Chris Gomez

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

I have a drug-use history with an abusive ex. The spider on my left forearm represents him. He’s the spider that wove the webs on my right arm; the forearm is the relationship (hardship), the shoulder is what came after (relief). The artist that did the spiders on my left leg is the same artist that my left forearm.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

My chest would remind me that I’m alright and my sisters love me. My spider on my arm would probably laugh. My webs would say “good job, you made it.” My spiders on my leg that represent my marriage would say “we love you and we’re making a home together.” And my purple roses would say, “your second family never goes away.”

What would you do with the $25,000?

It’s going straight to my business. I’m a personal trainer and would pay for a new gym. There’s a company that I’m looking for that builds portable gym spaces in the form of a pod. It kinda looks like a flood shelter but with gym equipment for 1-4 people. I built my business to help other people and improve their lives and wellness. Winning this prize would push my goals and help me afford to have a child.