Louisa Balgassi

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

I received two recently; a delicate ornamental piece on my sternum and the word “serenity.” I want my tattoos to represent my delicate persona along with my identities and interests that I’ve come to embrace. The ornamental piece being in the center core of my body is a reminder to stay grounded and stay true to myself. I got “serenity” tattooed on my wrist to be a reminder of what I strive for in life, which ultimately is peace and happiness

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

That this is a woman, despite the hardships she’s endured, holds a deep passion and love for life, when that wasn’t necessarily the case only a couple of years ago. Reconnecting with my Korean identity, my interests and hobbies I’ve lost touch with has been a crucial part to this first chapter of my life in adulthood. Self-love has and always will be an uphill battle for me but I appreciate the wonderful tattoo artists I’ve seen whose art gave me a sense of self again

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’d primarily save it to work towards buying a new car. My 2011 Hyundai Elantra, Daisy, has character and has help gotten me through important moments of my life post-college but she’s on her last leg. She gets me from point A to point B but I’d love the chance to get a new car to expand and expose more opportunities that I often limit myself from.