The Tattooed Executive?

Is a “tattooed executive” an oxymoron?  You decide.

I have tattoos.  My first one was in 1989 in a biker’s garage in Waco, TX (yeah, it’s a bit of a story). I added 3 more.*   Over the years, I struggled at times with whether I allow them to show in professional settings or not. Sometimes I said, “Fuck it!” and let them fly.

Only a couple times people told me directly that my tattoos made me “unprofessional.”

What happened to not judging books by their covers???  Well, we are human after all…and we judge each other, make assumptions, and assign labels.

What has been MOST SURPRISING to me is that some of the people who had known me for years, done business with me, sat next to me in a weekly meeting, etc…said ions later, “I didn’t know you had tattoos! Really?”   Ha! (Guffaw!)

I’M A SLEEPER REBEL & REVOLUTIONARY.  I might look like a good girl; after all I was raised to be one.  I act respectful of others because I do actually respect others.  I have been successful in higher education, in multiple careers, and am a responsible citizen and loving wife of 20+ years.  But Fuck Yeah I can get a little wild.  I am the cool Aunt.

I might often look the executive part, but I am expressive. I am artistic. I am a little crazy and may yell “Woo-Hoo!” at random. Also, I swear when it suits me.  I will NOT apologize for life experiences which made me who I am.

I don’t know about you, but I sure as hell would rather have a coach, mentor, friend, or leader who is Real and has some life experiences, and shit she has worked through…  So now how do you feel about a tattooed executive?  Not perfect enough, or perfectly imperfect?

For somber or special occasions, I will continue to choose clothing which hides my tattoos.  I like dressing more formally than most of my contemporaries anyway. In fact, I grieve some for the lost art of dressing for dinner, for events, for travel, and for business. (Of course I love yoga pants and flip flops!  BUT, their place is at home, on Get Shit Done days, at the salon, and Costco.  I don’t believe they belong in business meetings.)

All that said, I will endeavor to push the boundaries a bit in business, and to reset the old standards which mandated things like hosiery, subdued jewelry, collared shirts, and matching shoes/belt/handbag.  Hey, sometimes that IS the right look for me but most days -not so much.

BOTTOM LINE: I promise to always be ME in business, and in everything else.  I am who I am and I will be boldly vulnerable to authentic self-expression!

Let me know your thoughts on being respectful and seen as a credible professional, while still allowing for expressing your individuality.

hugs, Heather

*HEY! I’m still a lady…and that’s “need to know” only.