My First Tattoo!
Hi friends! Happy Friday! Hope you’re having a wonderful morning. I had to separate my Friday Faves post into another post (which will be up later this afternoon), because this post turned into a bit of a novel. I just had so much to say about my first tattoo experience!
I finally did it, and am so happy with how it turned out.
So as you guys know, I’ve been wanting a tattoo forever; at least 10 years. The Pilot has never really been on board the tattoo train, but after I had P, I was like, “I birthed our babies, I want a tattoo.” and he didn’t say anything to disagree haha. 😉
One night before dinner at Brooklyn Girl, my mom, Betsy and I ventured into Buju Tattoo. (They don’t know I have a blog or anything like that. I just like to spread the word about good people and places when I can.)
I had researched quite a bit online and knew I wanted my tattoo from Buju. They had exactly the style I was going for, and while the owner (Briana– she is AMAZING) is not taking new clients, I knew one of the artists there would be able to do what I had in mind.
My First Tattoo Experience
Right away, I was blown away by the interior. It is so unique, incredibly clean, and filled with fun plants, crystals, and antique pieces. We talked to Curtis for a while, learned more about him and checked out his work, and we paid our deposits to get our tattoos with him. He was so easygoing, confident, and had a great portfolio, so I felt completely at ease knowing he’d be the one to take a vibrating needle to my back haha.
I was SO excited, but super nervous. I decided to wait until after my surgery since you’re not supposed to get sweaty/dirty immediately after your tattoo. Before my surgery, I didn’t want to waste precious workout time since it was going to be taken away from me. This gave me something to look forward to. 😉
For my tattoo design, I’ve always wanted a mandala or some type of lotus flower. After googling around, I came across the newer watercolor flowers (which aren’t outlined in black and look so pretty and delicate) and thought it would be cool to combine the two. I texted Curtis a few ideas, and here’s what he came up with. When I saw it for the first time, it was like he’d gone into my brain and designed exactly what I was hoping for.
Betsy made me go first because I think she knew I’d chicken out if I watched her get hers done. Curtis cleaned my back and placed the stencil on. Betsy said she could never picture me with a tattoo, but once the stencil was there, she said it looked like it was always supposed to be there. I knew it was *the one.*
So as far as the actual tattoo process goes, it hurt. Like, A LOT. Way more than I was anticipating! The first 5 minutes were the absolute worst, and the entire thing took about 2 hours. He started and I was like, “What am I doing? Why is this hurting so much? I can’t quit now because it will look weird with random dots and lines on my back.” I couldn’t even talk while he was doing it. I would breathe, stare at his cool New Balance sneakers, and listen to his conversation with Bets.
After a while, it became almost meditative. I am a GIANT needle phobe, and absolutely hate shots and medical procedures. This felt different because it was a needle and a pain that I chose. Exactly one week before my tattoo, I was being injected with needles that weren’t necessarily my choice, but were necessary to fix my medical issues. I was lying on a table, in a room, surrounded by doctors small-talking me before the anesthesia kicked in. Exactly one week later, I was lying on very different table, still in pain, but celebrating.
Celebrating…
the end of P’s reflux, and the end of countless nights enveloped by fear that she’d start choking and stop breathing again
the end of the constant pain and discomfort I’ve felt for the past 5 months following the birth. I would cry all the way home after teaching spin because I didn’t know what was wrong with me. After my repair surgery, I feel a thousand times better.
the end of a scary medical issue for a close family member that began over the holidays. I haven’t gone into this on the blog because it’s personal for my family, and it also felt too big and real to write about. We are so blessed that this family member is doing amazingly and on the up and ups
and the end of my postpartum depression.
After all of the pain, something beautiful emerged.
When I got home to show my mom, she said, “Happy New Year.”
Amen.
Also, a mean joke: tattoos hurt AFTER they’re done, too. Mine is still achy (feels like a sunburn), but I can’t stop looking at it.
The colors are already so much brighter.
Wednesday:
Thursday:
So there ya go: my first, and only, tattoo. 🙂
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Love it! Yes, tattoos start off hurting and then you are right they become almost meditive–no wonder I have like twenty 😉 It’s looks awesome, and you are a brave woman for getting your first on your back I have my shoulder blades done and I don’t think I could ever do it again.
Anyways–it’s awesome! I’m proud of you!
it was so painful, i couldn’t believe it! glad it’s over though 😉
That really is beautiful, Gina! Looks perfect for you.
