Welcome back to another installment in our new series – I’m A Mom With Tattoos. In case you have missed the last couple, don’t forget to check them out here.
You ready for another installment in our series? Amazingly in a week I managed to get used to coffee without milk or ugar – that right there should how you that anything is possible, or at the very least how much I need coffee. Either way, I hope that you are sorted with your poison and ready to get stuck into this post.
Today we get to meet Karen from Miri Moo. I really enjoyed reading the stories behind each of her tattoos and love that they were done all over the world!
Your name and blog deets: Karen Muller from Miri Moo
Your age: 31
Your Occupation: SEO Lead. Mysterious job title don’t you think?
A Mom’s favourite thing to do is talk about their children – tell us about your family: My little family is: hubby Andrew and my 3 year old daughter Miri and our fur baby Brodie. We live with my in-laws so there is also Ouma, Oupa and fur baby Grace. Miri is just amazing; she is the kindest, most loving, good child you’ll meet. I can’t put in works what a shining light she is in my life. She’s had a wicked sense of humour since she was tiny. I overheard one morning when we were running late…
Miri: Daddy, come play lego
Daddy: Sorry Miri I can’t
Miri: Ok, daddy play with the big blocks then?
Miri was named after my grandmother Mirriam. I haven’t even met her, but from all the stories I heard of her she kind of became my hero. A strong woman who did what she had to but still had her weaknesses.
If you work, tell us a bit more about your working environment – are you regularly in contact with new “clients/public”. I work for a global digital performance company and most of my clients are large SA or global corporates. My days are often filled with meetings and I often fly to Johannesburg to see clients.
Tell us a bit about your tattoo’s, what they are, why you have them, where they are located:
My first was a bee on the inside of my hip. This one was done in USA and I had wanted it for 3 years, which was weird as I’m allergic to bees. I was afraid that when I was pregnant that it would turn into a wasp, but despite a stretch mark right through it still looks like a bee. The wing is incomplete but I wanted it that way. It reminds me of my favourite childhood story of the boy with the magical paintbrush.
The second was a star on my right shoulder. This got at Wildfire and was my most painful one. My husband (then boyfriend) and I got matching stars, but his is on the inside of his right arm. I don’t always wear my wedding ring as I train a lot and find it uncomfortable, but the tattoo always be my informal wedding ring.
The next was a star on my left shoulder. I got this done at a place in Camden Town in the UK. I think this was a bit about asserting my own independence, while still being connected to my love. I had gone to London on my own as the company had transferred me there and couldn’t pay for my husband (then fiancé) to go with.
Next was my daughter’s name and second name on my left forearm. It was my first large, visible tattoo. It’s a little raised so even when I can’t see it I can feel it and I love that. I chose the font as its looks more like a flowing image rather than text.
My last one was on my left shoulder, over my star tattoo. It wasn’t intended to cover the star but we couldn’t find a way to incorporate it so decided to cover it. Its strong but feminine lines remind me of myself, so this one is all about me. It’s not complete, there is still colour to be added to both bring it to life and cover the star more.
How old were you when you got your first tattoo? I was 19 and got it in Massachusetts. I can’t remember the town’s name or the tattoo parlour name but the neighbourhood was called Man Town.
Which tattoo is your favourite and why? I can’t choose! Each has a meaning for me and I love them for different reasons.
Do you plan on getting more? Yes! I wan’t a full colour piece, just need to save up the cash.
How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? My parents and in-laws don’t like tattoos. My dad believes only “painted ladies” have tattoos, which I find funny as my dad was pretty wild in his youth.
What is the general reaction that “the Public” have towards your tattoos? Have you run into any negativity or adversity because of them? I’ve not had any negative comments from clients or co-workers but I do try cover up a bit for clients that I know are a bit more conservative. Some people love my floral paisley tattoo and complement it. Some people poke at it and say “I could never” which is a little offensive but I respect their views.
Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed? Choose a well-known artist. Check their previous work (skin not paper) and expect to pay for quality work. Also, choose something and wait 3 years. I know it sounds ridiculously long but its worth knowing you’ll still want the same thing years from now.
1 comment
Wow Karen that shoulder one is gorgeous!!!!!! Can’t wait to see what it’s going to look like with more colour ?