My ink is the story of physical and mental strength. Both the celebration and manifestation of. My road map of overcoming life's struggles.
You decide who will appear in Inked Magazine and take home $25,000!
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My most recent tattoo continues my sleeve with Athena, goddess of wisdom. After a time of deep loss, I returned to @pols_tattoo to honor my mental healing. She joins Circe—my first piece—who helped me reclaim self-compassion and physical strength. Together, they mark my journey of resilience, growth, and power.
If your ink could speak, what would it say?My ink would say: “The matriarchs who shaped you are like pollinators—quietly powerful, life-giving forces. Honor them. Protect nature’s magic, just as they protected you. You’ve come far through loss and growth. We’re your reminder: keep going—you are blooming.”
What would you do with the $25,000?After a tough chapter, $25K would mean security, healing, and one epic fresh start. I'd treat my aunt—my emotional support human—to the vacation she deserves, finally fix my crumbling countertops, and maybe get a tattoo to mark the glow-up. It’s not just for me—it’s for everyone who’s held me up while I rebuild.
Vote for Sydney Van Zyl 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.
Limited-time: 2X donation votes ends on Tue 5/13 at 9PM PDT
Body art deserves to be shown off.
