Launched by one-eyed artist Christos Tsintsaris, BLINK has seen its growth double since 2023, attracting an impressive 25% international client base and launching a fast-growing training programme that brings aspiring tattooists from all over Europe.

BLINK Tattoo Studio is making Thessaloniki a landmark destination for the European “tattourism” wave, blending modern studio aesthetics, strict hygiene standards, and an ambitious education programme. Since its 2023 opening, BLINK has doubled its growth, with one in four bookings now coming from international clients. A surge of visitors from France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Scandinavia, and the US has cemented its global reputation. With over 4,500 verified five-star Google reviews, BLINK is Greece’s highest-rated tattoo studio and among Europe’s most celebrated.

Founded by Christos Tsintsaris, BLINK is rooted in perseverance and precision. After losing sight in one eye in 2019, Tsintsaris refocused his approach to tattooing, prioritising detail, harmony, and meaning — the essence of BLINK’s signature artistry, spanning fine line, minimalist, and realistic black-and-grey techniques.

“I didn’t lose my perspective; I gained focus,” said Tsintsaris. “Tattooing marks life’s turning points. BLINK exists to honour those moments with discipline, ethos, and creativity.”

Artists and educators collaborate to continue the tradition

BLINK Tattoo Studio is a bold newcomer to Greece’s body art scene, providing tattoos, piercings, and jewelry alongside professional training for emerging artists. The studio’s distinctive yellow winking-emoji mark has become a shorthand for “seeing differently,” and is even requested as a tattoo by fans. What began as a playful emblem now symbolizes resilience, echoing tattooing’s enduring role as a medium for personal storytelling.

Beyond client work, BLINK is a recognized educational hub. Through BLINK Seminars, Tsintsaris and his team train emerging tattoo, piercing, and PMU (permanent makeup) artists from Greece, the Balkans, and beyond. Group sessions, which are held every two months with 30 participants, combine theory, live demonstration, and hands-on practice. Private training is available year-round, with all participants earning a Certificate of Completion recognized by industry partners in Greece and abroad.

“Our mission is not just to teach craft, it is to shape artists who carry discipline, ethics, and creativity into every piece they create,” says Tsintsaris. This commitment to skill-sharing reflects the apprenticeship traditions that have kept tattooing techniques alive across centuries, evolving without losing their roots.

Tattourism is a fast growing trend

BLINK’s client base is around 25% international. The studio’s reputation has also given rise to what Tsintsaris calls “Tattourism”. Clients traveling to Thessaloniki specifically for a tattoo, often making a short holiday of the trip. Moreover, the studio’s piercing department is one of the fastest-growing in Northern Greece, known for impeccable hygiene, premium materials, and a wide jewelry selection.

“They get their tattoo or piercing, enjoy the city’s food and culture, and return with something truly unique that is more often than not the same price or less than they’d pay back home,” he says.

BLINK regularly hosts international guest artists, flash tattoo events, and industry-specific workshops, helping position Thessaloniki as a creative hub for body art. This openness to exchange mirrors tattooing’s long history as a shared cultural practice, passed between communities and continually reimagined.

From symbolic skin markings to contemporary fine-line designs, tattooing has always been a way to tell stories on the body. BLINK Tattoo Studio carries that tradition forward with resilience, reinvention, and the belief that the way we choose to see the world creates the world we see.

About BLINK Tattoo Studio

BLINK Tattoo Studio is a Thessaloniki-based destination for tattoos, piercings, and professional training. Founded by Christos Tsintsaris, BLINK blends contemporary aesthetics with rigorous standards and an education ethos that prepares the next generation of artists. The studio regularly hosts guest artists, flash events, and industry workshops, contributing to Thessaloniki’s reputation as a creative hub for body art.

With a game-changing announcement on September 5, 2025, about the improvements to its self-driving technology, Tesla, the pioneer of electric vehicles, is back in the spotlight of the market. The company also announced that the Full Self-Driving (FSD) software had reached a new milestone, achieving a new level 4 autonomy, which means that vehicles can drive autonomously under most circumstances.

