Last June I was given a great opportunity by my closest friend. He offered to train me to pierce. I have been in tattoo shops since the ripe age of 12. Learning to tattoo as my mother did her apprenticeship and later watching her as she created outstanding artwork.
I decided to take him up on this. The chance to learn another craft in the industry I love by a veteran of 23 years in the business. Seeing how I knew about sterilization and cross contamination, I had an early advantage to most of his apprentices.
It started off as expected, learning the tools, jewelry sizes, and different piercings. My job consisted of setting up for him, cleaning and sterilizing tools, and watching his every movement. By November I was ready for my first hole done to someone other than myself. (See pic above)
I had to pierce three of every piercing that is known. To my surprise male nipples were the first checked off my to-do list. Closely followed by noses. I have slowly checked off everything on that list, with my final being I had to pierce my teacher.
I am now working at an affiliate shop of the one I learned at in Greensboro, NC. While filling in for my teacher at his shop in Winston-Salem when needed. I'm only working on the weekends at the moment, but hey, you have to start somewhere.
At 32 years old, I decided to change the course of my life. I haven't regretted a moment of it. I am very great fun to have this person in my life, as well as the opportunity to pick his brain about his passion in life. Never be afraid to try something new, you might actually enjoy it. I know I did.
