From Resilience to Reinvention: How Milly Mytnik Turned Art into a New Life in Birr
Mytnik’s voice is one of confidence and warmth, welcoming a steady stream of clients from across the Midlands to her studio on Birr’s Main Street
For Liudmyla ‘Milly’ Mytnik, the path to her new studio in Birr was forged not by maps, but by a profound commitment to her craft and an unbreakable spirit.
A talented fine artist and jewellery designer, Mytnik arrived in Ireland from Ukraine in the wake of the 2022 invasion.
Faced with the daunting challenge of navigating a new country without conversational English, she didn't turn to textbooks.
Instead, she immersed herself in the world of animation—learning the cadence and nuances of the language through the expressive storytelling of shows like Steven Universe and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Today, Mytnik’s voice is one of confidence and warmth, welcoming a steady stream of clients from across the Midlands to her studio on Birr’s Main Street. While her shop is one of only two in the town, it has quickly gained a reputation for its unique, intentional approach to tattoo artistry.
The Art of Intention
Mytnik distinguishes her practice through a "one-client-a-day" philosophy. For her, tattooing is far more than a service—it is a deeply emotional experience.
"Tattoos are emotional for the client, and their permanence adds weight to the trust they place in me," Mytnik explains. "I limit my schedule to one person daily to ensure I can work with their energy and provide absolute focus."
Her expertise is particularly sought after for cover-ups and restorative work. She views these projects as an opportunity to breathe new life into existing tattoos, transforming them into fresh expressions of beauty.
Her process is collaborative and thorough, beginning with an in-person consultation where she and her client carefully discuss design, intention, and aesthetic goals.
Whether working in realism, fine line, or black and grey, Mytnik excels at blending client references with her own artistic signature, often incorporating nature-inspired elements.
She has also become a local favourite for her portrait work. "Loved ones are a cherished theme," she notes. "Bringing joy to a client by inking a portrait of a family member—sometimes a departed grandparent—is incredibly rewarding."
Reclaiming an Identity
Before coming to Ireland, Mytnik had already spent twelve years honing her skills in her hometown of Odessa, where she built a thriving business.
Arriving in Dublin, she initially believed her relocation would be temporary. Four years and five addresses later, her journey has led her to Birr, a place she now calls home.
In the years following her arrival, Mytnik navigated the complexities of being a refugee, working roles in sales and hospitality. However, the opening of her studio marks a pivotal turning point—a "breaking of the glass ceiling." It is more than a business venture; it is a reclamation of her identity as an artist.
"It is the best job in the world," Mytnik says. "I love art, and to be able to practice it again was a dream."
Mytnik speaks of her new life with deep gratitude, crediting the kindness of the Irish people for her success. She recalls the support of individuals like Ciaran Hayes in Dublin and Aidan Leonard and Warren Maher in Clara, who provided her with opportunities during her transition.
"This country is my second home; it protected us," she reflects. "I feel at peace here. I feel I can do meaningful work here."
With her studio now established, Milly Mytnik is not just creating art; she is crafting a future—one rooted in resilience, gratitude, and the enduring power of creative expression.
Milly Tattoo, located at Unit 4, The Heritage, Main St, Townparks Birr, Co. Offaly, R42 EK20.
Phone: 085 188 4211 or Email: [email protected]
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