Tantrums, Tattoos & Teenagers!

I’m a hypocrite and I know it, but I don’t care! In life you want what is best for your children. I know there are some things that I have done in my life that I don’t necessarily regret but, would have definitely done a little differently. So, let me give you a little back story…

I have an obsession with body art and can appreciate a tasteful tattoo. I even love when a tattoo tells a story. I’m sure there are many reasons people get tattoos and choose particular objects or themes to put on their body. I should know… I have TEN Tattoos right now! I told myself when I got to double digits I would stop but, I’m itching for another one. **le sigh** I got my first tattoo in my mid twenties, I’ve also had my fair share of body piercings. My tongue was pierced, my belly button was pierced and I had my ear cartilage pierced. I never pierced my nose or anywhere on my face. I always knew that I would need to be very careful with my piercings and tattoos for professional purposes. I have been very strategic in where I get a tattoo so they can all be covered up if necessary. I’ve been lucky to work with great organizations that didn’t have a very strict dress code or rules against body art and piercings. I know there is a time and place for everything so when I am in a business setting… I’m ALL business! This all being said my thought process on tattoos and body art is pretty relaxed EXCEPT WHEN IT COMES TO MY CHILDREN!!!!! I know… I know… I’m horrible! There’s nothing worse than having a debate with your children on why you don’t approve of a tattoo or piercing and your’re a walking, breathing canvas of art!

Teenager Tattoo Pic

Last Spring for Spring Break I took the kids to Wilmington, North Carolina and we had a great weekend at the beach. When we went shopping in the Mall we noticed there was a tattoo shop and I made the joke that we should all get something done and have a bonding experience. Why did I say that?!?! Especially after my eighteen year old daughter had already been asking for a nose piercing and her seventeen year old brother wanted to pierce his eyebrow. Well, the sixteen year old had no desire to get anything pierced until they thought it would be a great sibling bonding experience, so at this point “MOM” gets kicked out the plan. It’s okay though… I had no plans to get anything pierced and I was unsure about what I wanted for my next tattoo. Well, I didn’t really have an issue with the piercings because I felt they were tasteful, small and they can be taken out. My daughter did get a nose piercing, My son pierced his eyebrow any my other daughter pierced her belly button. Mom = Me, did sign the consent forms for my sixteen and seventeen year old. My eighteen year old didn’t need consent and of course I paid $200 + dollars for all the piercings, ointment and care solutions for all. My husband had a fit, he didn’t think it was necessary and fussed me out. Side Note: He has a tattoo and ear piercings!

Bri & Bree_wm

Recently my nineteen year old daughter expressed wanting a tattoo and I was against it! I thought that she should wait and be sure of what she wanted and where she would get it. I also kind of wanted to be there when she got it. Well, she is in her first year of college and lives on campus. So, she is growing in her independence and recently went with her friends to a tattoo shop grand opening party and they were giving complimentary tattoos. So, guess who decided to take advantage of that opportunity? I get a call and text AFTER the fact to let me know that she got a tattoo and it was small and tasteful. I immediately asked for a photo! It was small and she can cover it when necessary but, I was upset. It took me a few days to get over it. My daughter wants to get a Phoenix Tattoo next. We’ll see what happens. When my son was seventeen he convinced his grandfather to take him to get snake bites and that was a HUGE issue for our household. My son had asked me and his dad and we both said NO! I had an issue because it didn’t look tasteful to me and he was still in High School. I also thought about when he goes to find a job etc. He was so upset his dad asked him to remove them and said that we weren’t allowing him to express himself. While I don’t want to get in the way of my children’s self expression and want them to be who they are, I have to draw the line somewhere.

