Shauna Rae Lesick, the star of TLC’s new series I Am Shauna Rae, might be a shorter-than-average adult woman, but that’s not stopping this 22-year-old from expressing her true self in the form of tattoos. At first glimpse, Shauna could pass for a very young woman. However, when one takes into consideration Shauna’s body art, intricately-applied eyeshadow, and heeled boots – not to mention her sassy personality – it’s clear that she’s an adult. Recently, Shauna revealed the reasoning behind her decision to get inked, which isn’t just so that she can look older.

After a lot of marketing, I Am Shauna Rae premiered on January 11 on TLC. Unlike the slew of shows on the network about 600-lb. individuals and little people, Shauna’s story is a unique one. At birth, she was a seemingly typical baby. At 6 months, however, her mother noticed a lump on the back of Shauna’s head. It was a brain tumor that required surgery and three years of chemotherapy. All was well until kindergarten when Shauna’s family realized she was about a foot shorter than the rest of her peers. Due to the treatment, her pituitary was rendered dormant, which meant she wasn’t producing hormones needed for growth. Despite taking growth hormones throughout her entire adolescence, her body refused to grow anymore at the age of 16, halting her at 3’10”.

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For Shauna, it’s not uncommon to receive stares of curiosity and judgment, especially when her tattoos are exposed. On the other hand, she always actively tries to not let these perceptions get to her. While Shauna’s tattoos – which include a pair of elephants entwining their trunks to form the cancer symbol – certainly separate her from the average young-looking person, she didn’t get them to prove her maturity. In an interview with People, Shauna explained, “It may help me look older, but at the end of the day, I have my tattoos for personal reasons. I have them to help me carry on moments in my life.” During the episodes on I Am Shauna Rae, viewers saw Shauna’s next tattoo idea: a cherry dipped in chocolate to serve as a remembrance of her late grandfather, who always enjoyed the snack.

In addition to her tattoos, Shauna partakes in other normal activities for a 22-year-old, such as enjoying a giant margarita at dinner and vaping. “It’s what I’m comfortable with doing. It’s a personal decision,” she said. “And as I mature in age, those things will change.” Yet one rite of passage for young adults is proving to be more difficult than the rest – dating. Shauna admitted that she attracts “creeps” and “idiots,” all of whom are embarrassed to be seen with her in public. The latest episode of I Am Shauna Rae showed the reality TV star going on a blind date set up by a matchmaker. She and 6-foot-tall Abraham hit it off during their ax-throwing adventure, though time will tell how things will unfold between them.

Props must be given to Shauna for fiercely living her most authentic life possible. It would’ve been easy for her to feel sorry for herself and not have confidence, especially as she watches siblings and friends move out, get engaged, and achieve other goals she also has for herself. Alas, that’s not the case for Shauna. She’s chock-full of spunk and sarcasm and couldn’t care less if someone thinks she’s a tatted child, though she sometimes feels bad for her mother, who often receives the brunt of criticism for seemingly letting her kid do such a drastic thing. Fans of I Am Shauna Rae can’t wait to see the final result of her cherry tattoo, as well as if she goes on a second date with Abraham.

Source: People

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Samantha Bambino
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Samantha Bambino is a Reality TV News Writer at Screen Rant. For the past three years, she has covered music, politics, business and more in the suburbs of Philadelphia. She also freelanced for the online NKD Magazine, interviewing musicians, actors and social media personalities.

Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Samantha enjoys reading Stephen King novels, listening to Green Day and binge watching Friends.

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