This has immediately sparked off investor fervour, forcing Tesla stock to skyrocket in a market that generally looks at macroeconomic signals. With the world heading towards a future of self-driving cars, the most recent step Tesla has taken has placed the company among the leaders in the field, and it could have implications on its valuation as well as the automotive industry in general.

The news comes at a time when Tesla stock has been experiencing volatility due to global trade issues and shifting consumer demand. Nonetheless, this technological innovation has changed the story, further boosting the company’s reputation as an innovative one. Investors and analysts have begun to review the growth potential of Tesla, considering its progress in autonomy as a driver of long-term leadership in the transportation industry.

Unveiling the Next Generation of Full Self-Driving

The most recent update by Tesla focuses on their FSD software, which has been subject to heavy criticism and development over the years. The firm announced that its latest iteration relies on an updated neural network design, which is computed on its own supercomputer, Dojo.

It is claimed that this upgrade will enhance the system’s ability to address complex urban settings, adverse weather conditions, and unpredictable pedestrian behaviour. This version is reported to have an almost human level of decision-making, unlike past versions, which have been criticised due to poor performance.

That is an important milestone since Level 4 autonomy is a giant step forward compared to Tesla systems at Level 2+, where drivers are required to be involved. At Level 4, Tesla cars would be capable of driving autonomously in certain zones, which would pave the way for robotaxi services and self-driving courier trucks.

The leadership at the company alluded to future physical tests, as it hoped to launch limited deployments in some cities by mid-2026. This schedule has created speculations regarding how Tesla can commercialise its software, which is a high-margin division that may surpass Tesla vehicle sales earnings.

The addition of Dojo, the AI training supercomputer created by Tesla, is a game-changer. Dojo can also be used to run many more iterations and create more robust algorithms by processing large volumes of real-world driving data.

This is a proprietary advantage that will help Tesla reduce its dependence on external cloud providers, potentially saving money and shortening development cycles. One of the reasons the company appears to be ahead of its competitors, who cannot match it, is due to its vertical integration, which involves directing hardware, software, and data.

Strategic Implications for Tesla’s Market Position

There is a strong push to build its own autonomous driving race, in which Tesla already has a foothold. Although other competitors, such as Waymo and Cruise, are also doing so, Tesla has a significant advantage due to its size as a car manufacturer.

As millions of cars on the road gather information, the neural network developed by Tesla has access to a unique dataset, which optimises its algorithms in real time. This knowledge moat is among the main areas of distinction, and Tesla will not be simple to imitate in terms of their success.

The announcement also fits in the bigger picture of Tesla changing transportation. In addition to individual cars, the company views autonomous technology as the foundation of its envisioned robotaxi network, which has the potential to displace ride-sharing platforms.

Tesla could enter into a multi-trillion-dollar market by providing a fleet of self-driving cars, which will have recurring revenue sources that investors love. Additionally, FSD can still be licensed to other manufacturers, which will further expand its availability.

However, challenges remain. The number of regulatory hurdles varies depending on the region, as some governments have stringent requirements regarding autonomous vehicles. The adoption may be slowed down by safety concerns related to Tesla and its Autopilot in the past.

The company also has to find a way to convince people that self-driving cars are safe. These barriers notwithstanding, Tesla has a track record of being innovative enough to overcome them.

Stock Market Response and Investor Sentiment

Tesla shares rose sharply on September 5, 2025, prior to trading, indicating that investors remained hopeful that the company could succeed in autonomous driving technology usage.

The announcement took precedence over larger market issues, including upcoming economic data releases, and triggered large-volume trading. It did not take long for analysts to issue updated reports, most of which increased price targets due to the possibility that FSD could unlock new revenue streams.

The share performance is especially remarkable in light of recent trade tariff pressures and declining EV demand in specific markets. Tesla can create good news, and this has been a big relief to investors who see Tesla as a technology leader and not merely an automaker.

