The host of the popular show Love Island, Maya Jama, decided to share with her fans the story of her first tattoo, which she got at a very young age. The 31-year-old TV presenter admitted that she first decided on a permanent drawing at the age of 15, and this adventure ended with a real escapade in an underground studio.
An Illegal Tattoo and Pop Culture
As Maya herself told Office magazine, she was inspired by the famous pop star Rihanna. The singer had a noticeable inscription on her thigh, and young Maya wanted something similar. As a result, a group of teenagers went to a private artist in Bristol who worked from home. Maya recalls that a parrot was flying around the room, and the procedure itself was completely illegal. In the UK, it is forbidden to tattoo individuals under 18 years of age, and for violating this rule, an artist can face a fine of up to £1000 and lose their license.
A Hidden Message
The tattoo that Maya got as a teenager is located on her left leg and is an Arabic inscription. The phrase reads: “Love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching.” Maya admits that these words have become her life motto. “I feel like I’ve lived by that principle. Those are two things that I do!” she shared.
Tattoos as Part of an Image
Interestingly, Maya has quite a few tattoos, but most of them are hidden from public view. “I have a lot of tattoos, but I realized they are only visible in a bikini or underwear because they are all on my ribs, hips, and pelvis,” she explained. This makes her tattoos more personal and intimate, accessible only to loved ones or on special occasions.
Tattoos with a Story
In the same interview, Maya talked about another tattoo that covers the name of an ex-boyfriend. The star was previously in relationships with footballer Rúben Dias, rapper Stormzy, and basketball player Ben Simmons. However, instead of a name, there is now a funny emoji on her body. “It’s quite cute. I once got a tattoo with someone in the shape of an infinity sign, and when the relationship ended, friends helped turn it into little emojis,” she said.
Summer Look and Style
This summer, Maya Jama has become a true source of inspiration for fashionistas. During the filming of a new season of Love Island, she took a 48-hour trip to Morocco, where she took a series of photos for her Instagram. In the pictures, she appeared in a black silk dress with cream lace and a deep neckline, which emphasized her elegance and confidence.
Tattoo Culture and Its Meaning
Maya Jama’s story is a vivid example of how tattoos become part of a person’s personal history. For many celebrities, tattoos are not just decoration but a way to express their thoughts, experiences, and life principles. The Arabic inscription on Maya’s thigh is not just text but a reminder of the importance of love and freedom, which she values in life.
Maya Jama continues to inspire her fans not only with her style and career but also with her openness. Her tattoo story shows that even at a young age, one can make a choice that will stay with them for a lifetime. And her approach to tattoos as a personal form of self-expression is an excellent example of how art can become part of our identity.