Our Origin Story

Our origin story, begins with our founder, Bien in 2016. Bien has been driven by a passion for art that has been a constant since childhood. Art has always been his escape, a tool to connect with others and express emotions when words were hard to find.

Originally from a non-English-speaking background, Bien moved to Canada at the age of 9, and navigating a new world was challenging. He found refuge in his artistic skills, using them to build friendships and create a sense of belonging. Drawing became his outlet in high school, sketching portraits for classmates and never letting go of his creative spirit, even when academics took a backseat.

However, after dropping out of high school and working various jobs, Bien began to feel lost, unsure of his place in the world. It wasn’t until a moment of reflection that he rediscovered his true passion: art. At 22, Bien made the bold decision to leave behind the security of a conventional job to pursue his dream in tattooing.

Despite facing initial setbacks—rejected apprenticeship offers and ghosted opportunities—Bien took the initiative to self-teach. He spent countless hours researching, watching YouTube tutorials, and learning the ins and outs of tattooing through trial and error, often working as a “scratcher” in the early days.

After years of tattooing in and out of studios and a private studio of his own, The Hyve was born in New Westminster, BC in 2022, right in the thick of the pandemic—the year(s) that made or broke one’s career. The Hyve is now a central hub for a growing, creative community of talented, home-grown artists.

Bien has not only refined his craft but also built a resilient mindset along the way which is reflected in The Hyve. Alongside his wife and co-owner, Bri, they remain self-taught and dedicated, constantly improving their skills and never taking their success for granted. Every tattoo is a product of perseverance, creativity, and passion—a reflection of the journey that made The Hyve who they are today.