A mother’s two loving children continue to admire her, despite the ridicule she faces from those who label her as “different.”
This woman doesn’t possess any inherent physical abnormalities. Rather, she’s adorned from head to toe with “prison style” tattoos. Even with the challenges of finding employment and the frequent verbal criticisms she encounters outside her home, she remains undeterred in her passion for tattoos, describing it as an addiction.
Read on to discover more about this inspiring mother and how she remains a beacon of strength for her children!
Melissa Sloan, a 46-year-old from Wales, remains unapologetic about her intense 26-year bond with tattooing. She embarked on her tattoo journey at the age of 20. While Sloan acknowledges society’s disapproval, she understands that each new tattoo makes her life more challenging, yet she remains unwavering in her commitment.
“Getting a tattoo feels like the pull of a cigarette or the allure of a drink; it’s become an addiction for me. I simply can’t resist,” Sloan shared. She mentioned that after multiple tattoo shops turned her away, deeming her “beyond assistance,” she procured her own equipment. “I always have my tattoo machine in the car boot. I might get one while I’m in the car or just about anywhere.”
Despite her entire body, including her face, being adorned with somewhat haphazard tattoos, Sloan’s boyfriend continues to ink her with three “prison-style” tattoos weekly, bringing her total to over 800.
Reflecting on her past, Sloan mentioned that she once worked as a restroom cleaner. However, now, even similar jobs elude her due to her appearance.
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“Finding employment has become impossible. I was rejected for a restroom cleaning job in my locality because of my tattoos,” she lamented. “Many assume I’ve never worked, but I did have a job once, albeit briefly.” She added, “Yet, if I were presented with a job opportunity tomorrow, I’d seize it without hesitation.”
In addition to her employment challenges, Sloan shared that she often feels alienated. Every time she ventures outside, she’s met with verbal taunts, ridicule, and gawking from passersby.
“The more tattoos I have, the more people label me as ‘different’. They avoid me, and I wonder, ‘why are you reacting this way?’ It’s distressing,” she expressed. “I anticipated such reactions. I’ve always chosen to be true to myself, even if it means not fitting in.”
Furthermore, Sloan revealed that she’s been denied entry to local pubs and excluded from school events, even those involving her two children, aged eight and 10. Yet, she remains undeterred.
“My children often notice the stares and comments. I tell them, ‘ignore them,'” said the tattoo aficionado, noting that her children are aware of the negative perceptions surrounding her. “There are comments suggesting my children will distance themselves from me as they grow older. That’s deeply hurtful.”
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Interestingly, Sloan’s children have developed an appreciation for body art, influenced by their mother.
“They had some temporary tattoos on their arms recently. They’ll have to remove them for school,” Sloan mentioned, hinting at the possibility of them getting permanent tattoos in the future. “I assure them they’ll get even better ones when they’re older.”
Before embracing the world of tattoos, Sloan had a conventional appearance. She posted photos of her untattooed self on Instagram, showcasing a stark contrast to her current look.
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While there’s no harm in appreciating body art, there’s a fine line between personal expression and excess. While it’s essential not to pass judgment, it’s understandable why some employers might hesitate to have her as the face of their brand. We hope her children can learn from their mother’s experiences and make informed decisions about their own paths.
