In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Kirsten and Mel sit down with Sarah Di Marco for a deeply personal conversation about grief, tattoos, motherhood, music, and finding ways to carry the people we love with us after they're gone.

Sarah lost both of her parents within just nine months, after each was diagnosed with terminal cancer only a year apart. She opens up about navigating that unimaginable period of her life while raising two young daughters, the importance of having a strong community around her, and why supporting other women has become something she intentionally models for her girls.

After taking a break from tattoos while she was busy "adulting," Sarah eventually found her way to Kirsten with an idea for something deeply meaningful: a sleeve honouring her parents. She shares what those tattoos mean to her and why finding the right artist and environment mattered so much. The conversation also turns to the "Sip and Ink" event Sarah hosted at her home, bringing women together for an evening of tattoos, connection, laughter, and a little bit of healing.

And then there's a pretty incredible full-circle moment involving country music.

Shortly after losing her mom, Sarah attended Montreal's LASSO festival and held up a sign during Jelly Roll's performance of "I Am Not Okay." What she didn't know at the time was that one of the hosts was also in that crowd and witnessed the moment from a distance, moved by the vulnerability of a complete stranger. Neither of them could have imagined they'd eventually sit across from each other and discover the connection.

It's a conversation about what happens after profound loss, the communities that hold us up, and the unexpected ways tattoos, music, storytelling, and shared experiences can help us heal.

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.