“They Think I’m a Bank Robber”: A Tattooed Mom’s Life of Judgment and Ink Addiction
Melissa Sloan doesn’t just turn heads—she stops people in their tracks. Covered head to toe in tattoos, the 46-year-old mom of two from Wales has a unique look that often invites stares, whispers, and outright judgment. But while Melissa loves her ink, society hasn’t exactly embraced it.
In an interview with the Daily Star, Melissa revealed that her tattoos have led to some bizarre assumptions—like being mistaken for a criminal. “When I walk into the bank, they look at me like I’m going to rob the place,” she shared. “Everyone freezes and looks scared. As if I’d even want to rob a bank—I’d be noticed instantly!”
'A mum has spoken out about how she can't find employment' Due to her extreme look
— 'Seeing is believing' (@dave24144975) September 7, 2022
Mum-of-two Melissa Sloan says she can't land herself a job due to her extreme look – but that won't stop her from getting more designs, she currently gets three new 'prison style' inks a week. pic.twitter.com/JKQ1cjCdsT
Unfortunately, the bank is just one of many places where Melissa feels out of place. Local pubs, tattoo parlors, and even her kids’ school have banned her. Now, as she prepares to legally change her name to Missy, she’s bracing for another round of awkward glances and disapproving stares when she updates her details at the bank.
But Melissa isn’t letting the judgment slow her down—or stop her from getting more tattoos. “I’m running out of space on my face, so I’ll start on my chest next,” she explained. “I can’t stop. It’s hard to explain, but when the pain fades, I just want another one. If I could, I’d get a new tattoo every day.”
A mom with more than 800 tattoos claims she was 'forced' to watch her children's nativity plays through a window from outside their school.
— Mr Pål Christiansen (@TheNorskaPaul) December 26, 2022
Melissa Sloan, from Powys, Wales, regularly receives criticism for her alt look & probably of scared away the Baby Jesus & Mary😆 pic.twitter.com/PSdqQhkotl
Her passion for tattoos hasn’t always been easy for those around her to understand. Even her partner questions why she endures the pain. Melissa’s answer? “I just have to do it. It’s a feeling I can’t describe.”
Despite the challenges, Melissa has no regrets about her ink. While doctors have suggested she could have the tattoos lasered off, she’s not interested. “If I did, I’d probably end up getting them back again,” she admitted. “So what’s the point?”
Melissa’s story is a powerful reminder that everyone has their own way of expressing themselves—whether society approves or not. Love it or hate it, she’s unapologetically herself.
What do you think about Melissa’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag a friend who would find this inspiring!
