My tattoos unite my roots—Scottish, Irish, Swedish, Filipino—where I never fit in, they all belong. My identity, inked and proud.
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A cocktail of ancestry, audacity, and a touch of chaos. My latest piece is a love letter to the bloodlines that made me — Scottish, Irish, Swedish, and Filipino — all tangled up in one fierce design. Growing up, I was always “too much” of one thing and “not enough” of another. So I carved my own space — on my skin. It’s where all the parts of me come together, unapologetically and beautifully. Plus, let’s be real… the pain is temporary
If your ink could speak, what would it say?“I’m not here to be pretty—I’m here to be powerful.” My tattoos honor my mixed root and reclaim space in a world that told me I was too much or not enough. This ink is rebellion, expression, and proof that beauty has no age limit and no rules. Just bold stories written in skin.
What would you do with the $25,000?Turn it into fuel for freedom. I’d invest in expanding my medspa business, create content that empowers women to own their beauty their way, and fund a project that highlights tattooed professionals redefining success and femininity. Also—let’s be honest—I might celebrate with a fresh piece and a dirty martini (or two).
Vote for Melissa Eylicio to be the Inked Original while supporting a great cause! Cast your daily vote below, or make a tax-deductible donation to help provide financial and emotional support to families of children with cancer.
Body art deserves to be shown off.
