A new tattoo parlour in Irricana has finally been able to open following its initial launch and subsequent closure brought on by COVID-19 public health restrictions.
Jaime Slade, who was born and raised in Irricana, is the owner of Sirens Song Tattoos – located downtown along 2 Street. While the shop was initially up and running in April, public health restrictions regarding personal services as a result of the pandemic forced Slade to close and then re-open again in June.
A lover of art and drawing since childhood and a certified tattoo artist for the last four years, Slade said being able to decorate her clients’ bodies with artwork is the best part of her job.
“Tattooing [for me] is about getting the art on people. Art represents many different things. It can represent family, or things that make us happy on the inside,” she said.
Sirens Song is the first tattoo parlour to open in Irricana in many years. Slade said she hopes to also serve the surrounding communities of Beiseker, Acme and Three Hills, as well as anyone who doesn’t want to make the 40-plus-minute drive into Calgary for an appointment. According to Slade, there was previously some discontent among residents when it came to driving into the city to get their ink.
“It’s way too far for a lot of people,” she said.
Growing up in the small rural community gave her the sense that a tattoo clinic would be a great addition to Irricana. Even though the road to opening Sirens Song was a bit bumpy due to the pandemic, Slade said she is very much looking forward to the opportunities that having her own shop will provide her and the people of Irricana.
“I thought, ‘why not?’” she said, when asked why she decided to open a niche business in a small town. “I know the people here and it would be a great thing for the community.”
The new business owner said she is looking forward to getting to know her community better and having the support of the town and her new clients.
“It makes me feel like there is still a good sense of community here,” Slade said, noting she is also in the midst of training an apprentice, who will work alongside her in the shop. Slade said her apprentice is enjoying the learning process and doing “phenomenal” with all of her work.
She added her favourite type of work to do is script, but she also enjoys doing black and white work, colour, abstract art and “creepy” pieces.
For more information on the business, call 403-466-1877 or search Sirens Song on Facebook
