A mother’s two adoring children still look up to her even though she’s taunted and teased by people who call her a ‘freak’.
The woman possesses no inherent physical deformities. Rather, her body is entirely adorned with tattoos reminiscent of a “prison style” aesthetic. Despite facing challenges in securing employment and enduring verbal assaults each time she leaves her residence, she remains resolute in her pursuit of additional tattoos, identifying herself as an addict.
Continue reading to discover more about this mother and the ways in which she serves as a role model for her children.
Melissa Sloan, a 46-year-old resident of Wales, expresses no remorse regarding her 26-year relationship with a tattoo gun. Having begun her journey into body art at the age of 20, she has come to terms with her societal ostracism. Despite recognizing that her increasing number of tattoos complicates her life further, she remains steadfast in her decision to continue.
“It resembles the experience of becoming addicted to a cigarette or an alcoholic beverage. I find it impossible to cease; it is addictive for me, at least. I simply cannot bring myself to stop,” stated Sloan, noting that since tattoo parlors have begun to refuse her services, deeming her “beyond help,” she has acquired her own tattoo kit. She elaborated, “I keep the tattoo gun in the trunk of my car, ready to use it whenever the opportunity arises, whether in the vehicle or elsewhere.”
Despite Sloan’s inability to secure employment, her body and face are adorned with numerous ink designs, albeit applied in a somewhat haphazard manner. She persists in having her boyfriend administer three “prison-style” tattoos each week, bringing her total to over 800 tattoos.
Sloan explained that years ago, she worked as a toilet cleaner, but today, she’s turned away from similar roles.
I am currently unable to secure employment. My applications have been unsuccessful. I submitted an application for a position in restroom sanitation in my area, but I was rejected due to my tattoos. Some individuals have remarked that I have never held a job, but I did have one previously, although it was short-lived. She added, “However, if a job were to be offered to me tomorrow, I would gladly accept it and begin working.”
In addition to her struggles with employment, Sloan expressed that she feels ostracized, stating that each time she leaves her home, she faces verbal assaults and ridicule, with individuals pointing and staring at her.
“It is unfortunate that the more I possess, the more others perceive me as an oddity. They often move aside, leaving me to wonder about their actions. It is quite distressing,” she expressed. “I anticipated this aspect of life; I struggle to blend in with others because I prefer to embrace my true self, and I will always remain authentic.”
Sloan asserts that she has been prohibited from entering local bars and has been banned from school events that her two young children, aged eight and ten, may participate in. Nevertheless, this does not deter her.
The body art enthusiast remarked, “My children often say, ‘Mom, they are staring at you,’ to which I respond, ‘Ignore them.’” She further noted that her children are sensitive to the negative perceptions directed at her. “It is truly disheartening to hear that people believe my children will abandon me when they grow older.”
Sloan’s children have developed an appreciation for body art, as she actively influences them and encourages them to view her as a role model.
Sloan remarked, “Last night, they applied some temporary tattoos on their arms, but since they have school today, they will need to remove them. I assured the children that they will have the opportunity for more permanent designs in the future. I always tell them that they will appreciate better options as they grow older.”
Prior to acquiring her tattoos, she presented as an ordinary-looking woman. She has posted photographs of her face before the tattoos on her Instagram account. Now, she appears almost unrecognizable, especially to those who knew her during that time.
Tasteful body art is not inherently problematic; however, some individuals may take it to an excessive level. While it is not appropriate to pass judgment, it is understandable that employers may hesitate to have her represent their brand. It is our hope that this woman’s children will learn from their mother’s missteps, enabling them to avoid feeling like outcasts in the future.
