Melissa Rioux shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Melissa, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My “normal” is a brand new place for me right now. For the first time in my adult life I am a mother to GROWN children and I am navigating what it looks like to have my own time, first??!!! It’s amazing, and exciting and terrifying and emotional and I’m not rushing any of it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Melissa Rioux, I am a custom tattoo artist of nearly 25 years. I have dedicated years not only to honoring my craft but realizing that people really crave a comfortable space to be tattooed in and creating that environment. I have a private studio by appointment only where every gender and body type is welcome and celebrated. My goal is simply to help you feel better in the skin you live in.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I have never let anyone tell me what or who to be. I sometimes forget other people even have an opinion about me and what I’m doing. I consider it a blessing to have only been aware, and trusting of my own inner voice and I didn’t realize other people struggled with that until I was older. Figuring out how to be COMFORTABLE in who I am- that’s the work.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
A part from one of my favorite books stands out to me when I think about pain and healing. It talks about how your pain and your joy are all held by the same cup and when you are in pain remember that cup that feels hollow as if it was being carved deeper by your pain- is going to hold that much more joy now too. It’s the same cup, so let it deepen….I think we are all still healing our wounds, it is arguably a forever journey, but so is collecting joy and spreading love and the people that give that back help heal me too
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
She is the real me, just not the whole me. There is a lot about me that would surprise people to learn because I typically just post my work on my socials and I am aware that I look pretty contrasting to who I am inside.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
I would like to think I would be very much the same. I am driven by the need to create…art and community. People need both of those things. We don’t need titles and possessions. I think I would still be trying to find a way to connect with people and serve people with my talents and leave this place better than I found it.
Contact Info:
- Other: Type my name in the Amazon search bar to find my tattoo coloring book!