Bree the Teenager

I also, don’t want them to just be judged on appearance. Which we all know is inevitable. We live in a judgmental society and most people are judged on appearance and first impressions. My son would look as though he fits into the skater boy category with the way he dresses and he does ride and carry his skateboard regularly. He’s your poster board skater boy! He is a great kid, loves music and is on the A/B Honor Roll at school. I don’t think you would gather that by his appearance though… and that’s a part of my issue! I honestly worry about my son, more than I do my daughter. He’s a young black male growing up in America. My daughter just got notification that she is receiving an award from her University for Scholastic Achievement for Spring/Fall 2015 Semester. I am attending the Convocation Ceremony next month. She also made the Provost’s List. I’m so proud of my babies! So, can I get a pass on my hypocrisy when it comes to my children? How do you feel about body art and piercings? Would you be cool with your teenager getting a piercing or tattoo? My eight year old doesn’t want any piercings at the moment but, he does want to dye his hair Blue! Lol! **Feel free to check out my related post on my Ambigram Tattoo. **

Ambigram Tattoo Love

I had been debating for over a year getting another tattoo. The one that peaked my interest was a Ambigram Tattoo that said Family/OneLove. Getting this tattoo would put me in the double digits at tattoo number TEN! I love tattoos and always get something tasteful that means something to me. I think I am done after this but, we will see! My tattoos are all put in strategic places where I can cover them up when necessary. I still work in Corporate America and have a professional dress code to follow. There are some people that have no clue I have ink on my body. I think it’s amusing when someone who always sees me in a professional setting will catch me in a casual setting out and about where I may be showing a few tattoos. It’s always interesting to see their reaction and it definitely sparks a conversation. Here’s the latest ink! Oh… AND I’m totally a pro because I was on my phone engaging on social media the entire time. I’m taking social butterfly to the next level. Lol!

Ambigram Tattoo: If you look at the tattoo one way it has one meaning, when you change directions and look at it another way it’s a different word with a different meaning. My tattoo is stylized in script with pretty loops giving it a symmetrical look. I love it!

Ambigram Onelove-Family

Getting A Tattoo

Jen's Ambigram Tattoo

Jen's New Body Art

To Reveal or Not To Reveal? A Tattoo Story

I have a few (nine actually) tattoos that are strategically placed where I can show them off at my discretion. I like having the option to bare my art or not depending on the time, place and event. I knew when I got my first tattoo that I was in corporate America and with certain companies you have dress codes to adhere to and there’s probably a line that reads “all body art should be covered” in fine print. I always took that into consideration when getting a tattoo. My thought process went something like this… “Where can I put this tattoo on my body that I can keep covered in a professional setting?” I’ve actually done well because most people don’t know I have tattoos until I actually show them or I’m wearing an alter top, shorts and flip flops. My latest tattoo “wish I can have a do over moment” was when I was in a fashion show last month and I modeled a dress that was strapless but, failed to cover up the body art on my upper back. I didn’t even realize it until I was reviewing pictures that were taken during the fashion event.

I know that there are models on runways everyday that show their tattoos off but, I would have preferred to cover mine up. I was just helping a friend and by no means consider myself a “real” runway model. It’s just like a bride on her wedding day, (and I’m NOT speaking for all brides) if there is a tattoo that would be visible while in the wedding gown, she might want to cover it up for her special day. If she doesn’t want the tattoo covered for the entire day then at least the ceremony if not the reception. Again… it all comes down to preference. I love my tattoos and I only get tattoos that make sense to me and have a sentimental value. Recently my sister went on a job interview and she had to cover up her feet with her foundation before her meeting. It went well and she got the job, she has company wardrobe guidelines to follow and all tattoos must be covered. I work in a more relaxed setting and I can bare my art without any repercussions from the powers that be.

With all this being said… AND I’ll remember this the next time I’m in a situation where all eyes are on me and I’m on a runway or walking down the wedding aisle again! If you have tattoos that are visible and you want to cover them up be sure to clean and moisturize your skin before using your foundation to evenly cover up your tattoo until you no longer see it. Once it’s covered you can leave it as is or use a spray to set the foundation making it smudge resistant which can also save messing up your clothing and will be long lasting. Below is some of my body art and I’ll even share my not so proud moment with you. How do you feel about tattoos? Do you have any? If so where and do you ever cover them up depending on the situation you’re in? Do you have a favorite tattoo spray or foundation that you recommend? I’d like to know…

One of my favorite tattoos, my cherry blossom!
This is my “Do Over” moment! (Upper Back Tattoos)
Laing did a great tattoo cover up job!
error: Ask And You Shall Receive!!