The Power of Social Media: Mark Cropp’s Journey to a Fresh Start
Mark Cropp, a young man from New Zealand, found himself at a turning point in his life after spending two years and three months in prison for a failed drug deal. He was determined to turn his life around, but one reckless decision from his time behind bars would make that much harder.
A Wild Night Behind Bars
One night in his jail cell, Mark and his brother were drinking homemade alcohol—a strong brew made from fermented apples, bread, and sugar. As they got more intoxicated, an idea that seemed harmless at the time took shape. Mark decided to get a tattoo on his face.
With no professional ink available, they created their own using melted plastic knives, forks, and toothpaste. Using a makeshift needle, they etched the word “Devast8” in bold, black letters across his lower face and jaw.
At first, it seemed like just another night in prison, but the tattoo would soon become a symbol of regret.
The Harsh Reality of Life After Prison
When Mark was released, he was ready to build a better future. He wanted to support his partner and young daughter, find a job, and leave his past behind. But there was one major problem—his giant face tattoo.
Although he had work experience, employers took one look at his tattoo and turned him away. No one wanted to hire someone with “Devast8” written across their face. The rejection was constant, and Mark quickly realized his mistake.
“You know, there was a long time when I would devastate everything I touched. I would end up devastating everyone I met or got close to,” Mark told the Daily Mail Australia. “They would be disappointed with something I had done or said—I was always hearing, ‘That’s devastating.'”
He sighed and continued, “Once it was started, I thought, I can’t go back on it now. I wish I had stopped while the outline was there, to be quite honest.”
Mark shook his head, recalling the moment he saw the finished tattoo. “Before I knew it, I had this on my face… It was swollen like a bloody pumpkin!”
Searching for a Solution
Desperate to move forward, Mark started looking into tattoo removal. But the process was expensive, and he couldn’t afford the multiple laser sessions needed to get rid of it. He felt stuck, with no job and no way to fix his face.
That’s when he had an idea—he would turn to social media for help.
Mark took a selfie, showing his tattoo, and posted it on Facebook with an honest plea for a job. He explained his situation, his regrets, and his determination to start fresh.
What happened next changed everything.
The Power of Social Media
Mark’s post went viral. Thousands of people shared his story, and it eventually reached Sacred Tattoo, a well-known tattoo parlor in Auckland.
The team at Sacred Tattoo was moved by Mark’s story. They saw a young man who had made mistakes but truly wanted to change. So, they decided to help him in the best way they could.
They offered to remove his tattoo for free.
This incredible act of kindness gave Mark hope. It was more than just erasing ink—it was a second chance at life.
A New Beginning
But the good news didn’t stop there. Thanks to his viral post, Mark also landed a job at PR Contracting, a scaffolding company. He was hired at $22 an hour, finally able to provide for his family.
The support he received from strangers on the internet proved that social media, often criticized for its downsides, could also change lives for the better.
Mark’s journey shows that mistakes don’t have to define us. With determination, the right opportunities, and a little kindness from others, anyone can turn their life around.
What do you think of Mark’s story? Let us know in the comments below!