Exotic Skin Shop

Exotic Skin Shop located in Kitchener, Ontario, has been a local go-to for custom tattoos and piercings since its establishment in 1986. The studio welcomes clients for custom tattoo pieces, flash designs, and a variety of piercings, with future plans including the introduction of jewelry special orders. Its dedicated team is ready to help clients bring their body art visions to life.

Practical Info

Booking an appointment is often the best way to secure a spot, though the studio has been known to accommodate last-minute requests for smaller tattoos. Clients appreciate the clear communication throughout the booking process.

The Studio Experience

Many clients describe Exotic Skin Shop as a welcoming and professional space. The studio emphasizes health and safety, with first-rate sterilization and infection control measures in place, which visitors appreciate. The atmosphere is often noted as friendly, down to earth, and comfortable, helping to ease nerves, especially for first-timers. Visitors describe the staff as outgoing and having a great sense of humor, contributing to a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

The Artists and Their Work

The team at Exotic Skin Shop consists of experienced artists dedicated to their craft. Cas, the proud owner, brings six years of tattooing and ten years of piercing experience, excelling in illustrative, cartoon, geeky, and anime designs. Clients frequently praise her ability to transform their vague ideas into stunning tattoos. Tim Karn, the studio’s founder and an original self-taught artist in the KW area, is known for his custom tattoos and cover-ups. Though mostly retired, Tim occasionally takes on projects. Cara, a working tattoo apprentice, focuses on creating unique, meaningful tattoos for clients aged 20 and older, drawing from her lifelong passion for art.

Piercing & Other Services

Exotic Skin Shop offers a range of piercing services using basic titanium jewelry. Clients consistently mention gentle piercing techniques, with staff walking them through each step and providing thorough aftercare instructions. Many visitors have had helix, nose, ear lobe, and eyebrow piercings done here, often describing the process as comfortable and sterile. The piercers are often highlighted for their knowledge and ability to make clients feel at ease.

What Customers Say

Clients frequently share positive feedback about their experiences. Cara is often praised, with one visitor noting, “Cara did a wonderful job & was so nice & good to talk to.” Cas also receives many compliments for her artistic skill; one client happily reported that Cas “did an amazing job on a tattoo I’ve been wanting for a long time. It’s looks perfect and exactly how I’d envisioned it!” The overall environment also earns high marks, as one individual remarked, “The shop is very clean and tidy. The staff are friendly, down to earth and very easy to talk to.”