My tattoos are hard to miss. They cover both my arms and part of my chest. When I wear short sleeves, people notice right away. Some stare, some smile, and others just look confused.
When people see my tattoos, they often see what they want to see. They see ink and assume trouble. Some look at me like they already know my story without asking. However, my tattoos aren’t about that. Each one has meaning, rooted in my beliefs, my loved ones, and the experiences that shaped me.
Tattoos aren’t fringe anymore. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, about one-third of U.S. adults have a tattoo, and most adults say society has become more accepting over the past 20 years. Pew also reports that 22% of adults have more than one tattoo, and among people without tattoos, 29% say seeing a tattoo gives them a more negative impression, while 66% say it makes no difference.
Field research from the University of Houston and Rice University found that customers didn’t rate tattooed employees more negatively than others. Their sales were nearly identical, and in creative jobs, tattoos sometimes helped signal authenticity.
Even with all the numbers and studies, tattoos come down to something personal. Every line of ink has a story behind it. For me, it is not about standing out or being different. It is about remembering who I am and what matters most to me.
Most people never see the story behind them. My ink isn’t for attention. Every piece represents the people who shaped me, the lessons I’ve learned, and the faith that keeps me grounded.
As a Christian, my relationship with God guides my life. It shapes how I see the world and the choices I make. My tattoos reflect that connection. They help me stay close to God, honor my family, and live by the values I was raised with.
Every ink on my skin carries a story rooted in love and faith. Across my chest are the names of my parents, Muliufi and Grace. Their names are close to my heart because their love has always been my foundation. They taught me to work hard, stay humble, and keep God at the center of my life. Whenever life feels heavy, those names remind me that I am never alone.
On my right forearm is my last name: Siliva. It represents my family and my roots. It’s a daily reminder of where I come from and to carry my name with pride.
My left forearm holds one of my favorite Bible verses, Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your path straight.”
The verse is surrounded by clouds, three crosses near my wrist, and an angel wing along the side. Together, they symbolize faith that carries me through every storm. Even when I am unsure about where my life is going, I trust that God is guiding the way.
On my left hand, a dove soars through dark clouds, holding a ribbon with the names Falesoā and Tina, my grandmothers who both passed away after fighting cancer. This piece honors their memory and the strength they showed. Whenever I look at it, I feel their presence and the love they left behind.
I am not the only one who feels that way. Pew also reported that 69% of tattooed adults say they got a tattoo to remember or honor someone or something, and 47% say they got one to express what they believe. That’s exactly what mine do.
My tattoos aren’t decorations; they’re chapters of my journey. Still, not everyone sees them that way. I’ve felt the judgment, the stares, and the quiet assumptions. Some people look at me like I’ve done something wrong. It hurts to be misunderstood when something so meaningful is mistaken for something negative.
But faith isn’t measured by clear skin. It’s reflected in how you live, how you treat others, and the love you show. My tattoos don’t take away from my faith; they express it. It keeps me humble, grateful, and focused on what truly matters.
Many others share the same experience. Their tattoos tell stories of love, loss, hope, and healing, yet they’re often judged before anyone asks what they mean. Tattoos can speak loudly if people take the time to listen.
So before judging someone by their tattoos, take a moment to ask. You might discover faith, family, or healing written on their skin.
My tattoos are not troublesome. They remind me who I am, where I come from, and the grace that carries me forward. If sharing my story helps even one person look past appearances, then every mark has already done its job.