A tattooed mum-of-one, who has spent $6,000 (£4,600) on body art, says parents stare when she drops her daughter at nursery.
Faith Houghton, 27, has over 15 inkings which “hold great sentimental value”.
The law enforcement worker even says they’ve given her confidence in her own skin.
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But in a video shared to TikTok, Faith relates the not-so-happy side of self-expression.
The post went viral with supporters flocking to the comments. It gathered 700 likes and 24,000 views.
“There will be people who do not agree or don’t like you no matter what you do,” Faith told What’s The Jam.
“I often own my individuality and celebrate my differences.
“Some stare to admire my artwork and confidence.
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“I often smile and be kind in return.”
Faith, from Missouri, US, is the mum of two-year-old Pepper, who she says loves her body art.
She said: “She loves to outline my tattoos with her fingers.
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“I’ve had tattoos since before she was born and she doesn’t know me any other way.
“Tattoos have given me a confidence in my own skin that diet and exercise could never give me.
“Some of my tattoos hold great sentimental value and remind me of my experiences.”
But Faith says she sometimes covers her tattoos when it’s “appropriate”.
She said: “I know that being stereotyped for your tattoos is common and I’m sure it happens without me realising.
“I’ve always gotten a positive reaction from people I interact with inside my job capacity.
“I’ve found that my tattoos allow me to be more approachable to the public.
“They are a great conversation starter.”
But she often gets unwanted opinions from strangers in public.
She said: “As I’ve gained more tattoos, I’ve learned to take others opinions with a grain of salt.
“Often people share their mutual interest in getting ink and how much they personally like my work.
“There are a few who deliver backhanded compliments or share their disinterest in my tattoos.
“I acknowledge them and move on.
“I know my tattoos are a large part of my appearance and I appreciate when people compliment my work.”
Faith says her family have become “neutral” to her tattoos.
She said: “Having tattoos doesn’t make me a worse daughter, sister, mother, wife, or friend.
“My mother has never approved of my tattoos but has accepted that I will continue to be myself over everything else.
“My friends support my decision to get tattoos.
“I am married to my best friend and I had tattoos when we met
“He has always supported me in my decision to get tattoos.
“My husband helps design my work and has even scheduled appointments for my leg sleeve as a surprise.
“I have plans to finish my leg sleeve when money and time allow.
“Tattoos are an investment – you get what you pay for.
“In order to have good tattoo work done it costs money.”
The mum has had lots of support from people online in response to her viral video.
“Yes I’m going to share my opinion… THAT THEYRE AWESOME,” quipped Holly.
Tommy said: “It’s great.”
Another user asked: “Does 1 sleeve and a leg class heavily tattooed these days.”
One user, wasn’t impressed though and said: “Pro law enforcement!. But I hate tats. Ruins everything for me. Takes a 10 like you to a 3.l”
“No judgement. LE and tattooed here too. But guys don’t get criticized like women.”
Another mum said: “As a heavily tattooed mom in a small town… I get it.”
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