Check Out Maggie Davis’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Davis.

Hi Maggie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always loved piercings, but I never dreamed I would become a professional piercer. My origin story as a body piercer began with misfortune and a massive shift of trajectory and perspective. I believed I had found my calling in the healthcare field, and was working as a CNA in an assisted living facility with plans to further my education in the field. One incorrectly administered vaccine later, and I all but lost the use of my left arm. I was forced to quit my job as I could no longer safely care for residents. I spent months of my life battling insurance, and ultimately had to have rather extensive surgery to fix the damage caused to my shoulder. During that time period I was also battling depression; I thought I was exactly where I was supposed to be, how could one moment derail everything I had worked for? Despite the darkness, I knew the sun would rise eventually and so I shifted my focus. I took a job at a great local restaurant, and did endless physical therapy to rebuild my strength.
Not long after I accepted my new circumstances, destiny came calling in the form of an ad looking for a piercer. I thought the skills I had gained working in healthcare might translate nicely, so I went in to introduce myself. That shop was Black Ball Tattoo, where I have been piercing for nearly eight years now. They were looking for someone who had the drive to elevate the piercing aspect of the studio. I was immediately intrigued, and hungry for knowledge. During my apprenticeship I learned what I could from my mentor, but I also began networking. I joined groups, I shadowed under well-respected piercers, I asked uncomfortable questions and opened myself to critique. I traveled to California to attend the Fakir Intensive body piercing workshop. I set my sights on membership with the Association of Professional Piercers; in the beginning of my career, that seemed like a lofty goal due to their stringent membership requirements. They are an organization that places health, safety and education first, and that’s something I was determined to bring to my clients. Changes were made one at a time, and in March 2020 I was accepted into the APP where I have been a business member in good standing for five years. When a client comes to see me, they know they are getting the best quality body jewelry, the best practice of sanitation, and a piercer who genuinely cares about them.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a bumpy road, but the scenic route has been worth getting rattled. I have evolved the most as a person during the turbulent times. For example, in 2023 I lost my mom and within a month of losing her, I had to have spinal surgery. Piercing isn’t one of those jobs where you can cry in the walk-in cooler like I was used to. You have to be on top of your game at all times when a client is trusting you to safely carry out a procedure. It was incredibly difficult at the time, but I came out the other side with an unshakeable faith in myself.
Another major challenge has been stress. Piercing is an amazing art, but it’s filled with adrenaline from both the client and the piercer. I am a person who has struggled with anxiety my entire life. I’ve had to modify my lifestyle quite a bit, including eliminating caffeine on work days. The sacrifice of my morning coffee was worth the steadiness I gained, I imagine it’s hard to trust a shaky piercer!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My gift shines most brightly when I am piercing children. I am always aware that the day they choose to get their ears pierced is a special one that will stand out in their memories. I like to make the experience safe, fun and educational. I enjoy learning about them and distracting them from any anxiety they may be feeling. Kids and their parents are typically nervous and excited when coming in, so it’s important to find a way to redirect that nervous energy. Establishing command of the room is important so that everyone knows what’s expected and acceptable. Having clear consent from the child is essential for me, I would never do something to someone’s body without their permission, whether they are 7 or 97.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I feel like there is a certain amount of risk taking that is unavoidable as a piercer. I can do my part to educate and prepare a safe environment, but when you introduce another human being to the equation there is automatic risk. People can be unpredictable! Things like moving during a piercing, reacting with aggression, and emotional upset can really change the course of an otherwise ordinary piercing experience.
A risk I did intentionally take was the upgrading of our jewelry. When I began piercing, the shop was using state minimum standard jewelry which is truly not ideal for the human body. Switching to implant-grade jewelry meant having to raise prices substantially. While I feared I would lose clients, it was more important for me to offer a safer service once I understood the difference between the types of jewelry. The risk was well worth it; I may have lost some clients who thought it was just about money, but I gained so many more who were grateful I was putting their safety first.

Pricing:

• Piercing Fee: $30 plus cost of jewelry

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blackballtattoo.com
• Instagram: @piercingbymaggie