Skin Deep Stories

In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger are talking about tattoo coverups, reworks, revamps, and removal, and what your options really are when you no longer love a tattoo (for whatever reason). They talk honestly about why people seek coverups or reworks, from tattoos that no longer fit their lives to pieces that didn’t age wel...

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 h...

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 fr...

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: kirs...

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...

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 ma...

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...

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 su...

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 an...

In this episode of Skin Deep Stories , Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger dig into one of the biggest questions they get from clients: How do you choose the right tattoo artist for you? They share insider tips on what to look for when you’re searching for a tattoo artist, from understanding different tattoo styles and portfolios, to knowing how to spot real pro...

In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to talk about their very first tattoos... The good, the bad, and the lessons they learned. They share the stories behind those early pieces, what drew them to get tattooed in the first place, and how those experiences shaped their love for tattoo art...

Welcome to the very first episode of Skin Deep Stories, hosted by Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger. In this episode, Kirsten and Mel open up about their journeys into the tattoo industry, from discovering their passion for art to building successful careers as tattoo artists and business owners. They share how they got started, the challenges they’ve faced al...