Whitney Nihiser

What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My most recent tattoo is a memorial tattoo for (4) large reptiles I lost in a housefire last year. I put my elbow through the window and a glass shard into the back of my arm trying to get them out. I lost 2 tegus, a green iguana and a spiny tail iguana. They are tattooed around the scar on my arm from the glass.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

I grew up in a very conservative midwest household where creative expression was disregarded. Hair dye, piercings and tattoos were all looked down on but I always loved them all. I didnt get my first tattoo until I was 28. 10 years later and half of my body is covered. My tattoos were my first true character break from the way I was raised. Each one tells about one more commitment to living life the way that makes me happy regardless of other's expectations.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Last year I experienced a total loss housefire and lived in a camper up until a few months ago. Also in that timeframe, my husband and I split. With insurance money and my savings, I recently bought a house, but it drained all of my resources (literally down to $3.46 in my checking account the day I closed). I have been carefully trying to balance getting furniture, making house repairs, and getting backup money in savings since February. $25,000 would allow me to actually be secure.