Melissa Sloan, a 46-year-old mother from Wales, has made choices that now impact her daily life. With over 800 tattoos covering her body, including her face, she’s struggling to find employment.
In a world where tattoos are increasingly common, Melissa’s extreme body art has become a barrier. She claims that potential employers judge her based on her appearance, making it impossible to secure a job, even as a toilet cleaner.
“I’ve applied for cleaning jobs, but they won’t hire me because of my tattoos,” Melissa explains. “People assume I’ve never worked, but I have. I want to work, and if someone offered me a job tomorrow, I’d take it.”
Melissa’s tattoo obsession began at 20, and she quickly became addicted. She particularly enjoys facial tattoos, but with no empty skin left, her face has become a collage of inked-over designs.
Despite her employment struggles, Melissa continues to get at least three new tattoos every week. “I’ll keep getting them until I’m 70,” she says. “Every inch of skin will be covered, even if I turn blue – my face already is.”
Melissa’s story raises questions about societal acceptance and the consequences of our choices. While she acknowledges the impact of her tattoos on her life, she can’t imagine stopping.
As Melissa navigates the challenges of her tattooed life, her determination to continue her art remains unwavering. Will society’s perception of her change, or will her tattoos forever define her? Only time will tell.
