InkSpired Magazine Issue No. 46 | Page 11

How long have you been a body piercer? Did you have a formal apprenticeship? August 8th will be 4 years I have been piercing full time! My apprenticeship was pretty formal, I was never ever allowed to work on walk-in customers. I had to bring in a lot of my friends to pierce them and be approved by my boss and mentor and otherco-workers. That process took about 8 months. What is it like being a female body piercer in a primarily male workplace? Being a female piercer is awesome! I talk shit to the dudes all day long, most of the artists I work with are always chill and super funny. It’s not always easy, but it takes a certain person to be able to make it, male or female. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Though the dynamics are constantly changing, there are obviously many fewer women body piercers in the industry than men. Has being a female ever presented challenges to you along the way? Do you feel you have had to work even harder to achieve the success you have than might have been necessary for a man? Very opposite. Being a female piercer is a blessing. The majority of people who get pierced are about 70% female and females trust females a bit more than men so for me it’s a blessing. I know quite a few female piercers! And plenty of great male piercers too. It’s more than putting a hole in someone. It’s the whole package that keeps them coming back. Earning trust is the most important. InkSpiredMagazine.com 9