In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger get real, unfiltered, and VERY adult as they chat about sex, intimacy, and relationships. Consider this your official warning: this episode is NOT kid-friendly.

Kirsten and Mel talk openly about sexuality and how it evolves through motherhood, long-term relationships, and life in your 30s and 40s. They discuss the importance of intimacy beyond sex, including physical touch, emotional connection, communication, and the fear many couples share of slowly becoming roommates instead of partners.

The conversation explores love languages, mental load, and how acts of service, emotional support, and shared responsibility can directly impact desire and connection. They also talk honestly about how hormones, aging, and changing bodies influence libido, and why intimacy often becomes more psychological than physical over time.

From societal double standards around female sexuality to body acceptance after pregnancy, vasectomies, and the realities of maintaining connection while raising kids, this episode is candid, funny, vulnerable, and deeply relatable. At its core, it is a conversation about communication, self-acceptance, and choosing connection in long-term relationships.

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 sit down for an honest conversation about life, money, and survival mode. Something that is reflective of what so many families are experiencing right now.

Mel and Kirsten talk openly about the current state of the economy, rising costs, inflation, and the reality that many people are struggling just to keep up. Whether you're dealing with unexpected holiday expenses and home repairs or just the pressure of living paycheck to paycheck, Kirsten and Mel unpack how financial stress can quietly take over your mental health. As they point out, when the bills are paid and the fridge is full, a lot of anxiety suddenly feels more manageable.

The conversation also explores the tension between passion and stability. They discuss the reality of independent work, especially in creative industries like tattooing, where countless unpaid hours go into social media, content creation, networking, and booking clients.

One of the hosts shares her decision to step away from tattooing full time in favor of a steady job in the restaurant industry, and how having reliable income has improved her health, reduced anxiety, and actually made tattooing fun again.

Kirsten and Mel also touch on mom guilt, work-life balance, and the challenges of working from home as an artist. From feeling like work is never done, to partners misunderstanding what independent work looks like, they talk about setting boundaries and redefining what a sustainable life really means.

This episode is a grounded look at how money, work, and motherhood intersect, and why so many people are craving a slower, more intentional life in a world that constantly demands more.

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 open up about the often unspoken side of being creative professionals: mental health.

They talk honestly about coping with anxiety, burnout, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome, especially in an industry that is highly visible, competitive, and constantly evolving. Kirsten and Mel share how the pressures of being tattoo artists, business owners, and content creators can take a toll, and what they've learned about protecting their mental health along the way.

From setting boundaries and managing expectations to giving themselves permission to rest, this episode is a candid conversation about resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of taking care of yourself while building a creative career.

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 take a step back and look at how the tattoo industry has evolved over the years, for better and for worse.

They talk about how, back in the day, it was easy to name the top tattoo artists in Montreal, and how today the industry has exploded with new talent, new styles, and a much wider range of skill levels. With more artists than ever entering the space, Kirsten and Mel discuss how clients navigate this new landscape, and why experience, consistency, and reputation still matter.

They also discuss the modern reality of being a tattoo artist in the age of social media. From Instagram portfolios to reels, algorithms, and online booking pressure, tattoo artists are no longer just artists. They are content creators, marketers, and small business owners all at once.

This episode is really about how the industry has shifted culturally and professionally, and what these changes mean for artists and clients alike. It is an honest conversation about growth, accessibility, visibility, and the challenges that come with working in the creative industry.

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 shift the focus from ink to real life and talk honestly about the realities of being working moms.

They open up about juggling motherhood with demanding creative careers, running a business, and showing up for clients while also showing up for their kids. Kirsten and Mel share the challenges, the guilt, the exhaustion, and the moments of pride that come with being both a mom and a tattoo artist.

From childcare logistics to mental load, boundaries, and burnout, this episode is a candid conversation about what it actually looks like to balance work, creativity, and family. It is relatable, validating, and a reminder that no one is doing this perfectly.

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 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 well or weren't done properly in the first place. Kirsten and Mel explain how experienced tattoo artists approach transforming existing tattoos, what makes a good candidate for a coverup, and when laser tattoo removal might be the best first step.

They also discuss the emotional side of changing a tattoo, and how reworking old ink can be an empowering way to move forward while still honoring where you've been. Whether you're considering a full coverup, a subtle refresh, or starting fresh with removal, this episode helps you understand your options and make informed choices.

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 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.