From Covering Up to Embracing Authenticity: Tattoos and the Power of Inclusion
The Story Behind the Ink
When I first entered the workforce in my early twenties, I believed that my tattoos—the ones that meant so much to me—had no place in the professional world. I had been taught that tattoos were viewed negatively, as unprofessional, even distracting. So I covered them up during interviews and in the workplace, not because I was ashamed of them, but because I was afraid of how they might limit my opportunities.
It wasn’t until I got (what I thought was) my dream job as a marketing publicist at a more conservative entertainment company that this internal tug-of-war became impossible to avoid. I worked hard to land that job—four interviews and six months of back-and-forth—and was determined to fit in and prove my worth.
One summer day, though, I couldn’t hide my tattoos anymore. My boss noticed them for the first time. She wasn’t shy about sharing that she didn’t love my style back then, but when it came to my tattoos, her comment was more matter-of-fact: “Oh! You have tattoos.”
That simple observation opened the door for a conversation. I explained that each tattoo held deep meaning. They represented my initials, my marriage, and my children’s names—symbols of my identity and the journey that had shaped me. I shared how these permanent marks reminded me of where I’d been, who I was, and what mattered most.
That conversation taught me something I didn’t fully realize at the time: it’s not the employees who have a responsibility to "fit in"—companies have a responsibility to foster environments where people feel valued and accepted for who they are. That experience became a foundational moment in my understanding of workplace culture, inclusion, and the importance of authenticity.
The Importance of Fostering a Thriving Workplace
The truth is, not everyone gets to really choose where they work. Many people prioritize a stable paycheck over the dream of working in a place where they feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Stability often wins out over belonging. But this is where companies have a unique opportunity—if not a responsibility—to make an impact.
A workplace where ideas, creativity, and collaboration thrive doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through intentional efforts to promote inclusion, diversity, and transparency. By creating an open-door environment and leading by example, employees can feel safe being their authentic selves, without fear of judgment or bias.
Over my two decades in the workforce, I’ve learned that the most successful companies don’t just tolerate differences; they celebrate them. When employees feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work, the result is a dynamic, innovative, and productive culture that benefits everyone—from the leadership team to the clients they serve.
Owning Who You Are Takes Time
Being truly comfortable with who you are doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a lifelong process. When I first entered the workforce, I was still figuring it out. I’ve come a long way since then, learning to trust myself and embrace the fact that I don’t have all the answers.
And that’s okay.
As a leader, my job isn’t to be omniscient; it’s to strategically guide my team toward the best solutions, supporting their needs and stepping in when extra help is needed. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about always having the perfect plan, but about showing up with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to collaborate.
Having faced my own challenges over the years, I’ve developed a sense of calm that helps me stay grounded—even when my team feels like they’re navigating a storm. My role is to be the anchor, offering perspective and clarity when things feel uncertain, and creating a space where people feel safe to grow, experiment, and learn.
Actionable Steps to Drive Change (and Results)
Whether you’re an individual professional or an organization looking to level up your workplace culture, here are a few steps to get started:
Foster Inclusion and Diversity: Build a workplace culture where people feel safe being themselves. Inclusion isn’t just good for employees—it’s critical for innovation and success.
Invest in Strategic Leadership: Strong leadership isn’t about knowing it all. It’s about guiding teams toward solutions, supporting their growth, and creating an environment where collaboration thrives.
Embrace Authentic Branding: Represent your company’s authentic voice and values in everything you do. Customers and employees alike are drawn to organizations that lead with purpose.
Tell Your Story: Work with a strategist to craft compelling narratives that connect with your audience and showcase what makes you stand out.
As someone who has lived the tension between self-expression and professional expectations, I’m passionate about helping individuals and companies find the balance between authenticity and impact. Through storytelling, strategy, and creative solutions, I help organizations create cultures and brands that connect, inspire, and thrive.