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Back on the Road: Houston, Hustle & Finding My Flow Again

By Star Power Melo – Black Rose Artistry

Check out this weeks Youtube Series @https://youtu.be/52tAng_dDNk


This past weekend, I hit the road from Hattiesburg to Houston—and let me tell you, it was a trip that reminded me exactly who I am as an artist.

First things first… I asked for a midsize rental and ended up with a Hyundai Venue. Not exactly what I had in mind. It was tight, compact, and honestly a little ridiculous at first—but I’ll give it credit: that little car moved. It handled the road like a champ and got me where I needed to go.


Hit the Ground Running

The moment I touched down in Houston, it was straight to work. No sightseeing. No warm-up. I dropped my bags at the hotel and went directly into my first session.

That first night? Smooth. Clean shoulder piece. Set the tone.

But the next day—that’s when things got real.

One of my clients came in for a large rib tattoo… and let’s just say, ribs don’t play. He tapped out mid-session. It happens. Respect to anyone who even sits for that. We extended the session into the next day and finished strong. No shortcuts—just solid work.


More Than Clients—It’s Family


This trip wasn’t just about tattoos. It was about connection.

I worked on a whole family:

  • Mom

  • Dad

  • Son

  • His girlfriend

That’s what Black Rose Artistry is about. It’s not transactional—it’s personal. When people trust you with their skin, their stories, their memories… that’s bigger than business.

The Reality of Travel Tattooing

Here’s the truth: this trip turned into all work.

And yeah—I got paid well. The experience was worth it. But it also reminded me of something important: You’ve got to live too.

There was no exploring Houston. No downtime. Just studio, sleep, repeat.


And I’ve done this before—traveling to places like:

  • Atlanta

  • Dallas

  • San Francisco

  • New Orleans

I’ve even taken my work overseas to Germany, working with both locals and U.S. military clients. That experience pushed me artistically—especially learning fine line techniques while introducing my bold American style.

But one thing stayed consistent:

I was always working.


Finding Balance Again

This Houston trip was my re-entry into travel life. A reminder that I still got it—but also that I need to move smarter.

Next trips? We’re building in:

  • Time to explore

  • Time to breathe

  • Time to actually experience the city

Because what’s the point of traveling the world if you never see it?


Back Home Base: BlakRose Artistry

Right now, I’m back where it all resets—BlakRose Artistry, 1208 West Pine Street in Hattiesburg.

And let me be real—the journey to this space? Not easy.

When I got here, the place was rough. We’re talking:

  • Old equipment

  • Leftover files

  • Wires everywhere

  • And yeah… some wild things left behind by previous tenants

But we cleaned it. Rebuilt it. Claimed it.

Now it’s mine.


Building Something Bigger

For a while, I’ve been locked in—working nonstop, creating, but not showing it.

That changes now.

By pure alignment, I connected with someone who understands branding, media, and storytelling. And just like that, things started shifting. We’re building something bigger than tattoos—we’re building presence.

Content. Visibility. Growth.


What’s Next

Houston was just the beginning.

Atlanta is next. More cities are coming.More stories. More ink. More evolution.

But for now? I’m home. I’m focused. And I’m ready.


Book Your Session

If you’ve been waiting—this is your sign.

BlakRose Artistry📍 1208 West Pine Street, Hattiesburg, MS

Appointments are open. Let’s create something permanent.

 
 
 

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