Let me tell you about the tattoo that almost made me cry.

Gluten Tag, Lieblings (Loves),

Let me tell you about the tattoo that almost made me cry. This beautiful Permanent Henna Elephant Design. A true meaning behind "Pain is Beauty & Beauty is Pain"

One of the very first things I put on my 40 for 40 list was getting a hand tattoo. I’d wanted one for years, but it had to be something meaningful. After thinking it through, I landed on an elephant. Elephants had always held a special place in my heart—and in my bond with my niece, De’Ja. I already had her business logo tattooed on my hand (she was a self-taught makeup artist), Placing the elephant beneath it felt like a perfect tribute, a layering of love, legacy, and meaning.

Booking the appointment was pretty straightforward. I texted the artist, sent over a photo of a henna design I liked, and paid my deposit through CashApp. Easy enough. He was super responsive, which made the whole process smooth. But let me tell you what wasn’t smooth: the pain. Whew! I went in with numbing cream thinking, “This is about to be a walk in the park.” Nope. Especially when he hit my finger—boy, oh boy, that was a different level.

Thankfully, my artist “Tatted_lo” was amazing. I’d followed him on Instagram for years, and finally making it to his chair was worth the wait. He was patient, friendly, and so fast. The design he came up with was freehanded, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

And the meaning behind it makes it even more special. Elephants represent strength, wisdom, good fortune, and protection. They’re known for clearing obstacles,  inviting prosperity and bringing abundance. For me, this tattoo wasn’t just ink—it was intention. It was a reminder of the bond with my niece, a nod to resilience, and a symbol of stepping boldly into this next decade of my life.