Blakely Hunze-Austin

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

I got a snake on my leg for a few reasons. I chose a snake because they symbolize wisdom and healing, which I work very closely with in my mental health practice, both personally and professionally. I chose to place it on my thigh because it was my way of embracing a part of my body that had received hatred from me over the years. I am recovered from disordered eating and have always hated my legs, so this was a way for me to show that my legs are not something to be ashamed of.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

It would say I choose great artists, I choose people based on their art and based on their stories. I wanted to have pieces inspired by my story of trauma survival but I also wanted the artists to bring in their stories, as well. I find tattooing so sacred and it is not just a story of my life, but it is a collaboration of two humans coming together to create unique art. I believe mine speak of resilience, joy, and survival. Also, if I get dismembered, my body will be recognizable haha.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would put some into savings and some toward my passions of travel and raising animals. I love rescue dogs and am in the process of training a therapy dog as we speak. I am child-free by choice, and my dogs are my children whom I pour love and dedication into. I would also use it to help my practice grow so that I can continue my work on healing others through talk therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and psychedelic-assisted therapy.