Inside Valentino Ink in North Canton, owner and founder Alexa Valentino is part of a growing movement elevating cosmetic tattooing into a refined, highly personalized art form where technique, trust, and education guide each client’s experience. Her work has established both a standard for cosmetic tattooing and a growing foundation for education and mentorship across Northeast Ohio.
She was first introduced to permanent makeup at a pivotal point in her life after moving back home to North Canton. Without a defined path, she was drawn to a career that offered financial freedom and flexibility as she began thinking about her future and family life, knowing she wanted to build something that would allow her to have both independence and control over her time.
“I thought learning Permanent Makeup would be a fun ‘side hustle,’ but I quickly learned that these services are actually very impactful for clients. It was such a new concept in our area with so much opportunity for growth and I wanted to be a part of that evolution however I could,” Valentino said.
When she began taking clients in 2018, Valentino was working independently while managing a Starbucks. For nearly three years, she worked seven days a week while building her skill and portfolio, continuing to invest in herself while navigating uncertainty and the risks that come with starting something from the ground up.
During that time, she met her husband, started a family, and welcomed twin daughters. That became the turning point in her decision to fully commit to Valentino Ink.
“That was the moment I was ‘all in’ on Valentino Ink,” she said.
Valentino transitioned into working with clients full time, allowing her to fully focus on refining her craft and expanding her brand.
She added that tattooing faces carries a level of responsibility that is never taken lightly. Her approach is rooted in precision, ongoing education, and a commitment to mastery that evolves with experience. Over the course of her career, she has completed nine certification courses, each one building her technical foundation.
Still, she believes growth in this field never stops, and she carries that same mindset into every tailored client experience.
Valentino has completed over 4,000 procedures, offering Luxury Nano Brow, Combo brows, Ombré Powder brows, Lip Blush, Eyeliner, and removal/lightening services. Each appointment begins with a detailed consultation where she evaluates skin type, facial structure, medical history, and lifestyle. From there, she determines technique, pigment selection, and placement with intention. Her focus is always longevity, ensuring results heal naturally and age with the client over time.
“As a service provider, it is so important to create a space where my clients feel comfortable throughout every part of their experience,” Valentino added. “They should feel seen, heard, included, and validated the entire time.”
For Valentino, the impact of her work often extends far beyond aesthetics. Some clients come to her seeking the typical luxury service, while most come for restoration after experiencing hair loss, medical conditions, scarring, or post surgical changes. She also works with clients navigating vision impairment or tremors that make traditional makeup application difficult.
“To be able to give someone confidence back, is always an honor and reminds me that this work is significant,” she said.
As her career has evolved, so has her role as an educator. Valentino stepped into training after recognizing a gap in industry standards and education. When she began, many artists entered the field through short courses with limited structure or long term support.
Her program was built to change that experience. Today, she focuses on creating structure, confidence, and mentorship for new artists. Her curriculum is currently in the process of accreditation through the American Academy of Micropigmentation, a step she believes is essential to raising standards in Northeast Ohio.
“I continuously searched for more information, taking additional courses, and learning through so much trial and error,” she said.
She hopes her students leave not only with technical skill, but with confidence in their path.
“I just hope they feel inspired and empowered,” Valentino said. “This career has given me more than I ever imagined, and truly has changed my life. So many of the women I mentor are looking for the same things I once daydreamed about and when they trust me enough to invest into my programs, they trust me to lead them. That is something I take very seriously and oddly enough, they continue to give me the exact thing in return... inspiration and empowerment.”
Behind the growth, she is transparent about the challenge of balance. As a business owner, wife, and mother, she continues to navigate multiple roles while staying grounded in her priorities.
“I don’t think I have quite mastered it yet but it is certainly something I am still working to navigate,” she said.
One of her proudest milestones is opening Ora D’Oro Studio and Academy in 2025. After years of building, she now works inside a space created with intention, surrounded by artists and students who have become a pivotal part of her journey, bringing the vision to life each day.
“It’s truly not something I could ever put into words,” she said.
Looking ahead, Valentino hopes Valentino Ink is known not only for cosmetic tattooing, but for the confidence it builds in clients and the empowerment it gives to artists.
More than anything, she hopes her daughters grow up seeing what is possible through risk and resilience.
Her advice to women starting a business is simple:
“Trust your vision, even when others can’t see or understand it. Have patience, because each season will look different. And give yourself grace, because not every step of the way will be perfect. Above all, define your ‘why’ or nothing else matters.”
Through her studio and academy, Valentino continues to educate and empower women in North Canton and beyond.
For more information or to book an appointment visit valentinoink.com.
"To be able to give someone confidence back, is always an honor and reminds me that this work is significant."