In a compelling story about the power of social media, Mark Cropp, a young unemployed dad from New Zealand, found himself at a turning point after serving a two-year, three-month prison sentence for a failed drug deal.
While in prison, the unemployed dad made a decision that would dramatically change his life. He was eager for a fresh start, but one night, intoxicated on homemade alcohol, he and his brother made a choice that would come back to haunt him.
In a drunken haze, they tattooed Mark’s face with his nickname, using makeshift ink made from toothpaste and melted plastic utensils. The result was a bold black tattoo across his jaw that spelled “Devast8,” a permanent reminder of a night he would soon regret.
After his release, Mark faced the harsh reality of unemployment. Though he was eager to turn his life around and provide for his partner and daughter, his large face tattoo became an obstacle. Despite his work experience, potential employers were immediately put off by his appearance, making it nearly impossible for him to find a job.
In an interview with the Daily Mail Australia, the unemployed dad explained the meaning behind the tattoo: “For a long time, I would devastate everything I touched. I’d always hear people say, ‘That’s devastating,’ and once the tattoo was started, I felt like I couldn’t stop. I wish I had stopped at the outline.” He added, “Before I knew it, my face was swollen like a pumpkin.”
Desperate for a fresh start, Mark explored ways to remove the tattoo, but the cost of laser removal was prohibitive. With no other options, Mark turned to Facebook, posting a selfie of his tattooed face and pleading for a job and a second chance at life. His post quickly went viral, attracting the attention of Sacred Tattoo, a local tattoo parlor in Auckland.
Moved by Mark’s story, Sacred Tattoo offered to help by providing free laser removal sessions to erase the “Devast8” tattoo. Their act of kindness not only demonstrated the power of social media but also the positive impact of compassion.
Along with the generous offer from Sacred Tattoo, the unemployed dad also secured a job at PR Contracting, a scaffolding company, earning $22 an hour, giving him the fresh start he had long hoped for.
