Hey there! I’m Jules, founder of Ink Bar Beauty, your new go-to spot for all things beauty in the gorgeous Colwood, BC.
My journey to this magical shop has been a wild one. I started out years ago in the music business, promoting legends like k.d.lang and Pink in Vancouver, Toronto and NYC. While this was not yet officially the world of beauty, that 19 year career really taught me just how much image can boost or break confidence, which is why I’m all about helping people maximize and gain confidence through their looks.
When a record company merger left me jobless in NYC, I pivoted into esthetics and hairstyling, studying with the best - namely Nick Arrojo and Ted Gibson of TLC's "What Not to Wear" - earning my license in Cosmetology from the Aveda Institute. After six years of crazy fun at Swank Hair Salon in the west village, I returned to Vancouver and quickly built up my client base while cutting/colouring the manes of some of the cities celebs, including Sarah McLachlan and Gabe Miller (Corner Gas).
Then in late 2023 I was introduced to a new beauty service that really aligned with my goal to help people be there best...
Enter SMP - aka Scalp Micro-pigmentation.
I was floored when my brother-in-law showed me his fresh, revitalized hairline ("that's TATTOO???") and immediately I knew I had to dive in to the world of cosmetic tattoo.
I spent the next six months learning how to tattoo scalps, brows and and lips and from there, expand my cosmetology training to include Microneedling - which is basically the best anti-aging skincare service one can offer without a laser.
My mission? It remains the same - to help any and everyone wake up looking and feeling like their best self. You, only better.
I opened Ink Bar just over six months ago and have allowed it to evolve naturally. In that time I'm thrilled to have been joined by my highly skilled and oh-so-talented girlfriends Victoria, Janine and Nicole who as a collective are able to offer top-tier hair/skincare/permanent make-up/piercing treatments in the prettiest, most relaxed setting.
I encourage anyone wanting/needing a beauty pick-me-up to reach out. Let one (or all) of us help you look and feel your best. We're really, really good at it.
The Ink Bar team brings artistry and precision to every service we offer. With a focus on enhancing your natural beauty, we use the latest techniques to create the best results. Trust our artists Jules, Victoria, Janine and Nicole to work with you to provide a personalized experience that leaves you looking and feeling your best.
Victoria is the first to join the Ink Bar collective and let’s just say she really set the bar high for the our HR department! Victoria is well-known in her home town of Sooke because really, how can you miss her? (This photo is UNFILTERED folks!)
While you may think her looks are her best feature, truth be told, Vicki is as sweet as she is gorgeous - and her work matches her aesthetic. Victoria is strong and dramatic and her cosmetic tattoo work follows suit. She never leaves her house without looking 100% and you can be assured you won’t leave her cosmetic tattoo chair looking any less. Life-changing brows that will perfectly suit your face regardless of your age are V’s game.
More recently Vikki has led Ink Bar into the world of skincare becoming certified in both Micro-needling (using the Health Canada certified E-Pen) and the latest cosmetic trend from Korea, BB Glow and with that, more of us will now benefit from Victoria's passion and skills.
As of June, we are SO honoured to have Nicole Maten join our team! Nicole hails from Vancouver and boasts a RNBScN with a specialty in Emergency Nursing - which means she is probably one of the most qualified aestheticians on the island. And did we happen to mention she is also certified in Aesthetic Injections??? Well she is!
When not chasing after her 5 year old daughter, Lilly Rae, Nicole will be joining Victoria in launching and running the skincare room at Ink Bar immediately, offering both personalized Micro-needling and BB Glow treatments for island beauties of all ages. Woot!!!
Prior to becoming one of Vancouver Island’s top equestrian coaches and the owner/operator of Cherry Lane Equestrian, Janine and her husband Doug owned Victoria’s top tattoo shop, Tattoo Zoo. During her five years running the Zoo, Janine apprenticed then later honed her skills to become one of the island’s most in-demand body piercers. With thousands of happy clients sporting her finely placed jewels, Ink Bar Beauty leapt at the opportunity to have Janine join us Mondays, Wednesdays and either Saturday or Sunday from noon ’til 5pm. Whether it’s an ear, nose, bellybutton or somewhere far more private (ahem…), you are safe in the gentle hands of Janine. She gives GREAT needle!
While we have nothing against ANY surgical procedures (and reserve the right ourselves to even take advantage of one - or two - one day...), we are not doctors. But as cosmetic tattoo artists/technicians, we are trained to provide you with options that are deeper and more impactful than traditional make-up can provide because really, who doesn't want to wake up looking wide-eyed, with the hair, brows and berry-kissed lips of our youth?
So it's with your imagination and our expertise that we can use our pigments and inks to enhance your natural beauty rather than alter it. Our philosophy is to provide treatments that complement and highlight your unique features. Together we take the time to understand your esthetic goals and promise you a personalized approach to every service.
When not working on clients, we are constantly researching the latest and greatest products and techniques in order to achieve longest-lasting and most beautiful results.
Your satisfaction and confidence are our top priorities and we strive to exceed your expectations with every visit.
It really will be you. But better...
While the outcome of our cosmetic tattoo work is certainly a huge priority, your health and safety will always be top of the list here at The Ink Bar. Our staff are trained to ALWAYS adhere to the strictest safety protocols and hygiene standards to ensure a clean and sterile environment for all our clients.
We have implemented and follow rigorous sanitization procedures for all equipment and surfaces and have passed muster with Island Health in order to secure our business license. Additionally, our staff is trained in the latest health/safety practices and regularly update our knowledge to maintain these highest standards of care.
When it comes to tools, we research our products/machines extensively and don't scrimp on price. We use as many of the highest quality single-use needles (and numbing products) as necessary for each procedure to ensure the best outcome possible with the highest level of comfort for you - our beloved clients.
We are committed to taking a personalized approach with each of our clients and much like lipstick, recognize that what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for the next. We simply won't rush anyone at any stage of the process and we expect the same consideration. This is tattooing, after all.
Pre and aftercare instructions are provided upon booking your appointment and any questions/concerns can and will be answered at any point during your consultation or appointment. We don't proceed until both client AND artist are 100% aligned in the plan.
Our bottom line at The Ink Bar - if you're not comfortable, we're not comfortable. And hey, we love to chat so give us a call!
See what our happy clients have to say about their experience at The Ink Bar.
Become a part of the The Ink Bar family and help us enhance beauty with your expertise.