Hi, my name is Yna (pronounced “ee-nuh”). I was born and raised in the Philippines, moved to Canada when I was 15 and Toronto has been home ever since. Art has always been a big part of my life but the journey of how I became a tattoo artist is pretty long so, we'll save that for our session.

In the midst of covid lockdown in 2021, I started tattooing but over time, my work has shifted toward fully custom traditional Filipino markings, patterns, and Baybayin—the traditional Filipino script—offered through both hand-poked and machine tattoos.

This transition has been deeply meaningful to me, as it has allowed me to connect with my heritage, honour my Filipino roots, traditions, and serve the Filipino community here in Toronto through my art, one tattoo at a time.

• Star sign: Leo

• Favourite colour: yellow and red

• Favourite food: striploin steak and Manila clams from Florette

• Favourite music/artist: OPM, indie folk and alternative rock

• A hobby or interest outside of tattooing: cooking, baking, eating (trying new restaurants in the city), general tinkering and just about anything as long as I can avoid doing admin work. 😅