Traci Smiddy

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

I covered my last tattoo because it was a reminder of someone I’ve let go of a long time ago-my baby daddy. We got matching Bible verse tattoos when I was pregnant w/ our daughter. As time passed, I was literally living in my worst nightmare. He started to mentally & physically abuse me. Once a symbol of love and faith, seeing this tattoo brought all those feelings to the surface. Every time I looked at it, it kept me stuck in a place I fought so hard to get out of.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

They’d speak of my strength, the way I didn’t let my past define me. They’d tell the story of my ability to heal, to reclaim my body and my story. My tattoos would talk about how I started over, how I chose to carry symbols of hope, power, and self-love instead of regret. They’d show the journey I’ve made from hurt to healing, tragedies and prison from being tied to the past to embracing my future. Change and growth is shown from the inside out.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would help my daughter with her wedding expenses in August. She’s been paying most of it herself. I would LOVE to be able to help and ease her financial stress. For me, I would buy a motorcycle. My dad always had a bike and I always wanted to be able to ride w/ him. It’ll help me feel like I’m a little closer to him since he passed. Then, I’d buy what’s on my Amazon wish list to help my local homeless community by filling up and distributing backpacks full of hygi