Marilyn Monroe would have celebrated her 100th birthday today (June 1), and many are remembering her as the icon she was. But one woman has taken her passion a step further by getting a permanent tribute to the star.
A Lifelong Inspiration
Melissa Bean, 31, from Kendal, has been a devoted fan of Marilyn Monroe since childhood. She recalled: "I was a very young child when I saw the image of a beautiful, powerful blonde woman with red lips at a market with my family. I was instantly taken in and wanted to learn more, so I asked my parents who it was, and I was told, Marilyn Monroe. My parents bought me that picture, and when I got home, I wanted to learn more and purchase more with her on."
It wasn't until her teenage years that Melissa began researching Marilyn and discovered she was more than just a pretty face. "As I got older and experienced more life experiences, I started to really understand Marilyn and her story, and she very quickly became one of my idols. As a child, I loved her bold, powerful images; as a teenager, I loved her empowering quotes; but as a woman, I was in awe of what this woman accomplished and made of her sadly shortened life."
Quotes That Resonate
Melissa finds comfort in Marilyn's words: "One of my favourite quotes is 'Imperfection is Beauty, Madness is Genius, and it's better to be absolutely Ridiculous than absolutely Boring.' As a young woman, I never truly fit in, and I experienced bullying mainly for being different. This quote stuck with me because the most beautiful woman in the world never fit in and was criticised."
She added that Marilyn made her realise it is "a gift to be different and unapologetically yourself." Melissa also embraces Marilyn's signature style: "I always have my MAC Ruby Woo and DIVA in my makeup bag. As a young woman, she gave me that confidence to be daring and bold with my choices."
Underestimated No More
Melissa believes that Marilyn used her blonde image to her advantage. "I'm blonde myself, and Marilyn really used this to her power. No one should ever underestimate a blonde!" She admires how Marilyn turned negative stereotypes into a career. "Marilyn Monroe was far from the 'dumb blonde' she loved to play. She was so ahead of her time with her concepts, views on life, business strategies and way of thinking."
Melissa sees Marilyn as a clever, innovative businesswoman who built her own brand from the ground up. "She took one look at her very troubled, traumatic and cruel life and said enough. She used her beauty to make a life for herself, becoming an inspiration to every young girl who had a dream of a better life."
A Permanent Tribute
Melissa's admiration led her to get a tattoo on her upper thigh. Initially considering the quote 'Imperfection is Beauty,' she later decided on a portrait of Marilyn. She worked with tattooist Luke Sayer, whom she has known since her teens. "Luke started tattooing in a small studio in Kendal. He now owns his own in Milnthorpe and has several very talented tattooists working in his studio."
After several discussions, they created a design featuring Marilyn's face with roses. "I actually cried after the second sitting was completed; it was more than I could ever imagine. I love to show it off and feel complete having Marilyn Monroe on my right thigh forever."
Remembering the Real Marilyn
Melissa wants Marilyn to be remembered not for the rumours or controversies, but as a powerful, strong, and empowering woman. "She was so ahead of her time and took back her power and voice even when the world was against her. She stood for women, and even today those quotes still empower, encourage and influence women, campaigns, designers, and more."
She concluded: "Apart from my own mother, I will always say my idol in life is Marilyn Monroe."
