Inked Girl of the Month: Sabina Kelley on Tattoos, Modeling, and Life in Las Vegas

The international pinup icon and TV personality opens up about her tattoo journey, passions, and what’s next in her ever-evolving career.

Sabina Kelley is no stranger to the spotlight. As an international pinup model, TV personality, and showgirl based in Las Vegas, she has built a career defined by artistry, glamour, and individuality. When she’s not traveling the world or coaching models, she’s running Smiles n Cries Tattoo Studio with her husband, Nixx, a space dedicated to premium, custom tattoo work in the heart of Vegas.

“I’ve always loved the look of tattoos,” Kelley says, recalling how her passion started. “I remember seeing Thea Hogan on the November 1998 cover of ‘Tattoo Magazine.’ She was the most beautiful woman ever and her traditional tattoos made me want to get full sleeves.”

Her very first tattoo, a horseshoe with a swallow, flames, and the number 13, was a nod to her early days in the pinup and rockabilly scene. Since then, her collection has grown into a deeply personal tapestry of art and meaning. Among her most cherished pieces are three roses on her neck, inked by Chuey Quintanar, to represent her children, along with her husband’s name tattooed by Franco Vescovi just beneath.

But Kelley isn’t done yet. In fact, she’s in the middle of a fresh evolution of her ink. “I want to get my throat tattooed to complete my neck,” she shares. “Right now, my husband is going through both of my sleeves and my back, re-doing everything and bringing it back to life.”

When she’s not under the needle, Kelley stays busy with her many passions, travel, dance, and of course, her love for pit bulls. Few might guess that before her career in modeling, she spent four years as a ballerina in a ballet company, an experience that shaped her grace and stage presence.

As Inked Girl of the Month, Sabina is excited to connect with new fans and continue building on her legacy. “I’m stoked,” she says. “It’s always rad to be introduced to people who may not know who you are.”

Looking toward the future, she has ambitious plans: working on her 2026 calendar, building a burlesque show set to debut at one of Las Vegas’ iconic casinos, and booking international modeling and coaching dates. It’s safe to say that Kelley is only just getting started.

Stay connected with Kelley at SabinaKelley.com and follow her journey on Instagram @SabinaKelley.