Mark Cropp, a man from New Zealand, had faced a challenging past. After serving a two-year, three-month sentence for a failed drug deal, Mark was determined to turn his life around. However, upon being released from prison, he quickly realized that his journey to a new beginning wouldn’t be as simple as he had hoped. Despite his eagerness to re-enter society and provide for his family, he encountered a significant hurdle that stemmed from a decision made during his time behind bars.
The Impulsive Tattoo That Mark Would Regret
While incarcerated, Mark had hoped that his release would mark a fresh start, and he dreamed of the day he could rebuild his life. In a moment of camaraderie with his brother, however, things took an unexpected turn. After consuming homemade alcohol, the two impulsively decided to tattoo Mark’s face using makeshift materials. They used ink from toothpaste and melted plastic to permanently mark his face with the nickname “Devast8.”
This tattoo, made in a moment of impulsive celebration, soon became a symbol of regret. Mark admitted that the tattoo reflected his own sense of devastation, saying, “For a long time, I seemed to devastate anything I became involved with. Whether it was through actions or words, I’d inevitably hear, ‘That’s devastating.’” This hasty decision, which was meant to bond him with his brother, would later become a glaring reminder of his troubled past.
Struggling to Find Work After Release
Upon leaving prison, Mark found himself eager to start anew. His goals were clear: to support his partner and raise his young daughter. However, the face tattoo that once seemed like a minor part of his past quickly became a major obstacle. Despite his experience and readiness to work, employers refused to look past the bold tattoo across his face, and Mark found himself unable to secure a job. His dreams of a fresh start were quickly dashed as the tattoo became a visible barrier to employment, leaving him feeling stuck.
Seeking a Way Out: Mark’s Appeal on Social Media
As Mark grew more frustrated with the lack of opportunities, he decided to turn to social media. He posted a selfie showing his distinctive tattoo along with a heartfelt plea for help. His post was not only about seeking work, but also about asking for the chance to erase the visible mark of his past. The power of social media quickly worked in his favor, and Mark’s story began to spread. His heartfelt appeal was seen by many, including the team at Sacred Tattoo, a tattoo parlor in Auckland, which took notice of his situation.
A Community-Led Solution: Sacred Tattoo’s Generosity
Touched by Mark’s story, Sacred Tattoo extended an offer of help. Known for its community-focused efforts, the parlor offered Mark free laser tattoo removal sessions to help him remove the “Devast8” tattoo from his face. This act of kindness demonstrated the profound impact that social media and community support can have, turning Mark’s life around.
Additionally, Mark’s efforts to start fresh were further supported when he secured employment at PR Contracting, a scaffolding company, at a rate of $22 an hour. This opportunity marked a new chapter for Mark, and his story became an inspiring example of how resilience, community support, and a willingness to ask for help can bring about positive change.
