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Hidden Gems: Meet Richard Kidder of Inner demon 2.0 tattoo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Kidder.

Hi Richard, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
With over 27 years of tattooing experience, Richie Rich has built his career on passion, resilience, and transformation. Art has always been a natural gift — even from a young age, Richie had a talent for drawing and an eye for creativity. Though his early dreams were set on a professional football career, life took an unexpected turn. Influenced by the wrong crowd, he made choices that led him down a darker path, ultimately losing that opportunity and facing the consequences of his actions.

During his time in prison, Richie met a cellmate who was a tattoo artist and recognized his potential. That encounter changed everything. Through tattooing, Richie discovered not only his true calling but also a way to channel his pain into purpose. While incarcerated, he endured tremendous loss, including the murder of his sister — an event that shaped his perspective and deepened his drive to change his life.

After his release, Richie opened his first tattoo studio, Inner Demon, followed by Richie Rich Tattoo. Despite the early success, he continued to wrestle with the darkness that had followed him for years, losing opportunities and relationships along the way. The tragic loss of his brother to suicide became another turning point, forcing him to face his pain head-on.

Returning to prison on drug-related charges, Richie used those two and a half years to reflect on his past and make peace with it. Upon his release, he was determined to rebuild his life. Just two weeks later, he met the woman who would become his wife and greatest source of support. Through her love and encouragement, Richie learned what it meant to have a healthy, meaningful partnership and began transforming his life from the inside out.

Now sober, centered, and thriving, Richie’s artistry has reached a new level of excellence. His work embodies his journey — depth, emotion, and authenticity. He has a genuine love for tattooing and for the people who trust him with their stories. Known for his generosity and compassion, Richie often donates his time and talent to meaningful causes through pro bono tattoos.

Today, Richie and his wife proudly own and operate Inner Demon 2.0 in Havelock, North Carolina. Together, they’ve built a space that represents strength, creativity, and second chances. Their shop is more than a business — it’s a reflection of the belief that art can heal, inspire, and help people reclaim their own light.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To get where I am today was a struggle. A long rough road. More with myself getting in the way than anything. I’ve started over more times than I can count.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Inner Demon 2.0, we take pride in offering high-quality tattoo and body art services in a clean, professional environment. Our artists specialize in fine line, dark and bold, bright and vibrant, and realism tattoos, bringing each client’s vision to life with precision and creativity.

In addition to tattoos, we provide professional body piercings and semi-permanent tooth gems, all performed with the highest standards of safety and care.

For your convenience, financing options are available through our secure card processing system, making it easier to enjoy your next piece of art or piercing service.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love our repeated customers. My favorite are the customers that soon become family.
Winters are a bit slower here because we are a big tourist town so I suppose that is a big dislike.

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