Jess Dellinger

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My most recent tattoo is a full arm sleeve of a realistic Medusa. In 2019, it was only a fine line tattoo of flowers, but I knew I wanted to add more. In May of 2023, after 11 years, I finally was able to speak/write my truth of SA that occurred in the military, resulting in a service connected rating for PTSD related to Military Sexual Trauma. I went back to first artist and asked him to transform my fine line tattoo into a full realism Medusa sleeve, with artistic freedom, which he did.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

It depends on the part of my body. My Medusa sleeve shows that there is still beauty and strength gained even in the most darkest memories. My chest lilies are my late mom’s fav flower, with her handwriting forever over my heart. My right leg tattoos are all references to T. Swift lyrics, and all 3 are representative of each of my 3 boys. My anchor on my right wrist is in honor of my Mentor, who lost the battle with to PTSD. And there are a few just for fun.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Most of it would go into savings as a cushion for life since you never know what is going to happen. As a single mom of 3 boys, of which the oldest 2 have no relationship with their dad, sometimes finances can be a challenge. I would definitely take a Disney trip with them & make lifetime memories, and then make sure there is plenty in savings for the in case moments.