Woman claps back at critics over her tattooed body, says ‘my skin makes me happy’
27-year-old mother challenges judgment from older generations and embraces body art as self-expression
A British woman with tattoos covering most of her body is standing up to critics—especially from the older generation—who claim she’ll regret her ink when she’s older. But she says she’s proud of her appearance and won’t let others shame her for expressing herself.
Taylor Paige Courtenay, a 27-year-old from South Devon, England, is tired of hearing people—mostly older adults—tell her she’ll regret her tattoos when she turns 60. With ink on her neck, arms, stomach, and legs, Taylor treats her body like a canvas, proudly displaying the art that represents her journey.
“I love the way I look,” she says. “This is my skin and my story.”
But Taylor doesn’t just smile through the criticism—she claps back. In one video, responding to a common comment, “Your tattoos won’t look good when you hit 60,” she shot back with: “Bold of you to assume you even look good at 60…I wish they’d keep their opinions to themselves.”
Despite her sharp response, critics continue to flood her posts with judgmental remarks. One commenter said, “We will keep our opinions to ourselves if you keep your tattoos to yourself.” Another added, “If you don’t want other people’s opinions, keep your clothes on.”
Still, Taylor isn’t backing down.
‘I’ll never be that girl’—but she’s okay with it
In a viral TikTok video, Taylor opened up about the emotional side of being heavily tattooed. She said she’s accepted that she may never be seen as the “girl men take home to their parents” or be proudly introduced at family dinners.
“I’ll never be the girl they take home to their parents; I’ll never be the girl they talk about with their friends; I’ll never be the girl to be invited round for dinner; I’ll never be the girl they show off,” she said.
“I’ll always be the temporary fix, I’ll be the girl they use to pass the time, I’ll always be the girl that’s hidden. But I don’t even care. My skin makes me happy.”
Her honesty struck a chord with many viewers, some of whom could relate to feeling judged or misunderstood because of their appearance.
Critics vs. supporters
Taylor’s look has sparked a fierce divide online. Some users criticize her tattoos, calling them “graffiti” and claiming she’s ruining her natural beauty.
“Any tattoo takes from natural beauty,” one person wrote. “Why cover a beautiful body with graffiti?”
Others, however, support her right to self-expression.
@txypci wish they’d keep their opinions to themselves 🥱
“Screw them,” one supporter commented. “Got my first ink at 17 and now 15 years later—got sleeves, chest, and back piece. Love them and no regrets.”
Another added, “Your body is yours to do with what you want. Not everyone has to like it.”
Still, the online pressure led Taylor to disable comments on some of her social media posts to protect her peace.
From ‘not that girl’ to a proud mom
While Taylor once believed she’d never be “that girl,” her life has taken a different turn. In a post from December 2024, she revealed she’s now a mother—and the father of her baby, born in summer 2023, sees her differently than the men she once described.
Today, Taylor stands proud as a woman who owns her story—tattoos and all.
A fresh take: self-expression, motherhood, and modern identity
This story isn’t just about tattoos—it’s about the courage to be yourself when others tell you not to. Taylor’s body art is a map of her journey, and she wears it with pride.
From a woman who felt unseen to a mother claiming her place in the world, Taylor reminds us that identity is personal—and beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Would you regret a tattoo at 60—or would it still tell your story? Share this article with someone who might relate.