Active on social networks, retail investors have fueled the hype, and the Tesla company and its potential to take control of the autonomous vehicle market are trending. According to sceptics, though, the road to complete autonomy is fraught with dangers. Regulatory delays, technical glitches or high-profile accidents could stifle enthusiasm.

Furthermore, Tesla is already highly valued, and a single slip causes a lot of problems. Notwithstanding this, the immediate response of the market indicates that it has confidence in Tesla to deliver on its promises.

The Competitive Landscape in Autonomous Driving

The self-driving industry is nearing overheating, and the tech companies and startups are competing to be the best. Alphabet-supported Waymo has implemented restricted robotaxi service offerings, but it is geographically limited.

Backed by General Motors, Cruise has faced its share of setbacks due to safety-related incidents, while other players, such as Zoox and Mobileye, have yet to reach the same scale. The strength Tesla has is that it is a combined company that produces vehicles, software, and AI infrastructure.

In addition to competition, the Tesla breakthrough may accelerate the implementation of autonomous technology in the industry. Much of the work in developing infrastructure to support self-driving cars will rely on collaboration with regulators and city planners. This is the future that Tesla is looking forward to because it is already engaging in policy-making, as evidenced by its recent lobbying efforts.

There can be ripple effects on the wider automotive industry. Late movers to autonomy may be forced to form or buy tech-oriented companies. The development of Tesla could also lead to investment in adjacent sectors, including sensor technology and mapping systems, opening up opportunities for small players.

What This Means for Investors

For Tesla shareholders as of September 5, 2025, the FSD announcement is bullish. Innovation remains one of the reasons why the company has remained at the top of investment portfolios of investors who are betting on technology-led growth.

Long-term investors could view this as a confirmation that Tesla is worth the high valuation since autonomous driving represents an avenue to a substantial return. Diversification is also a priority because Tesla is a volatile stock. Combining it with investments in less risky areas, such as consumer goods or utilities, would offset the risk.

It will be crucial to monitor regulatory developments and the timeline for Tesla implementation, as delays may impact sentiment. Moreover, investors will follow news about Dojo’s development, as its efficiency will lead to Tesla becoming more competitive.

When looking at the prospects of Tesla, it seems to have a healthy future. That it can transform into EVs and the reverse can also be attributed to its strategic thinking, and since it has a global brand name, people are curious.

As the company gears towards actual FSD implementations in the real world, the market will be keen to see how it implements them. Until further notice, the September 5 announcement has solidified Tesla as a pioneer of the new age of transportation, and its stock is charged with the enthusiasm of an automobile-free future.

On September 4, 2025, Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., experienced a spectacular 10% stock price increase that shocked Wall Street and sparked a broader technological stock rally.

This wave followed a momentous court decision in favour of Google in a high-stakes U.S. antitrust lawsuit. This ruling has transformed investor sentiment and helped rebuild confidence in the future of the tech giant.

The Nasdaq Composite gained 1.5 per cent and the S&P 500 gained 0.7 per cent, propelled by Alphabet, despite muddled economic news that kept markets on their toes. The decision resolved claims by the U.S.

Department of Justice that Google continued to use an illegal monopoly in online search using exclusive contracts with device manufacturers and browsers. Investors were dreading radical action, such as forced sales of major holdings like Chrome or Android, that would have shaken the Google monopoly.

Rather, the court decided on less severe remedies, prescribing that Google increase transparency in how search engines are selected on Android-based devices and to make default settings more straightforward to use. This was billed as a huge win by Alphabet, which averted the apprehension of a company divestiture that bore the scent of previous antitrust prosecution of technology leaders.

Inside the Antitrust Ruling

The lawsuit concentrated on the multi-billion-dollar transactions Google made with Apple to become the default search engine on iOS devices. The prosecutors said that these deals killed competition, pushing competitors such as Bing or DuckDuckGo to the back burner.

The court did not impose the draconian fines on the plaintiff, but did find some anticompetitive practices, which ultimately saved Google’s business by preserving its business model.

