Some people collect tattoos as souvenirs; others wear them as stories. For Kelly Ceron, tattoos are more than just art—they’re a reflection of her life, her passions, and her evolution. Growing up in Houston, Texas, Kelly’s upbringing was steeped in the pride and traditions of the Lone Star State. From rodeos and horseback riding to the vibrant art and music scene of downtown Houston, her childhood was a blend of Texas charm and creative exploration. But it wasn’t until later in life that she discovered the true artistry and meaning behind tattoos.
“When I was first introduced to tattoos, I was 16. I got my first tattoo at a house party, actually,” Kelly recalls with a laugh. “It was probably a homemade tattoo machine, and we all proceeded to get tattoos during that party. Not the best first tattoo experience, but I was too young to know any better.”
At 18, Kelly couldn’t wait to get her first official tattoo at a studio. “It was a tribal butterfly,” she says, “and at the time, I thought it was cool.”
Later, while deployed in the military, she got another tattoo—a zodiac sign that matched one her best friend had gotten in her honor. But looking back, Kelly admits her early tattoo experiences were a mix of spontaneity and youthful impulsiveness.
It wasn’t until her “second phase of life,” as she calls it, that Kelly truly understood the importance of finding the right artist and collaborating to create meaningful pieces.
This realization led her to Hart & Huntington, a place that would redefine her relationship with tattoos.
Kelly first discovered Hart & Huntington through a Google search. “I read a lot of reviews about their professionalism, great experiences, and artists who really cared about their work,” she explains. At the time, Hart & Huntington was operating out of a temporary location while their studio was being renovated. Despite the alternate setup, Kelly felt confident in her choice.
“I looked at the artists’ portfolios and knew this was the place for me.”
Her first tattoo at Hart & Huntington was with Adam Natonio, an artist known for his skill in cover-ups. Kelly had a tribal butterfly on her lower back—a relic of her younger days—that no longer resonated with her.
“I wanted something that represented me and my family,” she says.
Adam, who shares her love for the ocean, suggested an underwater scene. Over five or six sessions, they brought the vision to life: a vibrant coral reef with a turtle, a yellow tang, and a jellyfish. “I trusted him to create this vision,” Kelly says. “And the end result was beyond what I could have imagined.”
Years later, Kelly returned to Adam to add to her ocean-themed collection. This time, she wanted a flying fish—a symbol of special moments spent fishing with her husband. “Adam took my idea and brought it to life on my shoulder,” she says. “It’s the first tattoo I have that’s visible, and I’m so proud to show it off.” During these sessions, Adam also touched up her original back piece, adding a starfish, another tang fish, and more coral.
“He brought the whole thing back to life with bright colors and details I never expected.”
Kelly’s journey at Hart & Huntington also led her to Stephanie James, a talented artist whose unique style and attention to detail left a lasting impression. “I’d always wanted a seahorse tattoo, and Stephanie nailed the design,” Kelly shares. “She took my vision and made it come to life on paper, adding her own touch with geometric shapes.” The tattoo, located on her ribs, was Kelly’s first in seven or eight years. “I was nervous, but Stephanie made the experience so enjoyable. My daughters even came to watch, which made it even more special.”
What sets Hart & Huntington apart, according to Kelly, isn’t just the skill of the artists—it’s the entire experience. “From the moment you walk in, you’re treated like family,” she says. “The staff is incredible. They’ll ask if you need water, if you’re comfortable, even bring you a heater if it’s cold. I went from being nervous and made-up on my first visit to showing up in comfy clothes, feeling completely at home. It’s more than a tattoo studio; it’s a place where you’re cared for.”
Kelly’s advice to anyone considering their first tattoo?
“Do your research. Save up for the piece you really want, and don’t just go for something trendy. A tattoo should represent you or hold meaning so that 20 years later, you’re still proud of it.”
Now, Kelly is passing on her love for tattoos to her daughter, who will turn 18 soon. “We’re going to get tattoos together in May,” Kelly says with a smile. “She’s going to be a marine biologist, so her design will be ocean-themed—a manta ray, a shell, and maybe a sun. I’m so excited to share this experience with her.”
For Kelly, tattoos are more than ink on skin—they’re a way to tell her story, honor her passions, and connect with the people she loves. And at Hart & Huntington, she found a place where art meets soul, where every piece is a collaboration, and where every client leaves with more than just a tattoo—they leave with a memory.
Your story deserves to be told. Let’s make it unforgettable. Book your session at Hart & Huntington today.
