Shawn Kyker

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

I got clean and sober a year and a half ago after suffering in my addiction for over 30 years. My ink now represents the demons that I now fight. I want a new tattoo that reflects the new me. Today I use my past to help others overcome addiction I only keep what I have by freely giving it away. Life is different and so is sobriety. All of my old ink comes from a prison setting. A dark place. I want something that reminds me of what I’m fighting for!

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

It would tell people that even coming from such a dark place that there is a freedom that can be found! A battle that although being difficult, can be won if you refuse to fail. A battle that brings the light back into a very dark place!

What would you do with the $25,000?

Since I work for a non-profit as an intern where my best earnings don’t come as money, but in helping others, I would use the money to help pay some bills and buy my son a car for his 16th birthday and take him on a trip to make up for some of the lost time together that we lost in my addiction. Today being able to give to others is the best gift!