After spending years under Ryan and his relentless management style, Charmaine broke away to start 2nd City Ink. She's a constant hustler who places a high value on family and loyalty. But recently, a falling-out with her business partner, the loss of her mother, the birth of her daughter during the pandemic and her dad's cancer diagnosis upended Charmaine's world and left her shop in jeopardy.

Jessica came all the way from across the pond to take over the tattoo game in Chicago. The London native teamed with Charmaine to start the female-forward 2nd City Ink and give Ryan and his crew a run for their money. But after Kitty came onboard, a rift formed between Jessica and Charmaine, putting the future of their partnership in jeopardy.

When we last saw Draya, she was packing her things and preparing to leave Chicago, but a last-minute invitation to a tattoo competition in Atlanta rerouted her back home to Virginia, and she left the Chicago Crew behind. At the competition, Draya repped for Chi-Town and brought home victory for the team, establishing bonds with the 9MAG artists, namely Ryan. Her time in Atlanta made Draya rethink leaving Chicago and consider approaching Ryan to discuss the potential of her return to Chicago via 9MAG. With all the 2nd City drama behind her and wearing the crown of the city's most talented free agent, how does Draya move forward? Forever in search of belonging, Draya is constantly battling her negative nomadic feelings both professionally and personally. Professionally, Draya is looking for stability, while personally she is looking for those with accountability. Her journey will not stop until she identifies those who matter in her life and those who are pretenders.

Though he's been a fixture at 9MAG from day one, Don's personal life is far from constant. He's been through many ups and downs over the years, including past infidelities that threatened his home life. Now, after a health scare that put him in the hospital, Don is on a journey of spiritual, mental and physical growth, which includes branching out from the shop and opening his own gym.

Phor is experiencing challenges as a new father in a co-parenting situationship. Even though he has made it abundantly clear to everyone else he isn't in a relationship with Nina, it's unclear whether or not he plainly communicates that information to her. Still, Phor believes his days of finding true love are ahead of him, and he is exploring his options. As far as professionally, Phor is still grinding away in the music scene and exploring new ventures, one of which is opening a line of sex toys under the brand name Phorplay. Clearly, Phor thinks he can mix business and pleasure -- and plans to do so.

A founding member of 9MAG, Van is now on the outs with the crew. Never feeling like he got enough credit for his role in helping build Ryan's empire, Van eventually left to start Loyal Ink with several other crew members. He later came back into the fold, but Ryan cut him loose. Now he's focused on being a dad and building up his fashion line.

Miss Kitty, a D.C. native turned New Yorker in exile, is now the brand manager of 2nd City Ink. She's decided to make a fresh start in the Windy City after her steamy fling with Ryan sparked rumors and chaos among her old crew back in Harlem. Now, with 2nd City Ink's future in doubt, the no-nonsense Kitty is focused on breathing new life into the shop.

Prince is moving forward with his tattoo career as he takes his talents from 2nd City Ink to 9MAG. As he adapts to the professional atmosphere and executive clientele that comes with being a 9MAG artist, Prince must ensure his next move is a successful one. Even though he has cut ties with Miriah and is no longer going to become a new father, he still has responsibilities and loved ones who count on him. Between caring for his five-year-old son Prince Jr. and letting his nephew stay with him, Prince finds himself with the heavy responsibility of raising men while trying to perfect the man he is himself. Through faults of his own, Prince knows the streets of Chicago can make or break a young Black man, and he is determined to guide his son and nephew toward the right path.

Ryan hopes to reframe his personal and professional image after a tumultuous start to the season when his dirty laundry was aired out -- and his professional relationship with Charmaine was tested. Now, Ryan hits the reset button, which will sever old ties and bring new opportunities. After years of unhealthy back-and-forth with former partner Rachel and lots of therapy, Ryan entertains the idea of finding love once again. Apart from wanting to hit the dating scene, he is focused on the expansion of 9MAG and the elevation of his brand. As he continues to remove the toxicity of his past, he understands only one person stands in his way of glory: himself.

Ashley has been with Don ever since they met in college, but staying with him hasn't always been easy. Don's history of infidelity has tested their relationship numerous times, but Ashley has fought hard to keep their family together. However, after a major health scare, she began contemplating a move to Texas and ending things with Don once and for all.

Neek is Charmaine's husband and the father of her child. Neek keeps Charmaine grounded and helps her keep the drama in check. He's always been there for her and really stepped up when Charmaine's mother passed away. However, he and Charmaine did ruffle a few feathers when they decided to elope.

With her quirky and unpredictable personality, 9MAG assistant Bella Tatted took the crew by storm. Always the life of the party, she injected a whole lot of energy into the shop, even though it frequently got on Ryan's nerves. But when the partying stops, Bella is a devoted single mom working hard to do right by her daughter.