DISCOVER THE CANVAS
KATRINA THIBODEAU
owner/artist
(she/her)
Katrina’s start in the tattoo industry came a bit unconventionally. It began from designing memorial tattoos for friends, in loving memory of a classmate who had passed away.
In doing these memorial tattoo designs, she found herself becoming more and more interested in making a career of tattooing. At the age of 17, despite the critics and naysayers, she opened her first studio.
She knew if this was something she was going to pursue that she wanted to do everything she could to excel in the industry.
This meant expanding her resources here in Sault Ste. Marie, after working towards her professional development opportunities in Toronto for 5+ years. She has officially been a tattoo artist for 15 years, is only taking on limited clientele and specializes in portrait work.
She has also become an international artist in recent years, specializing in oil painting. Her first exhibitions abroad in London, UK and Milan, Italy are taking place in late 2021 and early 2022. Her art website can be found at www.thibodeauart.com.
Genny Lavoie
Studio manager
(she/her)
Born and raised in Sault Ste.Marie, Genny has been immersed in the tattoo world since getting her first ink at 16 - and she's been collecting tattoos for 30 years. With nearly 30 years of customer service and management experience, Genny brings unmatched energy and passion to Discover the Canvas.
Her dedication to creating a welcoming and organized studio environment ensures every client has an exceptional experience. As the driving force behind the studio’s operations, Genny is here to keep things running smoothly while adding her signature touch of humor and warmth. Get ready for an exciting new chapter with Genny at the helm!
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Angela duncan
Piercer + jr artist
(she/her)
Angela, a native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has a deep passion for piercing. She completed her piercing apprenticeship under the guidance of Ivona Tymoshenko in Toronto, Ontario, and has been independently performing piercings at our studio for nearly five years.
With four years of experience in tattooing, Angela is now a junior tattoo artist, specializing in colour, traditional, and fine line tattoos. Known for her speed and precision, she is highly skilled in her craft.
In addition to her artistic talents, Angela is a dedicated mother of two boys and a gifted musician.
She offers a wide range of body piercings and tattoo services. For pricing details and to schedule an appointment, please contact us!
lex maillet
jr artist
(she/her)
Lex has been tattooing for two years, but art has been in her blood since day one. With a father who was an artist and an uncle who encouraged her to pick up the tattoo machine, she found her true calling in bringing dark, horror-inspired designs to life. Specializing in realism and personalized pieces, she pours her energy and creativity into every tattoo.
Her vibrant personality and passion for her craft make her a favourite in the shop-clients don't just leave with incredible tattoos, they leave feeling like they've made a new best friend.
hangqi lu
Pmu artist
(she/her)
Hangqi is a skilled medical beauty professional with an Advanced Medical Aesthetic diploma from Seneca and Permanent Makeup certifications from Toronto, backed by 4 years of experience. With 20 years of expertise in sketching and painting, she specializes in portrait and still-life realism and has worked as an art instructor in China.
Hangqi offers a variety of eyebrow techniques, including combination, ombré, manual, microblading, and nano brows, tailored to different skin types, as well as lip, eyeliner, and hairline tattoos. Fluent in English and Chinese, she is dedicated to enhancing her clients’ natural beauty and boosting their confidence with every treatment.
samantha lewis
esthetician
(she/her)
Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Samantha completed the Esthetics program at Sault College in 2016 and has been immersed in the beauty industry ever since. She operated her own business for eight years before joining the team, and is excited to bring her expertise in waxing, lash and brow services, and makeup artistry to you from DTC.
Samantha has had a passion for beauty, self-expression, and authenticity for as long as she can remember. She takes an intuitive, results-driven approach to her work, ensuring every service supports lasting confidence and effortless maintenance. With a strong foundation in technical precision and client care, Samantha’s treatments are designed to enhance natural beauty while prioritizing comfort, longevity, and personal expression.
When she’s not working, Samantha loves spending time with her friends, or cozying up at home with her pets, Booker and Jasper.