09/23/2026
Today is an incredibly bittersweet and emotional day for me.
This morning, I woke up grateful for another beautiful day and went in for the results of my cancer scans. After nearly four years, these appointments have almost become second nature. Thankfully, once again, my tests came back clean. That is something I should be celebrating today, and something I will never take for granted.
But that gratitude feels a little heavier today, because over the past couple of days I learned that two good friends will not get to see another beautiful morning.
Rest in peace, Danny Knight, former owner of Cast Iron Tattoos, and Darren Williams, a longtime client who became so much more than that—he became family.
Danny was a friend and, whether he realized it or not, a mentor to me. When I was considering opening Habitual Ink almost 14 years ago, I went to him for advice. His advice was pretty simple: “Run. Don’t even look back. Don’t even consider it.” 😂
Fourteen years later, I understand exactly what he meant—but I’m still glad I didn’t listen.
Danny was a staple in the tattoo community long before I ever opened my doors. I would run into him and his family at breakfast on Sundays in Oviedo, and we would sit there talking and laughing about the old days. Danny was the kind of guy who could take over a room within five minutes of sitting down.
And then there is Darren.
Darren was a retired military veteran who originally walked into Habitual Ink as a client and quickly became family. He was one of the most giving and genuinely kindhearted people I have ever known. If someone needed something, Darren’s first question was always, “How can I help?” Whether people appreciated it or not, he was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back.
I had just seen him a couple of days ago, and I think that is what makes his passing so difficult to process.
Today reminds me just how precious life really is. I received good news about my own health while at the same time grieving two friends who are no longer here to celebrate another day.
Danny and Darren, I am incredibly grateful that life gave me the opportunity to know you, learn from you, laugh with you, and most importantly, call you my friends and my family.
Rest in paradise, my friends. Thank you for the memories, the friendship, and the impact you both made on my life.
Until we see each other again. ❤️
