Source: Courtesy / VH1
BOSSIP Exclusive Interview with Ryan Henry Of Black Ink Crew: Chicago
It’s been 5 years since doors opened to viewers and they heard Ryan Henry‘s voice echo “Welcome to 9Mag” for the first time. Since then, Ryan has been on a steady path to living out his dream as a tattoo artist and boss. This ambition was passed to him through the support of his departed sister and despite the ups and downs we see on television, Ryan remains relentless.
Tonight 9Mag opens a bigger, better and more lavish version of their shop in the west side of Chicago. Our assistant editor Aiesha Arab spoke with Ryan recently about the differences in the operation and appearance of this new 9Mag, his new year’s resolutions, being suddenly single and what’s going on with him growing out his hair?
Scroll down to get all the juicy details from Ryan himself. Make sure you hit the flip to read the rest!
BOSSIP: Congratulations on opening a new shop…we heard it’s pretty fancy.
RH: Thank you. It’s actually my largest 9Mag branch so it will be something for the books for me. It’ll be seen on the backend of the show. Last season on the show, people were able to see me leaving and start one shop, then come back. Later on, they’ll see what my expansion is. From starting in a studio to 5,000 square feet. From dealing with 2-3 people to now working with 15 people.
BOSSIP: In your bio, we read a quote that said: “it’s lonely at the top.” Do you still feel this way?
RH: I don’t desire to be at the top alone, I never have. I think that that statement came from when I started with a bunch of people and then I had some abandon me, and then I prospered through that. Me starting a newer 9Mag with an amazing team — I wouldn’t be anywhere without a great team — I don’t wanna be at the top at the top by myself.
Hit the flip for more exclusively from Ryan Henry on growing out his hair and his thoughts on dating…
BOSSIP: New Year, New Hair…Shout out to your ponytail.
RH: You know what, if you take a quick look at my Instagram, I had it blown out and feathered on New Years. I was on my Snoop Dogg thing. I’m an old-school cat — so it’s not beyond me to come around as if was at the player’s ball.
BOSSIP: Is long hair something you’re going to keep for a while?
RH: I used to have real long hair, it used to touch down to my belt. When I turned 21 I cut it off, but I never wanted to be stuck in a “look.” I’m from Chicago and I look different. People would think I was trying to be a pretty boy — I wasn’t that. I’ve never been worried about my look so I would lose my vanity to gain my sanity. I just grow my hair to focus and have no distractions.
BOSSIP: We know you like to keep some things private…but on the season premiere of “Black Ink Chicago”, you shared with everyone that you’re now single. Are we going to be seeing you dating this season?
RH: I’m not a dating type of cat. People saw I planned on marrying the mother of my kids [Rachel], the first love of mine. Per some f*cks up, that didn’t allow the relationship to continue; I didn’t choose to be single by choice. I had a lot of things that weren’t right with me. I was ready to get married, I ain’t trynna be somebody’s boyfriend right now. I ain’t gotta get out here and mess with all these chicks, that’s for some late bloomers. I’ve been messing with chicks all my life.
BOSSIP: Did you have any New Years resolutions this year?
RH: Be consistent in the things that I learned about myself that need to be fixed. I was at work New Year’s Eve and New Year’s day, working on the things I need to for myself.
BOSSIP: Do you read BOSSIP at all? Is there anything you read about yourself that was incorrect?
RH: A lot of their perception is from an edited television show. Until you learn me in person, I can’t ask you to figure me out. You hear things about past seasons — but that’s also what made it number 1 — I took it in stride.
BOSSIP: Well great…some people like to address the “haters”…
RH: I used to think about it, but tell myself “you can’t involve yourself with that stuff.” We live in a generation on validation. Social media and validations are bigger than what people value in real life. One of my favorite songs, “Drip Too Hard” Lil’ Baby says “I know they hating on me but I don’t read comments.” People can say the worst things, but if you never read it, it doesn’t matter.
