Fairlady
Jenna from Florida
Where did you grow up?
Melbourne Beach,
Florida.
How was it growing up
there, would you say that it influenced you?
Growing up in my
particular area definitely influenced me. The range of people you meet while
living near the beach is vast, especially since it was a tourist-y town (being
a few miles from Cocoa Beach). The folks that live here are so laid back, and
so am I. I love the beach, and never want to leave it behind.
When did you start
getting tattoos?
I started getting
tattoos when I was 18 and a senior in high school. I attended a Catholic
school, so being in uniforms all day, every day cramped my expressive side. I
was finally legal, so it was my initiation in my own mind to begin my tattoo
journey.
How would you describe
your style?
I honestly don’t have
a particular style. My daily get up is as follows: T-shirt, sweat pants (maybe
jeans if I’m feeling frisky) unless I’m going somewhere remotely fancy. I clean
up nicely, but everyday life doesn’t ask for me to get ready for 30 minutes to
go to class, the store, or whatever the case may be. After many years of never
leaving the house without makeup, I have finally accepted my natural look and
hardly ever wear makeup anymore. In a way, I’m proud of myself for making that
step.
Do you consider
tattoos as a serious art form?
I consider tattoos an
art form, yes. It is serious for those who want it to be serious, but a form of
freedom and spontaneity for others. Art is a manifestation of so many emotions,
no matter what medium.
How do you see the
tattoo culture right now?
I see the tattoo
culture expanding tremendously. However, although it is expanding, it is still
frowned upon in certain communities, and it always will be as long as people
believe that our body is a temple. My body is my temple, and I will do as I
wish with it.
What has been your
inspiration for getting them?
The inspiration behind
my ink comes from both within myself and my personal experiences. Anything that
comes into my life, if it interests me, is means for inspiration.
What’s your favorite
piece?
My favorite piece is
my sleeve to back piece. It incorporates many things that are important to me
including my life as of recently, how I see myself, and of course—my favorite
kind of flower.
Do you catch people
staring at you because of your ink?
All the time! It’s
hard for me to go somewhere without someone coming up to me and asking about my
tattoos. My favorite artist and friend, Josh Oshier, did an amazing job.
In your opinion, do
your tattoos change your mood often?
Absolutely not. My
tattoos are a part of who I am and have no direct influence of my emotions. The
reactions of others is what either excites or disappoints me.
What are your most
significant tattoos and why?
Koi: My koi is near
and dear to my heart. I attended a World Religions class and read the poem
titled “It is Her Love that Gives Me Strength.” One of the stanzas goes a
little like this: “My heart bounds in its place / Like the red fish in its pond
/ O night, be mine forever / Now that my queen has come!” Although it is the
opposite (my king has come), the red koi on my back symbolizes my life and how
I have finally found love in its truest form.
Girl: The woman on my
arm is a representation of myself (in a way). Art all over her body, wearing
the ohm symbol, hair flowing freely.. It is everything that I would like to be.
Love is My Religion: I
believe that people get too caught up in what books say rather than what the
true underlying meanings of them are. All religions are more or less based on
one thing: Love. No matter what I believe, I love—and that’s what life is all
about.
What advice would you
give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo?
Make sure you are
totally committed to having the tattoo for the rest of your life. Although
there are lasers, cover ups, etc. there will always be the memory of what was
once there.
Will you be getting
anymore?
I am still in the
process of completing my back/sleeve. I will definitely be getting more work
done by the fabulous Josh Oshier. He is always good to me.
What’s your biggest
inspiration, what keeps you going?
My biggest inspiration
is my mom. She is the hardest working person I know—and puts up with more crap
than I could EVER deal with. My mom is shy, but she is intelligent, diligent,
and the most wonderful person and mother anyone could ever ask for. She is my
rock.
What is one thing that
life has taught you?
One thing life has
taught me is to stay true to yourself. If you cannot be honest with who you are
as a person, living only to impress others.
Do you have a favorite
quote?
“Sometimes good things
fall apart so better things can fall together.” – Marilyn Monroe. Story of my
life!
Anything else you
would like to add?
I would like to add that I
am now part of a non-profit organization called the East Coast Bombshells. We
are a team of real women dedicated to bettering the lives of others. We host
charity events, food drives, and send packages to the troops overseas. You can
find more information at www.EastCoastBombshells.com.