It appears that two of Ryan Henry’s frenemies have linked up for a new venture. “Black Ink: Chicago” star Van Johnson recently revealed that he and “Black Ink” star Ceaser Emanuel are going into business together.
On Thursday, Oct. 22, the Chi-Town reality star took to his Instagram page to share the news. In what appeared to be a conversation between Johnson and a Houston Realtor by the name of Judith, Van apparently was approved for a commercial space. In the text, Judith tells Van that she would be sending the lease over to his email for an electronic signature, seemingly sealing the deal.
“I know I’ve been playing a lot in Houston but I’ve also been making major f–kn MOVES BABYYYYYYY,” Van captioned the screenshot of the conversation. He added, “@doughboy_sauce @ceaserblackink LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO #BlackinkHouston #BossMoves.”
The budding partnership came as a surprise to fans considering the common denominator between the two guys. For those unfamiliar with the “Black Ink” franchise, both Van and Ceaser were very close to 9MAG owner Ryan. At some point, Ryan left his shop to Van, who ultimately failed at keeping up its success. Shortly afterward, Ryan started a new shop and decided to bring two of his original staff members, Phor and Don, with him and eventually, Bella. However, Ryan did not invite Van or Charmaine to come work with him at the new shop.
Meanwhile, Ceaser’s feud with Ryan started after the Chicago tattoo artist was alleged to have slept with Ceaser’s ex-girlfriend and former brand ambassador, Miss Kitty. However, both Ryan and Kitty denied ever being together. Van and Ceaser both proclaimed that Ryan is not a loyal friend following yet another scandal in which Ryan had a fling with his best friend’s off-and-on girlfriend.
Ceaser was spotted in the comments section of The Shaderoom, where the post was reposted, saying, “I told you’ll 50 states. BLACK INK HOUSTON COMING SOON !!!!” the boss commented.
Still, fans were excited to hear that Van was returning to work and flooded the comments section of his post with congratulatory remarks, including one fan who wrote, “Hell yeah Bout 🕙 congratulations🔥🔥we ready!!!” Another supporter commented, “Congrats it’s about time ….. another Black owned business in the works best of luck 👍🏽 You deserve it #blackinkhouston.”
However, it didn’t take long before Ryan’s name entered the chat. “Don’t run it like the shop Ryan left you before. Boss up! Congratulations 🎉,” one user wrote. A second person commented, “Ryan gave him the last shop and y’all seen what happened 😭😭😭.”
