Inked Mag Staff
September 24th, 2021
The Winners’ Circle
Meet the finalists of the 2021 Inked Magazine cover contest.
photos by Christopher K. Kolk
Jessica Carter
Jessica Carter took the crown of the 2021 Inked Cover Girl competition, and for damn good reason. In one way, she is a sweet, funny, creative, down-to-earth college grad who sings and loves to play with her dogs. But she’s also a sultry succubus (in a good way) who bartends in Las Vegas, feels people’s energy, loves to watch horror movies, and makes love to the camera with the best of them. Jessica’s first tattoo was of a Chinese symbol for strength, power and opportunity. She got started on the right foot, but it is her tattoo of The Worm from “Labyrinth” that she considers to be her most meaningful. “I have a matching one with my little sister, Katie, and I always loved that movie growing up,” Jessica says. “I always thought he was the most important character of the movie because without him, she would never have gone the wrong way and the movie would’ve just ended. I just love that movie so much.”As the reigning champion, Jessica has some advice for gals thinking about competing in the next Inked Cover Girl contest: “Definitely go for it,” she says. “Don’t be apprehensive to express yourself and put yourself out there because you’re afraid of what people will think or say. It’s solely about you and your journey and trying to get yourself to a place where you’re proud of your body and what you look like and you’re celebrating it.” @jess_ekkay
Jessica Hart
Our second-place spot went to Jessica Hart, an entrepreneur and new mom with a lot of, well, heart. “If there’s something you want to do in life, go for it,” she says. “It doesn’t matter who you are or who stands behind you, if you want to do something, do it. Because you can.” One thing that set Jessica apart from the other competitors was that she was carrying a baby during the competition. “Being pregnant definitely felt empowering,” she says. “It was nice, too, because I didn’t have to worry about my stomach, so it all looked good in my photos. I think a lot of people really loved the fact that just because I was pregnant didn’t mean I couldn’t [compete]. At first, I thought ‘Ah man, I wanted to enter this and can’t because I’m pregnant.’ Then I thought, ‘Why not do it because I’m pregnant? It would be cool to attempt to be the first pregnant winner.’ I think it got a lot of people interested and voting, because being pregnant is sexy.” Jessica has a true passion for baking and cake decorating. Check out her Instagram for news on her business, makeup looks and rad cake designs. @jessicaisspoiled @spoiledlipscosmetics
Nyki Boyle
Nycki Boyle is not only a mom, she’s an empowering woman who will never let anyone dictate her journey. And what a trip it has been: Coming from humble beginnings, she has overcome hardships with big beautiful wings that allow her to fly to the greatest of heights. She is upbeat and happy to be alive, and she seizes opportunity at every turn. Nycki began getting tattoos at 16 and has been going full-throttle ever since. “I have a sunflower on my wrist, and it says, ‘You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,’ because I’ve sung that to my four-year-old to sleep since he was born,” she shares. “I still do, to this day.” Nycki is also a guided soul who has an eye for the divine. “It’s weird to call yourself a psychic or a witch in this day and age, so I call myself an astrologist,” she says. “I do tarot. I’m very into energy. I’m a Reiki master and certified in yoga and Pilates. I carry crystals around. I give live readings with or without my cards. I love the synchronicity of it all.”This little lady is a mother, healer, fitness professional, musician and phoenix who seizes opportunity no matter the obstacles. @nyckiboyle
Taylor Bosworth
Taylor Bosworth is a gift from the cosmos, a creator of all things art. “My oil paintings are literal extensions of myself,” she tells us. “I mostly use eyes and plant imagery. I guess I would be labeled a surrealist.” Taylor also makes jewelry and, of course, helps design the tattoos that cover most of her body—her back, booty, sleeve, sternum, chest and legs. Many of them have specific symbolism and meaning for Taylor. “Some of my tattoos are taken from old etchings. I have a harpy angel, an Orphic Egg [an ancient Greek symbol], and two butterflies for my mom and grandmother, to name a few.” For Taylor, there are a few different aspects to consider. “Nobody talks about the other side of getting tattooed. People just see a tattoo in completion, which is this cool piece of art that you get to wear forever,” Taylor explains. “But it’s a lot more than that. It takes time and true dedication getting tattooed, and the way your body and mind responds to it is intense. It’s a real journey.” Check out Taylor’s art and jewelry @taylorleemade.
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