Mark Cropp, a young father from New Zealand, faced huge challenges finding work due to a large face tattoo reading “Devast8.” The tattoo, a product of a prison night fueled by homemade alcohol, was meant to cover an earlier mark but instead became a symbol of regret and hardship. After serving over two years for a drug-related offense, Mark was eager to rebuild his life for his family but found employers reluctant to hire him because of his bold facial ink.
Mark opened up about the tattoo’s meaning, reflecting on how his past actions often “devastated” relationships and opportunities. He admitted wishing he had stopped while the tattoo was unfinished, but once the ink was on, he had no choice but to live with it. Despite feeling judged and overlooked, Mark took to social media with a heartfelt plea for a job, showing his tattoo and explaining his story to the public.
This post caught the attention of Sacred Tattoo in Auckland, which generously offered free laser removal sessions to help erase the tattoo. The act of kindness sparked hope for Mark, who soon landed a job at a scaffolding company, earning steady pay and slowly turning his life around.
Mark’s journey highlights the power of resilience, the challenges faced by those with visible tattoos seeking employment, and the positive impact of community support.