This is very lax and different from Europe, which is more stringent, and Google has been fined huge sums of money for such behaviour. The rules would not be as aggressive as it was proclaimed by the U.S. court, and this could be the new model that will be applied to other tech giants, like Amazon and Meta.

Market Frenzy and Trading Surge

Class A (GOOGL) shares of Alphabet went up to approximately 188 at the end of the trading session, which became one of the highest one-day returns on the stock in 2025. The volume of trading increased to more than 55 million shares, significantly exceeding the daily average, as institutional and retail investors rushed to capitalise on the news.

The rally boosted the wider tech industry as it overcame the headwinds of dismal economic news. A report of job openings at a four-year low last triggered fears of a slowing labour market, and traders now expect the Federal Reserve to cut its rate later in September. But the triumph of Alphabet obliterated these fears and underscored the overweighting of mega-cap technological shares.

Ripple Effects Across the Tech Landscape

The choice has spillover effects both to competitors and the tech ecosystem in general. Microsoft, which has already invested in AI-powered search through Bing and a partnership with OpenAI, has a long way to go to break Google’s 90 per cent market share unless stricter regulations are applied. The required transparency on Google platforms, however, may drive innovation in smaller entities and startups that aim to disrupt the search industry.

The ruling does not substantially affect Alphabet, whose advertising business, based on the volume of search adverts, is worth more than 200 billion dollars a year. Such strength enables Google to focus more on areas of growth, such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

Efforts like the Gemini AI model, which is now significantly embedded in search, and Waymo autonomous driving technology can be freed to face less regulatory scrutiny. The decision opens the door to Alphabet to approach these projects with a new sense of energy, and it may even transform industries beyond search.

Wall Street’s Take and Future Projections

Analysts were quick to amend their predictions, and big companies such as Morgan Stanley and Bank of America bumped up their price targets on Alphabet to $205 in the coming year.

As one of the driving forces, they mention reduced regulatory risk and strong earnings growth expectations of 17 per cent in 2026. One analyst characterised the decision as a turning point that liberated Alphabet to innovate faster without the threat of the company being dismantled to its foundation.

Yet, caution lingers. The Department of Justice can appeal the decision in part, which will continue to foster uncertainty. With the 2025 American presidential election approaching, another resurgence of antitrust concerns can be predicted, likely driven by a shift in management. Nevertheless, the general mood is positive, and the vast majority of analyst reports include buy recommendations, despite these risks.

Strategic Moves for Investors

Investors will have Alphabet on their radar as the company is indicating the importance of tech in diversified investments. Nonetheless, analysts recommend diversification of technology with defensive stocks such as utilities or consumer products, as the economy shows signs of slowing down.

Opting in and out of Alphabet has skyrocketed, as there are more call options than puts, as traders expect greater increases. The following report on revenues in October will be critical, and investors are also keen to see information regarding the performance of search ads, the growth of YouTube, and the progress of the cloud division.

What’s Next for Alphabet and Big Tech

The decision could potentially mark a breakthrough in the U.S. government’s antitrust campaign against tech giants. With the trials against Apple, Amazon, and Meta ongoing, courts may be more willing to implement gradual changes rather than wholesale changes, which would not compromise the competitive advantage of American tech companies.

In the case of Alphabet, it becomes a matter of leveraging its strengths. The health tech innovations of Verily and the growth of Google Cloud may gain independent momentum, making Alphabet a leader in several high-growth areas.

The larger market, however, presents a problem. The historical volatility of September, combined with macroeconomic uncertainties, may challenge investor resilience. The good news is that Alphabet is thriving; however, continued growth will depend on the ability to overcome economic headwinds and achieve lofty growth expectations.

In summary, Google has achieved an antitrust victory that has propelled Alphabet to even greater heights, making it an even more formidable force in the technology sector. The stock spike represents investors’ confidence in Google’s ability to remain dominant in the field of search operations as it ventures into new areas of AI and AI-related innovations. With Wall Street recalibrating, the future of technology is in the hands of Alphabet, with no spectre of regulatory danger looming so large.