Rising Stars: Meet AAron Wood of Lansing

Today we’d like to introduce you to AAron Wood.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started piercing a little over 13 years ago. When the industry was a lot different and harder to get into. It was more guarded and “gate kept”. I had tried for years to break in while working meaningless jobs i wasn’t really into. I was finally given a shot by a shop named State of the art tattoo. After my friend and artists I had an appointment with had quit tattooing. I went to the shop to collect my deposit and wound up trading that in as a down payment on my apprenticeship. Then started the next day. I was about half way through my apprenticeship when the person training me was fired. I was then made the head piercer and had to do a lot of learning on my own. I spent the next 5 to 6 years seeking any and all piercers who were willing to teach me. This was at a time when social media was just starting and wasn’t really use in the industry yet. So that ment driving and traveling to other shops and seminars on my days off. Just to soak in and learn anything and everything that I could.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has been a uphill battle from the start. As a single father at the time when I started. I worked 3 jobs on top of apprenticing full-time. All while trying to be a father. My original mentor was fired half way through my apprenticeship and I was basically told figure it out. The first two shops I worked at closed kinda way before there time do to circumstances outta my conrol. I unfortunately worked for people after that who used and abused our industry for pure profit. They had no care for the health or safety of the customers or the artist who make money for them. The first 8 years of my career there were a lot of ups and downs. A lot of hard lessons learned. But I feel without all of that I wouldn’t be the piercer I am today. It definitely was hard but taught me if I can make it through that I can make it through anything. Now I’m able to do what I’ve always dreamed of doing. As well show my kids that if you really work hard and make the necessary sacrifices. Dreams do come true! If it wasn’t for them and my amazing wife. I don’t know how i would have made it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Piercer first foremost. My favorite piercing to do would be the conch. There are so many beautiful options available to decorate that piercing its a lot of fun. As well i am a body mod apprentice under the legendary Shawn O’Hare. I’m also a suspension performer and practitioner that works with No Gimmicks Needed Suspension Team. I believe what sets me apart is my drive and work ethic. I breath, eat, sleep piercings. Its what I’ve dedicated my life to and I take it very seriously. As well i hold myself to a higher standard then most. I believe that’s why ive been able to do the things I do as well as travel the country doing them. I’m most know for my bedside manner and ability to make my clients comfortable and at ease.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Id have to say going to Jamaica with my family when I was about 10 years old. We stayed at an all exclusive resort for 2 weeks and got to live and eat like kings. It’s something I’ll never forget.

Pricing:

• Piercings range from $60 and go up from there depending onnthe choice of jewelry. With hundreds of options available for your choosing.
• Branding starts at $100 goes up from there depending on design
• Jewelry starts at $10 and goes up from there
• Jewelry changes start at $10

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/modifiedbyMALIBU/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modifiedby_malibu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaron.wood.735/