Tattoos have often caused arguments, especially between people of different ages. Melissa Sloan acquired her first tattoo in her twenties, and her passion for ink hasn’t waned since. Today, she has over 1,000 tattoos and constantly faces criticism due to her unconventional look. Let’s find out how this strong mom of 7 navigates societal opinions and learn about her thoughts on stereotypes.
Facial tattoos have brought about various challenges for Melissa, including unemployment.
She used to have a job cleaning toilets. But she says she now can’t find a similar job because of the tattoo art that covers her face and body. The mom is struggling to find paid employment because people cast judgment on her inked-up look.
“I can’t get a job,” Sloan says in her interview. “I applied for a job cleaning toilets where I live, and they won’t have me because of my tattoos.”
She can’t find a driving instructor because of the way she looks.
She went on recounting an incident where one instructor appeared visibly perturbed when she took her place in his car, and he struggled to maintain eye contact with her. “They’re all scared of me,” the 46-year-old mother shared. In another instance, Melissa mentioned that an instructor was so taken aback by her heavily tattooed visage, vibrant green hair, and unconventional metal grills on her teeth that he couldn’t wait to conclude the lesson and have her exit his vehicle.
She’s also banned from attending her children’s school events.
She’s absolutely puzzled by people’s criticism.
Despite all her struggles, she doesn’t want to give up on her passion.
“If I make it to 70, I’ll still be getting them,” she said. “Every bit of skin will be covered even if I’m turning blue, my face is already turning blue — I look like a Smurf.”