About

Melia Mariko is a multifaceted artist whose journey to live her dream is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in Okinawa, Japan, and of Okinawan heritage, Melia has always had a deep connection to her cultural roots. She recently become a part of @hajichiaa, a collective of tattoo artists dedicated to reviving Okinawan/Ryukyu Hajichi Tattoos, a traditional art form that holds deep cultural significance.

Melia's path to entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to live a life rooted in art and authenticity. After years of working in the service industry and balancing motherhood, her health was suffering, and it was time to let go of the jobs, relationships, and habits that were holding her back out of fear and insecurity. This pivotal moment ignited a fire within her, and she resolved to pursue her passion for art and create a sustainable life for herself and her children.

Her artistic journey has been diverse, spanning mediums such as drawing, painting, screenprinting, darkroom art, photography, ceramics, and Tibetan Thangka painting. However, it was her discovery of handpoke tattooing that truly resonated with her. This method, characterized by manually poking a sterile tattoo needle into the skin to administer ink without a machine, aligned with Melia's preference for simplicity and meditative, cathartic processes.

Melia's journey serves as a testament to the power of letting go of fear and insecurity to make room for the right opportunities and people. She believes in divine timing and is humbled by the support that has led her to where she is today. Her mission is to inspire her children and others to live a life guided by the heart.