Aces of Trades: Jaziah Berry shows his skills at his business Ray's Ink

CHILLICOTHE – He’s young, talented, and determined.

“Overall, I had a pretty normal childhood as a home schooler,” recalled Jaziah Berry. “I grew up in church and realized I had a passion for drawing and just creating in general.”

Today, Berry is a “realism tattoo artist” with a business called Ray’s Ink at The Captivating Collective, previously known as Captivating Salon & Boutique.

“The name Ray’s Ink,” he explained, “comes from my middle name, Ray, which is after my dad’s best friend who died before I was born. Naming the business Ray’s is to give his name a legacy and have a positive impact on others that he didn’t get the chance to make himself.”

Berry, 18, was born in California, moved to Louisiana, Texas, then back to Louisiana.

“I was homeschooled there and really had time to work on my art skills,” he said. “I was 9 years old the first time I considered tattooing as a career option. My dad showed me some of the basics and showed me what a cool form of art it was. After a while, I knew that’s what I really wanted to do.”

“For my 15th birthday I really wanted a tattoo kit,” he added. “I started watching videos and being obsessed with it. I didn’t have any big influences. I just saw great work and wanted to be great too one day. In my free time all I did was practice tattooing.”

Berry moved to Chillicothe near the end of 2019 and started high school at Ross County Christian Academy about a year later.

“My sophomore year I turned 16 and was legally able to get my GED,” he said. "I told my parents how I was going to get my GED after my sophomore year, work construction with my dad to save money, and then open my own tattoo business. For the most part, I did just that. I got my GED at 16 years old in August of 2022.”

“On my 18th birthday in 2023,” he added, “I opened my business at The Captivating Collective. Serena DeGarmo, owner of Captivating Collective, was very generous letting me rent a room from her and helping me have a space for my business.”

“He is amazing,” assessed DeGarmo.

His mother, Jade Berry, agreed. She thinks “Jaziah has a bright future!”

“As a mom,” she continued, “it's always amazing to see what has become of your children and if you've done the job right. Jaziah has always been determined and full of wisdom and tenacity. His level of talent was, and is, always surprising to us. We have always supported our children and encouraged them to bet on themselves! And he's done just that! Raising entrepreneurs who love God has been our greatest joy.”

“I tattoo to bring a love and appreciation for the art,” Berry responded. “The opportunity at Captivating came at the perfect time and I was already close with the owner so it just made perfect since to build a business there, where I know there will be great spirit and support. The business has continued to be successful and very blessed.”

The Captivating Collective, previously known as Captivating Salon & Boutique, is located at 63 East Water Street in Chillicothe. For more information, call 740-772-6000 or log on www.captivatingsalon.com.

About the Series

Aces of Trades is a series focusing on people and their jobs – whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at gaznews@nncogannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Aces of Trades: Jaziah Berry shows his skills at his business Ray's Ink