Tatted Mom and Artist: Kristin Richardson

Kristin Richardson at Sally's

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When I noticed the stunning tattoos on the arms of the Manager of Sally's, I was eager to feature them in our Style issue. I introduced myself to Kristin Richardson and found out that she would soon be exploring this art form as a creator. I also discovered that Richardson writes and creates art. However, her true joy comes from advocating for her son, Jaxxon.

Her eyes widened as she spoke about Jaxxon and his experience with Autism. Garden Spices needed to showcase her tattoos as an art form, but we also wanted to give her the opportunity to share her tribute to Jaxxon and his caregiver. Gate open.

- Victorine

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When Jaxxon was one, a woman began coming into our home every week to help our little boy find his voice. She continued until he was three, during years filled with uncertainty, patience, tiny victories, and so much hope.

I painted Jaxxon on a swing between darkness and light. Behind him is the darkness—the fear of the unknown, the questions we couldn’t answer, and the words we desperately hoped he would someday be able to share. In front of him is the light: possibility, growth, hope, and a world waiting for him to discover it in his own way.

This painting was created for his speech therapist because she became part of that light.

She didn’t simply come into our home to do a job. She believed in our son during a chapter when his future was still unwritten. Week after week, she showed up with patience, compassion, and faith in a little boy who had so much inside of him, even when he couldn’t yet put it into words.

Today, Jaxxon is five. He speaks in full sentences. He goes to Kindergarten. And sometimes I think about that little boy on the swing and all the people who gently helped push him toward the light.

Some angels don’t have wings. Sometimes they knock on your door once a week, sit beside your child, and help him discover that the world is waiting to hear his voice.

This painting is my thank-you to one of ours.

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