Empowering Ink Stories from a Breast Cancer SurThriver

“My passion these days is to simply be a reflection of what I'm working on, and that’s kindness, compassion, and love. That's where I live.”
In this INKspirational episode, we chat with Melissa Rivera, whose ink story showcases the power of body art and how it can symbolize strength, healing, personal expression, and resilience in the face of life's most challenging moments.
Melissa powerfully narrates her vibrant ink story, from getting her first tattoo at 18, inspired by her astrological Leo sign, to covering her body with masterpieces such as the Egyptian lore-inspired artwork on her back and the symbolic Buddha and dragons on her leg that signpost her spiritual journey.
Most importantly, Melissa details how tattoos became her path to self-acceptance, helping her overcome body dysmorphia and gain confidence.
Melissa also opens up about her stage two breast cancer diagnosis, her subsequent decision to undergo a double mastectomy, and her choice for a flat closure over breast reconstruction—a decision that has empowered her in unusual and profound ways.
You will hear how Melissa transformed her traumatic experience into a platform for advocacy of flat closure by transparently and honestly representing that life without breasts can be empowering, not embarrassing.
We hope Melissa's ink story will inspire and motivate you, whether you're a cancer SurThriver, a tattoo enthusiast, or just a fan of incredible human stories.
Watch Melissa’s empowering speech at the Dempsey Cancer Care and Support Center event here:
https://www.facebook.com/100010346593634/videos/129223750276721/
Be sure to join us on Your Ink Story’s Instagram feed and watch the video reel showcasing Melissa’s many INKspirational tattoos.
A heartfelt shoutout and woo hoo to Melissa’s awe*mazing husband Ryan – a talented tattoo artist and owner of Sanctuary Tattoo in Portland, ME.(https://sanctuarytattoo.com)
This is YOUR Ink Story!
Please rate and review this podcast wherever you are tuning in, and if this episode inspired you, please share it, so we can bring more people together, inspire connection, and ignite conversations that go beyond the surface.
If you or someone you know has an ink story to share on the podcast, please send me an email: ande at yourinkstory.com.
We'd love to hear your thoughts! You can share your INKspirations from these conversations in the comment threads on the website or over on Instagram @tellmeyourinkstory.
Waving from Boston and wishing you a delicious day, everywhere you glow – cheers!
Ande ♥

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