Donna's dream was to work at Black Ink, so this Cleveland-born girl packed her bags and said goodbye to the Midwest. After many ups and downs with Ceaser, the two finally came to a mutual respect and understanding. She's in a long-term relationship with fellow tattoo artist Alex, but her anger and conflict at the shop threaten everything she's worked for.

Newly single, Alex feels reborn and is no longer letting anyone or anything hold him back from the life he feels he is destined to live. He is ready to do everything he couldn't do when he was in a relationship... and then some. As he looks forward to turning 30, he is determined to put himself and his needs first. He is spending time in the studio working on music, working on a podcast, guest spotting in Black Ink shops across the country, opening his own shop in Atlanta with O'S**t and embracing his status as a sex symbol to "Black Ink Crew" fans. Thanks to suggestions from female fans in his ear and his DMs, Alex started an OnlyFans page recently and has been making a killing in just a few months. He is in the top 3.8% of all creators, charging $50 monthly subscriptions. With his newfound freedom, how will Alex's energy in the shop change? Will everyone accept this new version of Alex as he reclaims himself and his life?

Hailing from the Bronx, New York, Krystal is seriously skilled at tattooing. While she ascends the creative world, her relationship with Rok also reaches new heights. After proving that they can hold their own against the best tattoo artists, Rok and Krystal are stronger than ever. With their new tattoo shop, Gods of Ink, open for business, they are determined to make their mark in the tattoo world. Not only are they taking their business and craft to the next level, but they are also taking their relationship to the next level. Krystal is now living with Rok full-time, and she is his only source of support. They are also new parents to a fur baby named Rocky. Will being new business owners and puppy parents bring out the best in their relationship, or will their romance be put to the ultimate test? Will this next step get them closer to their dream of having a baby and getting married?

As Puma enters his 40s, he splits his time between being a successful entrepreneur and being a husband to his wife, Quani, and father to his two children. He might be unsure of what his 40s have to offer, but he is determined to let loose and take the reins of this new decade in life. Puma has always been the voice of reason within the shop. But the days of "Puma the Peacemaker" might be over as Puma refuses to fix other people's problems. How will everyone react to Puma at 40? Always the serial entrepreneur, Puma has his eyes on developing a cannabis strain and is working with farms in Colorado and California to grow his vision from seed. He is also interested in buying livestock for his land at Chace Village in Atlanta. Either way, he is ready to defeat feeling stagnant and show other people in their 40s that life is just getting started.

Last season, Quani had her eyes and heart set on Atlanta after feeling stagnant in New York. Now, she is shifting her attention to spiritual mobility. After having a child during the pandemic, Quani began experiencing postpartum depression. Fresh out of lockdown, she is looking to get her mental health back on track -- no matter what that journey looks like. On a quest for peace and self-awareness, Quani will explore different ways to connect with herself outside of being a mother and wife. When Quani looks in the mirror, she wants to know the woman looking back at her. Tapping into the women around her, Quani's life will be filled with girl outings, spa dates, journaling and possibly therapy. She will be an example for mothers everywhere that getting back in shape after having a child is about more than just the physical.

Rok, a talented and heartfelt artist, is making a name for himself in the Black Ink world. And after proving that they can hold their own against the best tattoo artists, Rok and Krystal are stronger than ever. With their new tattoo shop, Gods of Ink, open for business, they are determined to make their mark in the tattoo world. Not only are they taking their business and craft to the next level, but their relationship is also soaring to new heights. Rok has been kicked out of his apartment, due to trusting the wrong people, and he is now living with Krystal full-time. With all his brothers moving to Los Angeles, he only has Krystal to rely on for support. They are also new parents to a fur baby named Rocky. Will being new business owners and puppy parents bring out the best in their relationship, or will their romance be put to the ultimate test? Will this next step get them closer to Rok's dream of having a baby with Krystal and asking her to be his wife?

Self-proclaimed Black Ink royalty is back and bigger than ever! Well, not bigger, due to his amazing weight loss journey, but definitely better! Spyder dealt with an extreme health scare recently and is now focused on his health, wealth and legacy. Even with his clothing brand, book, sea moss company and booming TikTok career, his plate still isn't full. Spyder plans to go back to school to receive his GED to make his mother proud. Growing up, he dropped out of school and got involved in the streets with his brother. Now, he wants to right that wrong and finish what he started. This year he will also be celebrating his 20th wedding anniversary with his wife, Desiree. The celebration doesn't stop there as he is also preparing for his oldest daughter, Paris, to graduate high school at 16! He makes sure to always lead by example when it comes to his family, as he's passed on his passion for tattooing to his middle daughter, London.

Last year, Tatti struggled to keep her head above water. She was battling a federal court case, trying to keep her family intact and constantly proving her worth to Ceaser at the shop. Luckily, her positive affirmations -- as well as her determination to manifest the life she wants -- turned her year around! Although Tatti won't face jail time, she realizes that five years on probation won't be easy. So far, probation has been tough. As much as she wants to live a regular life and enjoy her freedom, asking permission for her every move makes it difficult. Always the optimist, she still plans on working hard at Black Ink starting at the bottom as a shop apprentice. She's already bought a tattoo machine, has been practicing her drawing and wants to show Ceaser how serious she is about becoming an artist. Knowing that being a successful shop owner means being well-versed in all aspects of tattooing, Tatti still has plans to open a Black Ink franchise in the future. Due to her probation, Tatti is completely drug-free for the first time in over 20 years and is focused on staying healthy. Her anxiety has been bad since she stopped smoking, but she wants to show people how to manage stress through meditation and yoga. Will Tatti finally be able to succeed in Ceaser's eyes? Can she convince him she has a future in becoming a franchise owner? Or will her probation hold her back from her second chance at life and the freedom she imagines?

This past year, Ted has focused on his life outside of Black Ink and unapologetically put himself and his needs first. From securing a role in a popular movie franchise to hosting his first music showcase to moving to Atlanta to pursue acting, Ted made it clear that this is his year! However, with more success comes more problems. Although he has found fame and success in his own right, no one else in his immediate family is doing as well as him, including his mother, who still lives in the NYC projects. With both an older and younger brother who have spent extensive time in prison, Ted has found himself at a stage in life where he must navigate feelings of survivor's remorse. Two years ago, Ted's older brother finished serving a 25-year sentence. They haven't had any interactions beyond keeping in touch via social media, and Ted hopes to reconnect in person for the first time since his brother became a free man.

This season sees Bae reconnect with herself as a mother, woman and artist. Having arrived in America 13 years ago, Bae worked hard to leave her traumatic past behind her and build a future she could be proud of. As she reflects on her journey thus far, Bae feels she has accomplished her version of the American dream. What is missing for her is a piece of the apple pie -- she hasn't had the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of her labor. But with over a decade of immigrant hustle ingrained in her, does Bae know how to relish her success? Does she know who she is outside of being a hardworking mother and daughter? Bae wants to find herself, understand who she is today and evolve into the woman she has worked so hard to become. Painting, a skill she honed alongside her mom in Korea, has become Bae's escape. Painting was the way Bae expressed all her complicated emotions growing up. Now, she turns back to the easel for that same release. She hopes to put on art shows this year and showcase her first love to everyone who only knows her as a tattoo artist. Outside of tattooing, Bae has also made a name for herself in the oversaturated female athletic wear market. Her company 2one2 Apparel has made its debut at several Foot Locker locations in NYC! Garnering much success and countless achievements, Bae is ready to travel the long road down to self-discovery.