Meet Melissa HONEY Montesi

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa HONEY Montesi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa HONEY, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I began pursuing an artistic and creative career in tattooing due to several factors and a main reason being that I am permanently disabled with titanium alloy implanted hardware throughout my spine. Becoming a Tattoo apprentice allowed me to work and Create while still being disabled permanently. In 2021 I started my surgery journey and in 2024 I started as an apprentice at a tattoo shop and got my license expedited in three months for my specialties. Also, I am a domestic violence victim, I used tattooing and art as a creative outlet for self therapy. I continue to use tattooing as a healing therapy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always been a “doodler” thusly my tattoo flash art is an influence of cartoons, comics, sticker art & vector art featuring micro & tiny tattoos, handwritten calligraphy, & ultra fine line images. I am still learning & growing as I’m fresh in the industry. Due to my permanent disabilities, and past history as an ex Playboy model, I created my tattoo company of Robot Barbie Doll Tattoo as an extension of myself and a healthy therapeutic way to promote healing & therapy both physically and spiritually. My tattoo sessions are healing therapy sessions set with intentions, meditation music, and good vibes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Visit my neighborhood of Downtown Santa Monica:, coffee at Bodega, brunch at Bluey’s Cafe, Lunch at the SM Farmers Marker, the beach & the pier & ride the historical Ferris wheel, brisket street tacos Dinner at Tu Madre, mini-putt golf, darts, pool, basketball, foosball gaming at Busby’s West, karaoke and late night cocktails at The GasLite. Between that, visit to Venice Beach on Sunday for Drum Circle & Light-up bicycle parade at sunset, pop by The Dime my favorite dive bar in WeHo on Tuesday nites for a 1 drink minimum local stand-up showcase featuring local LA upcoming acts & sometimes random famous comedians, catch the small business locals shopping market & amazing DJ musical acts performing Techno Night Market at Jungle nightclub in Hollywood on Wednesday nite, and attending a Vampire bordello BDSM membership club Drac’Haus for afterhours Saturday nite to Sunday morning for dancing & deep connections,

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my Mother, Sandi K, by continuously inspiring me to doodle & draw art every day & never stop creating & always be confident in my self.

Website: https://venue.ink/@robotbarbiedolltattoo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robotbarbiedolltattoos

Yelp: https://yelp.to/793oe8uTb6

Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nvqygL2VipULkvCQA?g_st=ic

Image Credits
©️RBDT 2026