Syrai

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My half-sleeve honors my childhood in our brownstone, carrying those memories forward. The woman with tears watering sunflowers represents the strength and legacy of the women in my life. The sunflowers bloom down to my eye, reflecting the same color as the women in my family, connecting us through generations. My grandmother grew sunflowers in front of that house, and now, they live on in my tattoo—symbolizing growth, family, and the lasting impact of home.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

If my ink could speak, it would tell the stories of the people I’ve cherished, the memories we’ve made, and the moments that shaped me. It would carry their voices, echoing the experiences and lessons that led me to get these tattoos. Each mark is a chapter of the journey, a tribute to the bonds that made me who I am. These tattoos aren’t just art—they’re living pieces of my history, etched in my skin as reminders of where I’ve been and who I’ve loved.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Help my sickly grandmother into a safer space. She took me in when I had no one, and she deserves better conditions. Then I’d return to school for film, a dream I’ve long chased but couldn’t reach while stuck in survival mode. With proper funding, I’d build a portfolio and invest in equipment as well as my vision which is also a deterrent. My passion would become a lasting investment; one that could create income, open doors, and build a future beyond the $25K.