Claire Elsie-Rose, 33, is a tattoo artist and she often gets asked questions about the unique inks on her face. Even though people are quick to comment, she said she has no regrets at all
A mum-of-four admits she faces prejudice for having 14 face tattoos as people brand her a “bad mum” simply due to her unique image.
Claire Elsie-Rose, 33, who works a tattoo artist, said people often question her about why she decorates her body, but she has no regrets at all.
She lives with her kids – who are aged between six months and 13 – together with and her partner Jonny, 30, who works as a driver.
She believes there’s a “huge misconception” around face tattoos, as people can think anyone who has them is a “criminal”.
The mum said people ask why she inks her skin, and even make bold remarks such as “you used to be so pretty”, as if to suggest she’s ruined her image.
Claire admits she used to fight back against the critics, but now she just ignores it.
She had her first ink when she was a teenager (Image: instagram.com/claire.elsierosetattoo)
Despite what some people say, she knows she’s a good mum, and decides to shrug off the criticism.
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Claire told the Sun: “I have a successful business and I’m in a secure relationship – there’s nothing wild about my life and I love nothing more than a night in, in my pyjamas!”
The mum got her first inking when she was just 15-years-old, and it only set her back a tenner at the time.
She opted for a little fairy on her wrist, but she admits she was probably too young back then to have had it done.
“I was too young, and don’t advise getting one at that age – I loved it back then, but it’s covered up now!” she added.
The negative comments used to get to her, but now she shrugs them off (Image: Facebook/Claire Elsie-Rose)
Now up to 60% of Claire’s body is covered in tattoos, and she’s splurged a whooping £8,000 ($15,107) in total, even though some of her tattoos were done for free.
She’s built up her collection overtime, which includes a chest tattoo of “loads of stars” and a mermaid tattoo on her neck.
When she worked at a school she had to cover up her body art, and would even wear scarves during the summertime.
Then – when she turned 25 – she was taken into hospital after experiencing breathing problems and it was discovered she had a tumour on her lung.
“It turned out to be benign, but I didn’t know that for some time, and it was terrifying,” said Claire.
“It made me realise we don’t know how long we’re here for, and it was then I decided then to get a face tattoo.”
Even though she’s “heavily tattooed” at first she was nervous about inking her face.
She was worried she’d be judge but, eight years down the line, she doesn’t care as she now has 14.
Claire explained: “It was so empowering – I could finally be myself and that was liberating.”
Even though she now feels a lot more liberated, she admitted the level of judgement from others “really upped”.
She said a lot more people look at her as a result, and people sometimes “cross the road” when they don’t want to walk past her.
‘I used to find it quite triggering, and it was frustrating to be judged on my face tattoos, especially given the reason why I had them done,” she said.
“The last thing I’d want is my parenting to be judged – having a tattoo doesn’t affect what I’m like as a mum at all.”