and interesting human! I remember when I first met her I was slightly intimidated however after sitting with her for hours and chatting she is by far one of the kindest humans I've ever met. She's also very interesting. She's very smart and full of cool information. I like listening to her stories. I am part of the LGBTQ+ world and Tesia always seems sincerely interested in my stories as well that I've shared with her. My time spent with her is always very comfortable and I've never felt judged. She definitely provides a safe place for all. I have nothing but great things to say about her. Lastly, her talent is beyond explainable. Just look at her work, she's amazing! I'm very lucky to have found her and fortunate to wear her art on my arm. I cannot wait to see her again to complete what we started!!

Jessica

Tesia is an absolute gem that Winnipeg is lucky to have. As a queer Metis woman, Tesia has never made me feel anything but welcome, comfortable, and completely safe. She practices consent in the most subtle but empowering ways and is beyond accommodating to all her clients to ensure a good experience. My tattoos from Tesia have healed beautifully, I get compliments nearly daily on them, and I look forward to seeing her creativity in any idea put forward to her. Getting tattooed by another strong woman makes Tesia's art all the more meaningful to have on me, and I am so thrilled to carry that honour.

Melissa

Years ago, I had a pet portrait commissioned from Tesia. I had long wanted a tattoo, but never came across an artist that spoke to me. And then I found out Tesia was tattooing. I have three tattoos now, all from her. Aside from her beautiful work, she made me feel at ease and comfortable for what was a brand new experience for my first two (in one sitting). Her shop is welcoming and she takes pride in her work. I love seeing her art on me every day. 10/10 would recommend her!

Jen

That my tattoo is beautiful will come as no surprise if you’ve looked at Tesia’s Instagram for more than 30 seconds, but what you should also know is that she’s as wonderful a human as she is an artist.

I was very close to my Dad and lost him very suddenly in the summer of 2019. Tesia was able to turn my teary, jumbled description of what I wanted into a memorial piece that is so more than I could have imagined. Starting it was an emotional day at a very hard time in my life, and she made me feel totally safe; I was comfortable both being quiet for long stretches and having real conversations with her. We laughed a LOT during the hours I spent in her chair!

I’m extremely shy, but Tesia made me feel I could be myself, and the result is a tattoo that is a beautiful tribute to my dad, one that I am grateful for every day. I’m so glad I found her, and can’t wait to get tattooed by her again.

Robyn

I’ve been tattooed by Tesia numerous times over the past few years.  As a visibly trans woman I am often worried about how I will be treated.  From the first time meeting her, Tesia has always treated me with respect and has seen me for who I am.

Her tattoos speak for themselves , she listens to your ideas and pours herself into the design.  The work she has done on me still looks great years later.  I would recommend Tesia to anyone!

Victoria

Tesia is so lovely to work and spending sessions with! She’s such a friendly professional and made me feel comfortable and welcome every time I’ve seen her. Her design and tattooing skills are amazing and I will continue rebook with her whenever I can. Not to also mention, her prints and pet portraits are some of my favourite art I’ve ever purchased! Tesia is more than worth the wait, she’s as good as she looks and a wonderful person. Thanks for being you, Tesia!

Corey

If you want something to treasure forever, Tesia is the artist to see. She is soo incredibly creative and talented! She designed both my tattoos and they came out perfect! She gave me my first ever tattoo and she will always be my artist because she’s not only talented but I trust her and her judgment. My very first Tattoo I asked her to draw an owl family and a tree for them to sit in to represent my little family and she did not disappoint. My second tattoo was a memorial piece for my grandparents every time I look it I can hear my grandma say those words before she passed and that is soo very special. I have always felt comfortable in the shop she is a very easy going person even though she may seem serious she is soo easy to talk too! I highly recommend to get in with her for your next tattoo! I can’t wait to be able to get in to see her again. 

Meghan

Tesia is an absolutely amazing tattoo artist. She always knows how to make my ideas come to life and her drawings are absolutely beautiful. I have three tattoos done by her and I would absolutely get more done in the future. She always makes me feel really comfortable and especially during the pandemic, I always feel safe going into her workspace. I will always recommend her work to others and many of my friends have been tattooed by her as well. She is one of the sweetest people I know and will always be one of my top tattoo artists in Winnipeg! Can’t wait for my next tattoo!

Casey

Hey there, 

My name is Casey, you gave me a beautiful rose tattoo in the summer of 2018 on the back of my calf.

I wanted to mention that this was 4 months after I experienced a sexual assault. At that time, I was so uncomfortable being around anyone, but I really wanted a meaningful tattoo from someone I felt comfortable with. 

My appointment was actually a last minute booking (from a cancelation I believe) and you were amazing! We chatted over email, I sent you my thoughts, we confirmed a deposit and you showed me the beautiful design before the tattoo and you left time to make tweaks to it before we got started. (Which we didn't need- the design was stunning.) You were honestly SO GOOD. I was so scared having anyone touch me; you brought me so much ease, and you were extremely quick. Plus — you let me bring my Dad in for support which I appreciated more than you know. 

Anyways, as a sexual assault survivor who was basically scared of any human contact — you were insanely incredible with me. Plus, the tattoo is absolutely stunning and still looks amazing 2.5 years later. 

Thanks Tesia, you rock.

Caitlin

I was able to get an amazing tattoo done by Tesia last February !! I came to her shop with an idea for a wolf and flower combination and the drawing she came up with was even better than I could have hoped for!! She was very friendly and professional the shop was so clean and organized cannot wait add more pieces on my future sleeve from her!

Crystal

Tesia was so awesome to get tattooed by! I found her on Instagram because a friend had gotten work done by her, and when I found out she was a former scientist I knew that she was the perfect person to tattoo an anatomical heart and skull.

I also snagged a flash design of the cutest little snake, so we did them both on the same day. While she was doing the snake I was sitting upright, and she was so easy going and fun to talk to. Then when we did the head and the heart tattoo I had be lying down, and her tattooing was so gentle that I legitimately almost fell asleep.

She also tattooed so fast, and I didn’t even need a touch up afterwards. I love both tattoos I got from Tesia so much, and I can’t wait to book in with her again when this pandemic is done!

Cary

I have three tattoos from Tesia and I can't wait to get more. =) Tattoos this good should take longer. She is a fabulous artist and consummate tattooing professional. Shop is clean, everything healed perfectly, no touch ups needed. Easy to recommend!