(OPINION) The woman who holds the world record for most body modifications receives a mixed response from onlookers. While some cross the street when they look at her, others “worship” her like they would a diety. Maria José Cristerna, 46, from Guadalajara, Mexico, is known as The Vampire Woman, or as she prefers, The Jaguar Woman.

She has 49 body modifications in total, including fanged teeth, and a range of transdermal implants on her forehead, chest, and arms. It doesn’t end there as she also has multiple piercings in her eyebrows, nose, tongue, ear lobes, belly button, and nipples, and a split tongue and titanium horns on her head.

Implanted without the use of anaesthetics, Maria sees her body mods as symbols of courage and strength after suffering domestic violence during her first marriage. “The horns I have are a symbol of strength. I had the fangs done because I loved vampires as a little girl and I changed the color of my eyes so they were how I really wanted them to be,” she explained.

While some may be intimidated by her striking looks, the mother-of-four gives talks on domestic violence to women who have suffered the same ordeal as her in the city. Her busy schedule also sees her traveling the world as a video jockey.

Having previously worked as a lawyer, Maria’s job as a DJ and owner of a tattoo studio and clothing boutique better aligns with her interests. Having grown up in a deeply religious household in Mexico, she said she’s always felt different.

The tattoo enthusiast got her first piece of ink when she was 14 and now they cover approximately 96% of her body. She added: “I am expressing beauty through my art for the world to see. God lives inside of me and I believe it is what I do daily for others and my actions that make me who I am, not how I look or my appearance.” READ MORE