Inside Sacred Marks, a new tattoo studio in Owensboro, artist Terry Baughn Jr. is creating more than just body art—he’s telling a story of resilience, faith, and redemption, one needle stroke at a time.
Baughn, who once battled years of drug and alcohol addiction, now channels his past into purpose. “My kids… I just got a five-bedroom house for them,” he said. “Five years ago, at Friends of Sinners, I was homeless… had a bag of clothes to my name.”
That dramatic transformation began at Friends of Sinners, a Christ-centered addiction recovery program where Baughn began his journey to sobriety. He entered the program after discovering tattooing by chance—he came across a tattoo machine at a flea market and began practicing on the streets.
“I used to be a very bad addict and an alcoholic,” Baughn said. “I kind of grew up around partying and everything. I ended up running into a tattoo machine one day at a flea market, and so I started tattooing on the streets.”
Five years later, Baughn says he experienced a spiritual awakening that changed the course of his life.
“I had a big encounter with God,” he said. “The men He put in my life—my pastor—I have probably 200 brothers in my phone I can call right now.”
Baughn graduated from Friends of Sinners in 2022 and has now spent a decade refining his craft as a tattoo artist. In October 2024, he opened Sacred Marks, a space he envisions as both a professional studio and a sanctuary for connection and healing.
Three weeks ago, Baughn welcomed apprentice Skyler Chilton to his team. Chilton, the daughter of Baughn’s pastor, has watched his growth firsthand.
“It’s helped me understand that people make mistakes and to be more forgiving with myself,” Chilton said. “As everybody should be, I think.”
For Baughn, mentoring goes beyond teaching tattooing skills. He views each client interaction as a chance to uplift and support.
“I’m not going to say I’m perfect,” Baughn said. “But they vent to me, and I’m able to help them out through things and struggles. They always leave with a beautiful piece of work.”
Baughn credits his ongoing support network—especially the Friends of Sinners community—for helping him stay grounded and focused. As he continues to grow his business and care for his family, he says each day is an opportunity to live stronger, wiser, and with purpose.
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