Nicole Pusateri

What inspired your most recent tattoo?

I was in a very bad abusive relationship. Almost did not make it out alive, until someone stepped in and saved me. He made sure I got out. Didn’t quit till I did. We have an inside joke about jellyfish, so I went and got a jellyfish tattoo as the start to my next chapter in life. Every time I go into a depression I look at it and remind myself of all the positives about myself. The courage it took to get out. That I did make it out. Most people don’t.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

My ink is random, but it is a story of my life. Each tattoo has a meaning or from an important time in my life. It shows the bond I have with my sister, and family. It shows some of the dark times I have gone through. Each one is a story to me… but to the public they just look pretty. But even that is meaningful to me, because I don’t tell my story. I don’t let people in. I smile in the public while behind closed doors I face my battles.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would give it to my parents, let them go on vacation and not have to worry about bills. My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer last year, and there is nothing the doctors can do. He is on a trial medication to stop the spread and give him more time. But it is expensive, and they are both retired and on limited income. They have done so much for me in my life, I would love to do something for them. Let them go enjoy life and have something for themselves for once.