Many people turn to body modifications like tattoos to express their individuality, creativity, or personal journey. But not everyone starts out embracing this form of self-expression. For 56-year-old Kerstin Tristan, it wasn’t until 2015 that she completely transformed her views — and ultimately, her life.

Kerstin, a mother and grandmother from Germany, didn’t always love tattoos. In fact, she admitted that for most of her life, she actively disliked them. Tattoos, to her, were once something she didn’t understand or appreciate.

It was a bold step — and a deeply personal one. From that moment forward, Kerstin embraced the world of body art with open arms. Since then, she has undergone a dramatic transformation, both in how she looks and how she feels about herself. In just a few years, she’s invested more than 30,000 euros (roughly $32,000 USD) on tattoos that now cover nearly every inch of her body.

What’s perhaps even more remarkable is the confidence and joy she’s found along the way. Far from feeling hesitant or judged, Kerstin now radiates self-assurance and self-love. Read more below