The tattoo looks great and that design is so you! I have been tempted to get one, but have not. You are braver than I am!!
I love this! I would have never thought of that placement for you, but your friend is right – it looks meant-to-be. I’m so glad you made it through all of the trials of the past year and are feeling better!
I have an eagle tattoo only ribcage that I got the minute I turned 18. People comment on how I must regret having it all the time. I actually don’t regret it at all. I think it’s lovely and it’s very me. I’m glad you didn’t let the naysayers discourage you from doing what you want with your body!
It is beautiful!
Love it!! Looks awesome :). The colors are beautiful and the artist did an amazing job. My first tattoo was a giant Celtic cross on my back along the spine. It was the worst pain in my life- and I’ve had two babies, one without meds. What’s funny is it was an “engagement present” from my husband haha. However, I’ve had two more tattoos since, on my arms, and I want more. I have a watercolor on my left forearm of a lotus flower, smaller flowers, and a bird. I got it almost eight years ago after my first miscarriage. I love and enjoy the stories behind tattoos. I’ve always found them beautiful. Hope yours continues to bring you joy.
I date a man with a tattoo in the same spot as yours. And while I am not a tattoo person, I love his and what it means. It’s like it was supposed to be there. Yours is absolutely stunning, almost like henna!! I love it!
I seriously think that this is the most beautiful tattoo I’ve ever seen!!! So gorgeous!
wow, thank you so much!
So so beautiful. I have a sand dollar in the same place on my back, and love it. Welcome to the club 🙂
Also- this REALLY makes me want another one! I’ve wanted one on my wrist for a long time.
did yours hurt like a beast too?
This is so beautiful, Gina!! I love it! I’m so happy for you that you finally got it and that you’re doing better after your surgery! Sending lots of love <3
thank you so much, friend
I LOVE it!!!! So pretty! The colors are just perfect!
It’s beautiful, I love it!!! I have three tattoo’s right now. I didn’t get my first until I was 38! I had some medical issues etc too and I just thought, why not! Life is short.
amen 🙂
It’s beautiful! And that shop looks amazing. It’s so important that if you don’t get a good vibe from a tattoo parlor you shouldn’t stay. I’ve only got the one tattoo on my shoulder from my 18th birthday, but I still go visit the place that did it with my sis. They’re one of the best shops in Omaha (Big Brain).
i totally agree. the vibe will tell you if it’s the right place!
Holy crap that is really beautiful!
hank you!!
I love it!! My first tattoo is from Buju as well, and I absolutely love them. I saw the blue background in the pic and knew that’s where you were! Here’s mine:
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/buju-tattoo-san-diego?select=5z3tYxZ9xjt4vEINZ-yQFA
yours is GORGEOUS
Wow, that is beautiful!
Sometimes I think out getting another one… Sigh. Maybe someday.
Love the tattoo! It’s gorgeous! Makes me want to get another one!!
Seriously, seriously love ittttt! I am not a tattoo person at all (I like them on others but could never see myself having one) but if I ever were to change my mind, I would want something like this! The design and watercolor style are amazing.
Gina, I am not a tattoo person but that is a beautiful tattoo and it is soooo fitting of your personality. I’ve been following your blog for YEARS and i think it is perfect for you! Happy that you did this for yourself and that you have gotten past some really hard times…xoxo C
I am not typically a tattoo person…but that is gorgeous!
How cool!! I have always wanted one, but I am way too indecisive to get one!!
Haha, fantastic! I love the black with the color! Makes everything pop!
My husband isn’t a tattoo fan either and I was never big on it but after losing my dad unexpectedly this past summer my sisters and I want to get matching tattoos in his honor (even though he would probably yell at us for getting tattoos)… I’m super scared about the pain though- fingers crossed I don’t chicken out! PS I love the pretty colors and the meaning of it to you <3
Pretty! Just curious for tattoo people in general–
Why do people choose to have a tattoo in a place you can’t see without getting a mirror? Do you just like knowing it’s there even though you can’t see it 99% of your day?
(Not being critical or snarky whatsoever… just something I’ve always wondered…)
My boyfriend has a tattoo in the same spot and it’s his family crest. For him it’s knowing that his family always has his back and he also wanted a spot that wasn’t visible when he is in shorts and a tee.
