Jessi Anne from
Florida
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Hodgenville, KY.
How was it growing up there, would you say it influenced
you?
It's a very small town and everyone knows your business. I
think it did influence me at least to some extent. It helped me realize that I
want to go places and that I'm much bigger than a small town in KY.
When did you start getting tattoos?
I believe I was around 19 when I was first tattooed. It was
a small, pink Playboy bunny on my spine. I know, very original. After that, I
couldn't stop, nor did I want to.
How would you describe your style?
I'm not sure exactly. I do what is fun and feels comfortable
to me. I know I look a lot different than most women, but I love who I am. I
just try to have fun with my appearance, my tattoos, and just my outlook on
life. I'm just me.
Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
Oh definitely! Tattoos are art (unless of course, you get them
from a kitchen cowboy). For someone to take an image and transfer it to skin is
phenomenal and then to have it for the rest of your life...How can it be
anything other than art?
How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
It's definitely becoming more acceptable, and as a tattoo
shop owner and tattoo enthusiast, I hope it continues to. However, there is
still the stigma that lies with tattoos and the tattooing industry. We are
often stereotyped, thought to be criminals or drug addicts. I'm a business
owner, body piercer, mother, and wife. There is nothing scary about that.
What has been your inspiration for getting them?
There have been many inspirations for my tattoos, although
some of them are just for funsies. My upper right arm is dedicated to my
husband (still a work in progress), I have angel wings for my children, an
inspirational/motivational Marilyn Monroe quote on my right thigh...I'm also
very into Buddhism and I have a few Buddhist pieces on my left arm.
What's your favorite piece?
I have several favorite pieces so it's hard to choose just
one. Two of the top ones would be my head tattoo, which is leopard print and my
mermaid on my left thigh. My husband put eleven hours into my mermaid and she
is beautiful!!!
Do you catch people staring at you because of your ink?
For sure! Everywhere I go, people stop to look or ask me about
my tattoos. I'm flattered.
In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
If I'm having a rough day, I'll read my quote and that
helps. I know if I'm really stressed, I'll get tattooed and that makes me feel
tons better.
What's your most significant tattoo and why?
My most significant would also be my MM quote: “Imperfection
is Beauty. Madness is Genius. And it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than
absolutely boring. And when it comes down to it, I let them think what they
want. If they care enough to bother with what I do, I'm already better than
them.” I absolutely adore Marilyn Monroe and the quote helps me stay focused on
what is important in life. It doesn't matter what people say or do, NEVER give
up on the things you love and the things you are truly passionate about in
life.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their
first tattoo?
Definitely choose wisely! Don't get what everyone else is
getting and do NOT get tribal!
Will you be getting anymore?
Oh yes! I would love to eventually be covered head to toe.
We shall see.
What is your biggest inspiration? What keeps you going?
My children and my husband keep me going. Without their love
and support, I would not be where I am today. I love them with all my heart!
What is one thing that life has taught you?
Life has taught me to love and accept myself for who I am
and who I want to be. Follow your dreams in life and be the best you can be every
day. Life is too short to be mediocre and unhappy.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” -
Unknown
This is tattooed around my collar bone. You NEVER know what
someone else is going through, so don't be so quick to judge or mistreat
someone. You can't go wrong with kindness.
Anything else you would like to add?
Find happiness within yourself and love yourself as
you would love others.