A Welsh mother known for having hundreds of tattoos says she has been unable to find work for years because employers refuse to hire her. Despite being unemployed, she also says she is trying to have an eighth child.
Who She Is:
- Name: Melissa Sloan
- From: Knighton, Wales
- Age: 46
- Family: Mother of seven, living with partner Luke
- Public nickname: “Britain’s most tattooed woman”
Her Tattoos and Public Attention
- Melissa says she has more than 800 tattoos across her face and body.
- She began tattooing in her 20s and says she hasn’t stopped since.
- Some tattoos include flags, hearts, and notable images.
Job Struggles for More Than Two Decades
Melissa says her tattoos have led to repeated rejection from employers.
- She claims she has not worked for around 20 years.
- She says employers often react to her appearance and refuse to hire her.
- She believes people judge her as if she is “not a human being.”
Trying for Baby Number Eight
Melissa says she and her partner are trying to have another baby, but she also acknowledges concerns.
- She said a nurse reacted with surprise when she mentioned trying for another child.
- She noted that she has not had sex for three years, but says her children often ask for another sibling.
- She is worried about pregnancy risks at her age, saying it feels “scary” but believes in staying positive.
- She also said a future baby would not see her “real face” without tattoos, but believes the child would accept her as she is.
Her Career Dream: Becoming a Solicitor
Despite her employment challenges, Melissa says she still wants a professional career.
- She says she wants to prove people wrong by getting a job.
- Her stated ambition is to become a solicitor, specifically in criminal law.
- She believes her past experiences with the police could help her understand that field.
Tattoos as Coping and Past Trauma
Melissa has previously said tattooing helped her cope with serious trauma.
- She described tattoos as a form of therapy connected to past abuse by a half-brother.
- She reported the abuse to police in 2012, but the case was later dropped after she chose not to continue pursuing the allegation.
- She also said the abuser was later jailed for 21 years for rape and sexual assault offences against children.
