Mel is back! In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger reunite for a good old-fashioned catch-up after a VERY busy summer.

They talk about balancing work, kids, travel, and trying to squeeze a little time for themselves into the mix. From family cottage trips and summer tattoo appointments to realizing how much easier traveling with kids gets as they grow up, Kirsten and Mel reflect on where the summer went and what they've been up to while life kept moving at full speed.

Kirsten also shares a pretty wild manifestation moment from her tattoo career. After spending hours researching and sketching artwork inspired by painter William Waterhouse, a brand-new client unexpectedly reached out asking for a tattoo sleeve based on one of the exact paintings she'd been studying. Coincidence? Manifestation? Either way, Kirsten is taking it.

Meanwhile, Mel shares a vacation story involving Hampton Beach, Boston, a baseball batting cage, and a 110 km/h baseball that nearly resulted in a VERY different ending to her trip. Thankfully, an unlikely hero saved the day: her ring.

The two also look ahead to upcoming adventures, including Kirsten's trip to Indonesia, underwater photography gear, possible sports road trips, and all the questionable "girl math" required to justify buying the things you definitely, absolutely need for vacation.

It's a laid-back catch-up episode about summer memories, family life, creative inspiration, travel, close calls, and all the random stories you save up for the next time you finally get to sit down with your friend.

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.