Valentina Astalos

What inspired your most recent tattoo?

Growing up I was made to feel small and weak and powerless a lot of the time. So often I eventually believed it. I went through hell and back more times than I can count and each time I ripped myself from the darkness, by myself. Recently I have found a new love and respect for myself and my true capability as a person, as a woman. A strong woman! But I will never forget the darkness entirely instead I appreciate it as a stepping stone to becoming my truest, strongest self. My chest piece is Me.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

My ink speaks to my life experiences. I, like the progress of my artwork, have a long way to go. And neither of us is anywhere close to being finished.

What would you do with the $25,000?

First, I would take my mother on a vacation. I’d take us home to Croatia, to visit family and reconnect with the country we left behind so my mother could survive and give us a chance at life. Definitely get a tattoo from a local artist while there. I’d place $1,000 (x4) into accounts for each of my nieces and nephews. The rest I would use to pay off my car.