AN inspirational Stourbridge tattoo artist who battled back from spending his early adult life involved in crime has been awarded for his business success.

Jason Evans was named runner up in the recent NatWest Enterprise prize at The Prince’s Trust’s Celebrate Success Awards, which recognise the achievements of those who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community.

As a young adult, Jason lacked direction and found himself caught up in crime. After being arrested and serving time in prison, he decided that, upon his release, he would prove to himself and everyone else that he could change his life for the better.

The 33-year-old said: “Things weren’t looking good. I was on probation, sofa surfing, and claiming Job Seekers Allowance because I couldn’t find work.

“My probation officer knew I wanted to do something positive, and suggested I got help with my CV. What happened next changed my life.”

Jason received CV support from Pertemps and after talking to them about his ambition to set up his own tattoo business, he was signposted to Enterprise – a programme from The Prince’s Trust that helps unemployed young people start their own business.

Guided by his business mentor, Jason began drawing up his first business plan.

“I researched day and night,” Jason said. “I got quotes, read up on business legislation and put my business plan together to present to the trust’s Business Launch Group.

“I remember feeling sick to the stomach that day, but when they gave me the go-ahead and a loan to help me, I felt l’d been given a new lease of life. That precious second chance.”

Using the trust’s funding to secure premises, Jason worked at gaining his tattooing license, marketed his business and launched ‘Inky’s Tattoo Emporium’ in Lye High Street.

He added: “It was a struggle at the start – getting new clients and building trust with them – but my mentor has been brilliant, checking in on me and giving me advice when I needed it.

“It felt great to make a profit in my first year, but that was nothing compared to the feeling of putting my old life behind me.

“A massive thanks to The Prince’s Trust and my mentor for helping me do that.”

Inky’s Tattoo Emporium has been open for more than two years and has a strong client base. Jason said he is over the moon with its success and now hopes to take on other artists and apprentices.

Mark Round, of Natwest, said: “On behalf of all at NatWest, I would like to congratulate Jason for being honoured in this award category.

“Jason is a real inspiration to other young people and I have no doubt his success will inspire other young people to fulfil their ambition of becoming their own boss.”