Lexington tattoo artist raising awareness for Kentucky foster kids
2024-10-18
Tattooing for a Cause: Leiah Wainscott's Mission to Support Foster Children
Leiah Wainscott, a young tattoo artist with just a year and a half of professional experience, has already made a significant impact on her community. Driven by her own experiences in the foster care system, Wainscott is using her passion for tattooing to raise awareness and support for children in need.
Empowering the Forgotten: Leiah Wainscott's Suitcases for Fosters Initiative
Finding a Home and a Family in Tattooing
Leiah Wainscott's journey into the world of tattooing has been a transformative one. Despite her relatively short time in the industry, she has already found a sense of belonging and community that she never experienced before. "Not only did I gain a spot at a shop, I gained a family that I didn't even know," Wainscott shared, reflecting on the unexpected support and camaraderie she has discovered within the tattooing community.
Turning Trauma into Triumph: Wainscott's Foster Care Experiences
Wainscott's passion for supporting foster children stems from her own personal experiences. At just 15 years old, she found herself moving from home to home, a traumatic experience that left a lasting impact. "The one thing I remember from moving to different homes was they grab the trash bag. They grab the trash bag and they throw your clothes in it and you're off to the next," Wainscott recalled, her voice tinged with the pain of those memories.
Suitcases for Fosters: Providing Stability and Dignity
Determined to make a difference, Wainscott has launched the "Suitcases for Fosters" initiative, a mission to provide foster children with a sense of stability and dignity. "I want to give them a form of stability. A form of moving but you're good," she explained, recognizing the importance of offering these children a sense of belonging and security during a tumultuous time in their lives.
Leveraging Tattooing for a Cause
Wainscott's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her cause have led her to utilize her tattooing skills to raise funds and awareness. "If that means working hours upon hours giving out free tattoos for donations of suitcases and toys, that's what I'm going to do," she stated, showcasing her willingness to go above and beyond to support the children in her community.
Building a Community of Support
Wainscott's event, scheduled for November 23rd, is a testament to her determination to bring the community together in support of foster children. By encouraging donations of suitcases and toys, she aims to provide these children with a sense of stability and belonging that she herself longed for during her time in the system.
A Lasting Impact: Wainscott's Vision for the Future
As Wainscott continues to navigate her own journey as a foster parent, her commitment to supporting children in need remains unwavering. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of resilience and the impact that one person can have on the lives of others. Through her Suitcases for Fosters initiative, Wainscott is not only making a tangible difference in the lives of foster children but also inspiring others to join her in this vital cause.