Tracy Teigen

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My last tattoo means a lot to me—it’s a series of calendar years, each one marking a full year I spent in prison. It’s not just about the time I was gone, but a permanent reminder of everything I went through during those years. The ink represents lost time, hard lessons, and the strength it took to make it through. It’s a way to honor that part of my life without forgetting it, and to show that even though I was locked up, I never lost who I was.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

If my ink could speak, it would tell the story of pain, survival, and resilience. It would speak of prison time, the grip of addiction, and the heartbreak of losing my daughter. Every line would whisper the truth of a life that hasn’t been easy, but one that keeps pushing forward. My ink is my voice when words fall short—a reminder of where I’ve been, what I’ve lost, and the strength it took to keep going despite it all.

What would you do with the $25,000?

$25,000 would give me a real shot at starting over. After spending most of my life locked up and coming home with nothing but the clothes on my back, this money would help me and my mom get stable. I’d use it to create a solid foundation—secure a place to live, take care of basic needs, and finally have the chance to focus on building a better life. It’s more than money—it’s a fresh start we’ve never had.