Confident, tattooed, and full of charm – meet Axelle, the Strasbourg-based model who turns every photoshoot into a story. In this exclusive feature for Tattoo Life, she shares the shoot created with photographer Rodolphe Candela (aka SODS) and talks about her love for body art, the meaning behind her tattoos, and the empowering journey that brought her in front of the camera.
In this interview, she opens up about her favourite artists, her life beyond modelling, and the message she wants to share with women everywhere: when you start loving yourself and believing in yourself, you shine!
Hey Axelle! Where are you from and where do you live these days?
I like to say I’m from the world – I’ve travelled a lot! Right now, I live in Strasbourg, France, the capital of Christmas.
When did your love for tattoos first start?
My love for tattoos started when I was a child. I loved seeing my dad’s and brothers’ tattoos and always knew I’d get my own one day. My dad was a Thai boxer and actually won tattoos as prizes.
What kind of pieces have you chosen for your body? Do they carry a special meaning for you, or do you just go with what looks good?
Personally, I love two styles of tattooing: old school and illustration, which reminds me of fairy tales. Most of my tattoos mark important moments in my life. If you look closely, they could almost be read as my autobiography – and that of my family.
Who are the artists who’ve tattooed you so far?
I’ve been tattooed by Sailor Xa, an artist from Nancy, as well as Otium Tattoo, Yuno the Mist, Oculus Animae, Esmee Tattoo, and Loth’art. They’re mostly based in the Alsace region, and their styles complement each other beautifully.
They all have deep knowledge in their fields – true enthusiasts with a unique artistic touch.
What do you do for a living?
I’m a medical secretary. Before that, I was a soldier, a real estate agent, a saleswoman, a waitress, and a visual designer.
Is modelling something you do just for fun, or is it becoming more of a career for you?
Photography started out as art therapy for me. I never expected it to become such an important part of my life. I’m currently in talks with modelling agencies. I do runway shows occasionally and lots of photoshoots – I absolutely love it.
Can you tell us a bit about the photoshoot we’re featuring in this article?
This photoshoot was created by Rodolphe Candela, aka SODS on social media. He’s an artist who pushes boundaries, encourages us to experiment with different styles and themes, and helps us feel beautiful and confident. I feel my best when working with him, and thanks to him, I’ve gained a lot of self-confidence and truly discovered my potential.
What kind of woman do you like to portray through your modelling?
I love representing tattooed women – always with elegance and poetry. Above all, I want to represent women who struggle with self-confidence. Having faced doubts and low moments myself, I don’t want others to feel the same way. I want to show that when you start loving yourself and believing in yourself, you shine.
