Ashley Schaus

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

I started with a lotus in 2012 along with cherry blossoms. I loved the symbolism of the strength of these flowers. In 2022 I went through a journey to reconnect with myself and decided to complete my sleeve and rework the original tattoo. The koi were to represent the journey and perseverance to finding myself again. I put complete trust in my artist to come up with the final design and colour scheme.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

My tattoo gets attention everywhere I go. The boldness and colours catch the eye and draw people in. It speaks to the beauty of darkness and colour and feminism in the tattoo industry. The elements of wind and water help speak to movement as well as we are always moving forwards.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would love to travel and experience tattoos in other countries. I love seeing the differences in tattoo designs as well as culture. I would love to continue to add to my tattoo collection where I have memorial tattoos as well as tattoos that express my love for family, music and culture.