Since the dawn of the modern industry, professional body piercing standards have emphasized that aftercare is just as critical as the procedure itself. In the early days, sea salt "baggies" or gene...
For me growing up as a sci-fi nerd, getting piercings in the late 90's and later studying Geology, jewelry is more than an aesthetic choice—it is an emotion and a physical connection to the Earth’s...
When you decide to adorn your body with a beautiful new piercing, aside from choosing a good piercer, the choice of jewelry is perhaps the most critical decision you'll make. It’s a choice that goe...
The allure of Watermelon Tourmaline is multifaceted, stemming from its mesmerizing natural beauty, symbolic meaning, and unique geological formation. It is a stunning and increasingly popular choic...
What is the best way to sterilize gold jewelry? In a traditional autoclave, a STATIM or an Enbio S? For a piercing to heal beautifully, and for a studio to operate with the highest integrity, pr...
My journey into the piercing and tattoo industry began in 1999 when I was 18, driven by a deep curiosity of becoming a piercer and helping others find peace through piercing. I started in street shops in Columbus, Ohio, in the early 2000s, where I quickly immersed myself in all aspects of the business. I learned to pierce, fielded a myriad of unique client questions, and mastered selling quality jewelry, all while managing the shop. It was a different era then—cash-only operations, unless you had the luxury of a manual credit card swiper. We worked without the internet or computers, meticulously tracing stencils and hand-drawing every tattoo design.
My scientific and "goth nerd" inclinations pushed me to learn more about the safety protocols and equipment we used. This led me to the incredible Dave Vidra, a true pioneer in the industry. In 2000, I attended my first 6-8 hour Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control class at his Cleveland, Ohio, studio, Bodyworks. I was immediately struck by his meticulous attention to detail, including his use of HEPA filters. That class changed my life. I cherished our annual meetings, whether at his studio or at Hellcity, where he shared his knowledge with grace and humor. Seeing professionals who genuinely cared about the safety and success of body art made me feel truly at home in this industry, solidifying my understanding of our procedural methods.
After a brief hiatus where I worked as a barista (a role I had even while piercing), I found my way back to the body art industry. However, my return as a front-of-house employee then the buyer at a very famous shop in Columbus, Ohio opened my eyes to the dark side of this industry, including instances where the owner "allegily" covered up sexual assault, let abusive workers bully and harass myself and others while fostering a cult-like environment. The idolization of figures within this industry is a real issue, but I believe we are finally shifting away from such toxic ideologies, and I am wholeheartedly here for that change. Every challenge I've faced has been worth it, as it ultimately led me to Modern Mood. I am proud to work in an environment that fosters respect and dignity while getting to help studios and piercers build up their portfolios with gorgeous unique 14k gold jewelry. Here, I'm dedicated to creating a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone, free from the egos that once dominated our now expansive and beautiful industry.