In this final episode of the year, Skin Deep Stories hosts and Montreal tattoo artists Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger wrap up 2025 by sharing the moments that made their hearts the happiest.

They look back on their favourite clients of the year, the tattoos that meant the most to them, and the stories that stayed with them long after the appointment ended.

From emotional first tattoos to hilarious unexpected moments in the studio, Kirsten and Mel reflect on the joy, connection, and creativity that defined their year as artists, moms, and entrepreneurs.

This episode is all about gratitude, community, and celebrating the beautiful people who make their work so meaningful.

If you love heartwarming tattoo stories and a good end-of-year vibe, this one is the perfect way to close out the season.

Follow the hosts:

Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts

Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos

Book a tattoo or learn more:

Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger tackle one of the most common questions they get in the studio: Is it gonna hurt?

They break down the truth about tattoo pain tolerance, why it varies from person to person, and how factors like placement, mindset, and experience can all play a role. Kirsten and Mel share their insights from years of tattooing clients — from the ones who flinch at every line to the ones who actually fall asleep mid-tattoo.

They also talk about why they've noticed that women often have a higher pain threshold, and what that says about strength, resilience, and the power of mind over matter. Whether you're covered in ink or just thinking about your first tattoo, this episode gives you a real and relatable look at what to expect when it comes to tattoo pain.

Follow the hosts:
Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts
Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos

Book a tattoo or learn more:
Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

This week on Skin Deep Stories, we're taking a look at Kirsten's backstory.

Fun Fact! Did you know that Kirsten used to be an art teacher before she became a tattoo artist?

She shares some of what has shaped the person she is today, and opens up on some of the opportunities that came her way, and why she's a firm believer in saying YES whenever you can.

Follow the hosts:

Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts

Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos

Book a tattoo or learn more:

Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

This week on Skin Deep Stories, we're diving a little deeper into Mel's back story. What made her the person that she is today, and what continues to shape the mom, tattoo artist and person that she strives to become?

Follow the hosts:

Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts

Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos

Book a tattoo or learn more:

Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger sit down with Karen Malkin Lazarovitz, founder of EMPOWERink, a non-profit organization offering free tattoo coverups of mastectomy scars for breast cancer survivors.

Karen shares her deeply personal story... From discovering she carried the BRCA gene mutation, to making the courageous decision to have a preventative double mastectomy, and eventually founding EMPOWERink to help other women reclaim their bodies, confidence, and sense of self through tattoo art.

Kirsten, who volunteers with EMPOWERink as one of the tattoo artists providing these transformative tattoos at no cost, talks about the emotional and artistic side of the work, and what it means to help survivors heal through creativity and compassion.

Together, they discuss how tattoos can be a form of empowerment, healing, and self-expression, proving that body art isn't just about beauty — it can also be about strength, survival, and rewriting your own story.

This episode will leave you moved, motivated, and reminded of the incredible power of both art and community.

Follow the hosts:

Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts

Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos

Book a tattoo or learn more:

Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger explore how tattoo culture has evolved from something rebellious to something that's now mainstream, celebrated, and embraced by people of all ages and backgrounds.

They talk about the early days when tattoos were mostly associated with gangsters, sailors, and bikers, and how the art form has transformed into a powerful means of self-expression that now spans generations.

From grandmas getting their first tattoos to professionals, parents, and even teens saving up for meaningful ink, Kirsten and Mel discuss how the perception of tattoo artists and their clients has completely changed.

They also share stories from their own chairs, from the surprising clients they've tattooed, to the emotional meanings behind those pieces, and why they believe tattoos have become such an important part of modern identity and community.

Whether you're fully sleeved or still tattoo-curious, this episode celebrates how tattoos have gone from taboo to timeless.

Follow the hosts:

Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts

Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos

Book a tattoo or learn more:

Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger break down one of the most common questions they get from clients: Why are tattoos so expensive?

They pull back the curtain on tattoo pricing, explaining exactly what goes into the cost of a quality tattoo. From the experience and skill of the artist, to the materials, inks, and hygiene supplies used during every appointment, Kirsten and Mel reveal the behind-the-scenes details that most clients never see.

They also talk about why cheap tattoos often come with hidden costs — like touch-ups, cover-ups, or regret — and how investing in a professional tattoo artist is really an investment in safety, artistry, and long-term satisfaction.

Whether you're saving up for your first piece or adding to an existing collection, this episode will help you understand what you're really paying for when you sit in the chair. Spoiler: it's worth every penny.

Follow the hosts:

Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts

Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos

Book a tattoo or learn more:

Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.

This week on Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger share the tattoo horror stories that make every artist cringe — and every client think twice.

From sketchy tattoo shops to poor hygiene practices, they unpack the biggest red flags to look out for when choosing a tattoo artist or studio. They talk about everything from cleanliness standards and sterile equipment, to spotting fake or AI-generated tattoo photos on social media. (Yes, it's a thing now... and it's fooling people!)

Kirsten and Mel also share real-life stories of tattoo disasters they've witnessed or had to fix, and how to make sure you never end up in one of those situations yourself. It's funny, a little gross at times, and full of useful advice for anyone thinking about getting inked.

If you're serious about getting a tattoo you'll love for life — not regret — this episode will help you separate the true professionals from the pretenders.

Follow the hosts:
Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts
Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos

Book a tattoo or learn more:
Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.