CARLYLE - Darylann (D.A.) Kostiew loved to draw at an early age, but at the time she did not realize that this was going to be her calling later in life.
Born in northern B.C., when she was 12 years old her family moved to Hudson Bay, where her family began a bakery.
She enjoyed life there, as it offered a small-town feel and the outdoors were a wonderful place to be. She made many good friends along the way.
When she finished high school, she took correctional studies but soon found out she was not cut out for this line of work. Kostiew was still drawing and created pencil portraits that she sold, but it was not enough to pay the bills.
Her dad and brother became employed in the Arcola area and 10 years ago, she moved to the small town. She loves the feel of a small town where people know each other, and it is a friendly place to be.
Kostiew was encouraged to take her art in a different direction, and this is when she began to create tattoos. She worked side by side with the owner at the Farmhand Tattoo shop in Arcola and loved working there, but had always wanted to start her own business.
Kostiew found the perfect place in Carlyle and called her new business Punkin’s Tattoo Parlour.
There are many steps involved with opening a tattoo shop, including a health inspection, which she passed with flying colours.
Inside the space will be other businesses that will join her. Amber Evans will bring her gel and acrylic nails and body piercing services.
Evans began her business out of her home in Kisbey in 2012, then moved to the Queen of Hearts in 2021. Evans moved to Carlyle in 2023.
Melissa Dixon is a registered massage therapist (RMT) and began her work in 2007 from her home in Carlyle. She moved to Salon 206 in 2020, and will join Kostiew at the new shop. Dixon also makes candles under the name of Night Owl Boutique.
Jordan Mullis, owner of JDM Jewels will also join the team with her clothing line and homemade jewelry. She has been in business since 2018.
Kostiew is planning a grand opening in the near future but wishes to settle into her new location first.
“I am so grateful for the time I had in Arcola at the Farmhand Tattoo,” said Kostiew. “I have a lot of great memories from there.”
She is also thankful for the enormous support she received from her family and friends to start this new chapter in her life.
Inside the building, they did a few facelifts, with a wall and some new paint and flooring. She feels the space is warm and welcoming.
Kostiew is ready to take on the new role of being a business owner in Carlyle.
