What exactly happens during a sound healing session? Can hypnosis help you explore a past life? And what can these practices teach us about ourselves in the present?

In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger sit down with sound healer and hypnosis practitioner Dalia Marom for a conversation about healing, spirituality, altered states, and looking inward.

Both Kirsten and Mel have experienced Dalia's work firsthand through her sessions and retreats, and this time they're getting the chance to ask the questions.

Dalia shares how she found her way into sound healing, what drew her to the practice, and what actually happens when someone attends a sound healing experience. They explore how sound can be used as a tool for relaxation, reflection, and connection, who might be drawn to this kind of work, and the different sessions and experiences Dalia offers.

The conversation also ventures into hypnosis and past life exploration. Dalia explains how she accompanies clients through their own experiences rather than telling them what they're supposed to see or discover, and Kirsten and Mel share their curiosity about what can surface when we allow ourselves to explore beyond our everyday conscious minds.

From sound baths and retreats to hypnosis, past lives, and the deeply personal reasons people seek out these experiences, this episode is an open-minded exploration of alternative approaches to self-discovery and healing. Whether you're already deep into your spiritual era or you've always wondered what actually happens when someone starts playing those giant crystal bowls, consider this your introduction.

Follow the hosts:

Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts

Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos

For more information on Dalia, her work and sessions, check out her website: https://soniqhypnotiqs.com/

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

Not every tattoo needs a deep meaning. Your fine line tattoo isn't going to stay perfectly crisp forever. Your tattoo artist is allowed to say no. And yes, Kirsten and Mel have some opinions about tipping.

In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger are sharing some of their tattoo industry hot takes and tackling the things clients and artists don't always agree on.

They talk about why artists should never feel obligated to take on a tattoo they don't want to do, why deposits need to be taken seriously, and just how much unpaid work can happen behind the scenes before a client ever sits down in the chair. They also get into the difference between taking inspiration from another artist and straight-up stealing someone's custom work.

Then there are the tattoo trends that might look amazing when they're fresh but don't necessarily age the way social media would have you believe. Kirsten and Mel share their thoughts on fine line tattoos, micro realism, white ink, red ink, and why understanding how tattoos change over time should be part of choosing what goes on your body.

And while they have plenty of opinions about what makes sense technically, there's one rule they definitely DON'T believe in: that every tattoo needs some profound backstory. Sometimes you just want something weird, funny, cute, or completely ridiculous on your body... and that's reason enough.

Whether you're heavily tattooed, planning your first one, or you're a fellow artist with some hot takes of your own, this episode gets into the tattoo conversations that might ruffle a few feathers. We said what we said.

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, 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.