Photos courtesy of Rachel Boothe
Staff Writer
People get tattoos for all kinds of reasons, and sometimes for no reason at all. But there is one thing in common that rings true for all tattoos; all tattoos have a story to tell. Rachel Boothe’s ink stories were inspired by a memory and a way of looking at life.
Boothe got her first tattoo her junior year of high school at the age of 16, which is a relatively young age to be so set on something to have for the rest of your life. On the topside of her right foot, a ladybug can be found resting on a flower with a leaf. Since she was under the age of 18, her mom had to sign consent for her.
“My mom told me as long as it is what my heart truly desired and that I was sure of my decision, then she thought it was perfectly fine with her,” Boothe said.
Boothe’s first tattoo started off as just the ladybug. It wasn’t until a year later that she added the bright green leaf and purple, yellow-tipped flower behind the ladybug.
“Well, that was the original design, Boothe said. “My mom said to hold it off until I knew that I definitely liked the ladybug, and then I could add on to it, kind of like cooking. You can always add, but you can never take out or in this case, take off.”
Now the real question: why a ladybug?
“My nana inspired me to get this one,” Boothe said. “She’s the most important woman in my life, and I think of her every time I look at my tattoo.”
Back when Boothe was only 13-years-old, her grandma took her to a craft fair in her hometown of Milford, Conn. They found matching ladybug bracelets and to this day, they both still have them.
“I believe it’s necessary to make your own luck and that’s what my ladybug does,” Boothe said.
Boothe also has the word “Serendipity” written in black, cursive ink on the topside of her left foot.
“This word means leaving life up to fate and chance and to accept the things that life throws at you,” she said.
Boothe was inspired by the song “Sweet Serendipity” by Lee Dewyze, and shortly after hearing it, she shared it with her mom, Janet Boothe. They both ended up loving the song because of the true meaning behind it. In the end, both mother and daughter got matching tattoos, same place and all.
As for the future, Boothe knows that she wants another tattoo, but she’s just not sure where she wants it on her body. The only thing that she needs to consider is the place, because she wants to be able to hide it if needed.
“Tattoos all over your body typically don’t look very professional, which may jeopardize future careers,” Boothe added.
Boothe advises that if you’re going to get a tattoo, think it through.
“Don’t get one just to get one. Because once you have it, it’s yours forever.”
Vivi Novello may be reached at vnovello@springfieldcollege.edu