Remembering Rhonda Mulder: Ottawa’s Tattoo Community Mourns a Visionary Artist and Beloved Soul
OTTAWA, ON — The tattoo community of Ottawa and far beyond is reeling from the heartbreaking news of the sudden passing of Rhonda Mulder, affectionately known as @rho_mul, who died on June 12, 2025. Rhonda was not just a tattoo artist—she was a force of creative energy, a mentor, a friend, and a luminous presence in every space she entered. Her loss has left a deep void in the hearts of her loved ones and the vibrant community she helped build.
Rhonda’s artistry was immediately recognizable: intricate, soulful, and deeply personal. With every piece she inked, she told a story—one that blended technical mastery with emotional resonance. Clients often spoke of how Rhonda’s work felt less like a tattoo and more like a rite of passage. She was known for her ability to listen deeply, to translate feeling into form, and to make people feel seen—not just as canvases, but as humans with unique stories worth honoring.
But Rhonda’s impact went far beyond her artistic skill. She was a pillar of Ottawa’s tattoo scene, known for championing inclusive, respectful, and safe spaces in an industry that is too often dominated by ego. She mentored emerging artists with fierce generosity, always encouraging authenticity over trends, and reminding others that the most important part of the craft was connection.
Many in the community describe her studio as a kind of sanctuary. Clients returned not just for her talent, but for her presence—warm, grounded, funny, and unflinchingly honest. She had a gift for making anyone feel like they belonged, no matter who they were or what they carried with them. Whether you were a first-timer nervously walking through her door or a seasoned client with years of history, Rhonda greeted everyone with the same blend of humility and fierce compassion.
On social media, where she was known as @rho_mul, Rhonda shared not just her work, but glimpses of her spirit—reflections on art, healing, identity, and community. Her posts were thoughtful, often poetic, and always infused with the same sincerity that defined her in life.
In the wake of her passing, tributes have poured in from all corners of the tattoo world. Fellow artists are sharing the lessons she taught them. Clients are posting photos of the artwork they now carry as permanent reminders of her. Friends are reflecting on her ability to hold space for others, even in the midst of her own struggles.
Her death, sudden and shocking, has stirred profound grief—but also a renewed appreciation for the way Rhonda lived: with courage, creativity, and deep connection.
A memorial page hosted by Justin Matters (read here) describes Rhonda as a “cherished community figure who brought light into the lives of so many.” It captures what so many have said in their own ways: that Rhonda was irreplaceable.
As Ottawa’s tattoo scene and artistic circles continue to mourn, many are coming together to organize a celebration of her life. There is talk of a community art show, fundraisers for causes Rhonda cared about, and even tattoo flash days in her honor—with proceeds going toward mental health and mentorship initiatives.
Rhonda Mulder’s passing is an unthinkable loss, but her legacy is indelible. It lives on in the lines she drew, the people she uplifted, and the love she so freely gave. In a world that often feels disconnected, Rhonda reminded us—through her life and her work—that connection is sacred, creativity is healing, and kindness is revolutionary.
May her ink, her light, and her memory never fade.
Rest in power, Rhonda. You gave this world more beauty than it knew what to do with.
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