Kalene Young

What inspired your most recent tattoo?

“Kathy” with a vivid red rose is inked on my neck in honor of my grandmother in heaven—her love, her light, and her constant reminder that my smile could brighten any room. I got it after surviving a brutal domestic violence relationship where I lost my front teeth. Though they’ve been restored, it was that tattoo that gave me strength, reminded me who I am, and carried me through the darkest days with her love etched into my skin.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

If my ink could speak, it would scream survival, whisper resilience, and sing rebirth. Each piece is a monument—etched in blood, pain, and power—telling the truth I once had to swallow in silence. My tattoos are not art; they are war paint, proof that I died and came back stronger. They speak for the battles I won, the pieces I put back together, and the woman I became. My skin is my testimony—raw, unfiltered, and unforgettable.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I win the $25,000, I will build a sanctuary for warriors—men and women who’ve survived storms in silence. A space where trauma is transformed into truth, where pain is no longer hidden but honored, and healing is a birthright. Through art, therapy, and unapologetic storytelling, I’ll create programs that break generational curses, restore identity, and ignite purpose. This isn’t just a project—it’s a revolution of healing, where survival is reality!