19-year-old local tattoo artist to host back-to-school event
Published 8:00 am Thursday, August 13, 2026
The Aug. 29 event will feature dozens of local artists and small businesses, give away 500 backpacks filled with school supplies and spread the word about community resources.
Mel Harris set out with three goals: promote herself as an up-and-coming tattoo artist, support her community and uplift her fellow small artists and businesses.
That’s why she created THEGATHEREDHUSTLE, a series of events where local artists, businesses and organizations can offer their goods and services to the community.
“Anywhere that we gather, we’re gonna be some hustlers, so we’re THEGATHEREDHUSTLE,” Harris said.
The newest installment of THEGATHEREDHUSTLE – the third event of its kind – will take place on Aug. 29.
The event will have something for everyone. There will be local clothing brands, art and live airbrushers. There will be tattoos, tooth gems, permanent jewelry and face painting. There will be raffles, giveaways and a bouncy house. There will even be homemade hot Cheeto cheese balls.
On top of vendor items and community resource booths, there will be free haircuts and 500 backpacks with school supplies will also be available for anyone who comes to the event.
“This is a moment for businesses to showcase their business, connect with the community, give back to the community, and share their message with everybody inside of a group space,” Harris said.
THEGATHEREDHUSTLE was inspired by SneakerCon, which facilitates spaces for “sneakerheads” to buy and sell shoes and clothing. Harris said THEGATHEREDHUSTLE works similarly to SneakerCon, except people aren’t just showcasing sneakers: They’re showcasing, Harris’ words, “what [they] do for the community or to the world.”
Harris built her network of up-and-coming artists and businesses from the ground up by tactfully engaging on TikTok and Instagram.
It started with a video she had posted, telling viewers: “If you’re an entrepreneur or you got a business and you want to be in an event, hit me up.” The response was swift. “A lot of people started hitting me up,” she said.
The first THEGATHEREDHUSTLE event was held on April 25 and had about 15 businesses and 300 attendees, by Harris’ estimate. The second was held on June 6 and had about 25 businesses and 500 attendees, she said.
“I know some people started their businesses at the event and they’ve been thriving ever since,” Harris said.
For the Aug. 29 event, Harris expects it to be even bigger. With over 60,000 views on a recent TikTok video promoting it, Harris is optimistic the event will be a big hit. There are about 30 businesses on the roster so far, and based on the amount of engagement she has received on social media, Harris estimates up to 1,000 people could attend.
The sky is the limit for Harris, who hopes that THEGATHEREDHUSTLE will take her tattoo art and her network to different places around the country and the world like SneakerCon. “I’ll have clientele everywhere,” she said.
“If I have an event that everybody can eat from – as in gain and thrive in – and everybody can enjoy something, you can take it anywhere,” she said.
The event will be held from 1-6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Pyramid Masonic Center at 1700 S. 340th Pl. in Federal Way.
“Come on by,” Harris said. “Bring your people, bring your mama, bring your aunties. You’re welcome.”
