Try Ink: Tattoos with a Purpose
Learn more about the Bachelor of Business Administration program.
Tattoos have always been a personal form of expression for Harsh Dattani. That passion led to the creation of Try Ink, a temporary tattoo venture developed as part of Royal Roads University’s Bachelor of Business Administration Online Venture Challenge. Designed to be both a creative business and a charitable effort, Try Ink reflects the practical learning approach that defines the BBA program.
Originally from Mumbai, Dattani joined Royal Roads through an academic pathway that supports students completing their degree in Canada. He was drawn to the program’s applied learning model, which encourages students to build real projects with measurable impact. When it came time to launch a business for the six-week challenge, Dattani leaned into something he already loved.
“Temporary tattoos were a natural idea for me” says Dattani. “I got my first tattoo at 17, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Inspired by companies like Inkbox, Dattani researched the industry and saw a market opportunity. His goal was to build a socially conscious brand with a clear mission.
With guidance from instructor Geoff Archer, they connected with Wild ARC, the only wildlife rehabilitation centre on southern Vancouver Island, to partner with them. This inspired the team to focus exclusively on animal-themed tattoo designs, ensuring the product aligned with the organization that would benefit from the proceeds.
The Try Ink team consisted of Harsh Dattani, Awais Raheel and Daniil Lyubomudrov. Each member brought a different strength to the table. Dattani led the project by organizing the Shopify store and managing outreach. Raheel focused on design, using online tools to create minimalist animal artwork, and Lyubomudrov handled social media, producing ad visuals and video content. Together, they navigated new platforms, balanced their busy schedules, and problem-solved in real-time.
Beyond sales, Dattani reached out to local media with personalized press releases, leading to a feature in Black Press. He said that this kind of proactive engagement was key, especially with such a short timeframe. “If we had gone to places in person sooner, we might have gotten more traction,” he said.
The experience left a personal impact. Growing up in India, Dattani often saw how urban activity harmed animals, especially during festivals. Supporting Wild ARC connected those memories with meaningful action in his new community. “It felt good to be part of something that protects wildlife,” he said.
Dattani advises future Venture Challenge students to act quickly and think practically. “Don’t wait for replies. If you want to partner with someone, go talk to them directly. And if you can offer a physical product – even better. It is easier to build trust when people can hold what you’re selling.”
In just six weeks, Try Ink turned a personal interest into a purposeful project, proving that with creativity, strategy, and teamwork, even small ideas can leave a lasting impression.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Business Administration program.