Not sure if it’s the same explanation for other people though 🙂
totally makes sense. i wanted it in a place where i can show it if i want to, but also cover it if we get dressed up for a fancier occasion. i love that i can glance back when i’m getting dressed and see it in the mirror. 🙂
LOVE IT!!!! It’s beautiful, Gina! Great way to celebrate, for sure <3
thank you! i’m so happy i did it 🙂
OMG, your tattoo looks amazing!!! Those colours are unreal.
Too pretty to be on your back where you can’t constantly see it 😉
I creeped on Briana’s instagram the other day after your first post, and was blown away by what she can do. It truly is art.
I’ve been wanting a tattoo for a long time, too, and then when I finally wanted to go for it last year, my boyfriend (who has a tattoo himself, in exactly the same spot as you) talked me out of it. And I’m happy about it, because I would have not liked the design anymore.
she is seriously from another world!
yeah i think it’s best when you’ve been wanting the same design for a long time. then again i have friends who got them on a whim and love them
xo
Gorgeous! I’ve wanted a tattoo (or two) forever… Post baby seems a great time to take the plunge!
I LOVE great stories begind tattoos! It looks amazing! Congrats to a “new year!”
I am not into tattoos, but I think yours looks amazing! The colors are really pretty.
Wow, that is really big for your first/only tattoo! But if that’s what you wanted, glad you went for it. 🙂
That is just BEAUTIFUL! I love the combination of intricate black design and colorful flowers. This summer I’m considering getting my second tattoo, and this post may have given me some extra motivation…
Gina! Celebrations are in order. I LOVE what this tattoo represents to you and to your family. Wishing you so many good things, my friend!
It is really pretty and seems to have A LOT of meaning for you. I’m glad that something good for you came out of all those challenges! With that said, only experienced medical professionals will be touching my body with needles!
Gina—I love it! I’m a tattoo fan…………got a few of them, smaller and not exactly well thought out, what can I say, I was in my 20s and knew that I wanted the ink on my skin-ha. As much as I wish I’d put more thought into each one, at least they’re smaller. I think about changing one into something I really like and maybe I will:) I have a small butterfly on my right tricep, some design that should be 4 flowers—but looks random, a small flower on the inside of one foot. Anyway, so happy you experienced this!
Beautiful! I don’t have one, but I love them. And the watercolor flowers are so cool – they almost look like embroidery! Love it!
i hadn’t thought of them like that- you’re totally right!
Your tattoo is beautiful! I love the design and the colours.
I got a tattoo on my back too and I am also a huge needle-phobe – but you’re right, it’s different when it’s a choice.
Congrats on doing something you’ve wanted to do for ages! You must feel quite accomplished for having sat through a needle poking you for two hours 🙂
It’s gorgeous Gina! I did mine as well after thinking about it for like 5yrs, on my right side of my ribcage! Oh tha pain!!! But i love it too!
It sounds so painful, but it really looks so beautiful!! 🙂 Great choice!
So beautiful, as is the story behind it!! Congrats!
So pretty! You are brave. Seriously, there’s no way I could do something like that. Too much pain and too much thinking about how weird it would look when I’m 80. Haha! I like to worry obviously.
i figured the nursing home staff will get a kick out of it 😉
It is so beautiful!!!!
I love it! Tattoos are addicting. I have 4 – the biggest one is hibiscus and plumerias on my lower back and I love it. I got them all over 10 years ago and I’m still having the urge to get another. Yours is beautiful.
I love this! It’s neat that it’s so symbolic for you. Have a great weekend!
It’s gorgeous, Gina!
Looks lovely! love the colors
It’s gorgeous!!! Oh man. So perfect.
thank you!
Congratulations! I love that this celebrates a new beginning for you. You deserve all the good that comes 🙂
So gorgeous! The colors are amazing<3
I have one very small tattoo on my lower right abdomen that I got when I was 18. My husband had always said he'd never get one. He liked them only on other people. This all changed when our son was born. He wanted our son's name and birthday tattooed on him. He even let me design it, and I must say, it looks awesome! Now I want my own special tattoo for my son but I'm thinking of waiting to make sure we're done having kids before I do it. That way I can just get one that represents all of my babies.
Wow, gorgeous! I’m not a tattoo person but if I was going to get one, I’d want something just like that. Don’t worry, I won’t. I limit my blogger copycat buying at lip crayons and such. ; )
hahah! i thought of you when i got another one at ultra yesterday (oops) 😉
It is gorgeous!!! I have a few and luckily needles don’t phase me but am always impressed when someone that is manages to go through with it!