In Loving Memory of Rhonda Mulder: Ottawa Tattoo Artist & Cherished Community Figure — Obituary and Tribute to a Beloved Creative Spirit
The Ottawa artistic community and the wider tattoo world are mourning the sudden loss of a remarkable talent and cherished individual. Rhonda Mulder, widely known by her Instagram handle @rho_mul, passed away unexpectedly on June 12, 2025. Her passing has left a profound void in the hearts of her clients, colleagues, friends, and family, who remember her not only for her exceptional skills as a tattoo artist but also for her kindness, mentorship, and genuine human connection.
Rhonda’s journey as a tattoo artist was marked by dedication, creativity, and a deep passion for her craft. She began her professional path with an apprenticeship at Five Cents Tattoo in Ottawa, a foundational period where she honed her techniques and developed the distinctive style that would come to define her work. Later, she became a key member of the Tiger Tiger Tattoo studio, situated on 492 Somerset Street West, where her artistry flourished and her reputation grew.
Her tattoo style was widely admired for its delicate balance of minimalist linework coupled with intricate illustrative elements. Clients sought her out for the emotional depth and precision of her designs—pieces that went beyond mere decoration to become personal stories etched in ink. Over the years, Rhonda built a loyal following, both in the local Ottawa scene and online, where she garnered over 5,000 Instagram followers. Through this platform, she shared her evolving portfolio with humility, always prioritizing meaningful connection over self-promotion.
What truly set Rhonda apart was not just her artistry but her heart. Those who knew her recall a person who was deeply grounded and generous with her time and knowledge. She was as passionate about mentoring emerging artists as she was about crafting tattoos, often guiding apprentices and peers with patience and encouragement. Her warmth extended beyond the tattoo studio, as she maintained genuine friendships with clients and community members alike.
Her Instagram bio succinctly captured her spirit and priorities: “Tattooing. Being a mom. Slow at email, regular speed in real life. No DMs.” These few words spoke volumes about who she was—a devoted mother, a committed artist, and a person who valued real-life connections over the sometimes impersonal pace of social media. Her understated humor and down-to-earth nature endeared her to many, making every interaction feel personal and authentic.
The loss of Rhonda has been deeply felt across Ottawa’s creative circles. Fellow artists have expressed their sorrow, remembering her as both a talented colleague and a compassionate friend. At Tiger Tiger Tattoo, the studio where she worked for years, tributes have poured in, honoring her legacy and the indelible mark she left on the community.
Beyond her professional achievements, Rhonda was known for her resilience and her ability to find joy in the everyday. Balancing the demands of motherhood with a thriving tattoo career, she exemplified dedication and grace. Those close to her speak of her laughter, her gentle encouragement, and the way she made everyone she met feel seen and valued.
Rhonda’s impact extended beyond the ink and needles. She was a beacon of support and inspiration, especially for women in a male-dominated industry. She championed inclusivity and was an advocate for self-expression, encouraging clients and artists alike to embrace their unique stories through body art.
As friends and family come together to remember her life, they honor a woman whose passion transcended the boundaries of her profession. The tattoos she left behind are more than designs; they are living memories, testaments to a life lived with intention, creativity, and love.
Plans for memorial gatherings and tributes are being organized by those who knew her best, providing a space for the community to share their grief, celebrate her artistry, and find comfort in each other’s company. Though Rhonda is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the countless people she touched and the art she created.
In this time of mourning, Ottawa’s tattoo scene reflects on a star whose light shone brightly and whose absence will be deeply felt. Rhonda Mulder was not just an artist—she was a mentor, a mother, and a cherished friend. Her legacy will endure through the art she created and the lives she enriched with her kindness and talent.
Her story is a reminder of the power of creativity to connect, heal, and inspire. As the community grapples with this loss, they also carry forward her message: to live authentically, to embrace passion, and to approach every moment with warmth and humor.
Rhonda’s life, though tragically cut short, was one of meaning and impact. Her art will continue to speak for her, a lasting tribute to a soul who touched so many with her ink and her heart.
