Maria

What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My most recent smile now cry later tatoo was inspired by my culture. Being a chicana comes with many obstacles and at this time of age comes with many tears. My smile now cry later tatoo helps remind Me that there is happiness and beauty even in the most tragic of times. This tatoos is a sign of how much strength my culture has. Choosing to smile through the pain and tears is proof of how strong chicanos are.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

My ink tells a story, one half I have dedicated to my chicano culture. The other half is a part of me that was hidden for many years my love for all things magical and dark. Growing up in Compton with a very old school house hold rock or anything related to an alternative lifestyle was deemed as devil worshiping. Now I chose to go against societies norms and show off what I love.

What would you do with the $25,000?

As a single mother i would take my son to proper shopping spree. I haven't had the privilege to buy my son new clothing that wasn't on clearance or from a thrift store. Him going to middle school next year is a perfect time for him to find his own style and this money will help me do that. While also being able to pay for bills.