awesomeness

I got to be on the Modified World yet again. I feel pretty special about this guys! Hope everyone had awesome holidays and ate lots of yummy food.

Hey Guys

So I'm back from my trip to Anne Arbor, and I was lucky enough to make it into this weeks episode of The Modified World. Check it out!

interviewed

Halloween Success!!!!

The Halloween sale was so great! Me and Michelle had a ton of fun and were super busy all day, Thanks to everyone who participated, we really had a great time :) The above photo was taken at the end of the day, when we were both totally exhausted and ready to PTFO!!!

Awesome Jewelry and Teens Piercing Teens.

Yesterday the owner of Modifika jewelry came by the shop and sold us some amazing plugs. We've never had any jewelry like this in the case before, and if it sells as well as I think it will then I'm going to be carrying quite a bit more of it in the future.

We are totally ready for our Halloween sale now. I  have made lots of goody bags to hand out to anyone participating in our special. Make sure to stop by in costume to snag one! Our new piercer Michelle has been kicking ass so far and I'm looking forward to working with her Halloween day. Everyone at Fatty's loves this holiday.

I was super excited last week to find out that a student at the high school I graduated from was writing a paper on piercing. My old English teacher, the only teacher I liked and have kept in touch with, sent me a message on facebook asking if it was okay for the student to interview me for her research paper. OF COURSE I said yes. I love opportunities to educate kids about piercing.  I thought her questions were really good, so I decided to post them along with my answers here;

1. Did you pierce people in high school?

            I was piercing people a lot in high school. I’m pretty ashamed of it now actually. I don’t tell many people.

2. What were the laws for piercing minors when you were in high school?

            The thing about piercing in Maryland is; it’s not very regulated. It wasn’t when I was in high school and it’s not now. It’s the same in DC (where I work now), which is really dangerous. There is no license or school you can go to like with cosmetology.

3. What are the laws now for piercing minors (in Maryland)? (I'm a bit confused- is there a law that only applies to official parlors? Because a parlor I went to can't even pierce the ears of a 15 year old, but at Claire's they pierce kids much younger.) 

            In Maryland, because they don’t regulate piercing the only real law they enforce is that when piercing a minor a legal guardian must sign for them. Tattoo shops in Maryland can legally pierce someone at 15 with guardians consent but a lot of them object for moral/personal reasons. As a personal rule, the only thing I ever pierce on minors is ear lobes.

4. Do you agree with the laws in place?

 No, I think we need very strict laws regarding piercing. Right now anyone can open a shop and call themselves a professional regardless of their (lack of) knowledge. Maryland doesn’t even enforce where you dump your used piercing needles or whether or not you use sterilized equipment. Half of what I do lately is fix other peoples hackwork.

5. Do you think that teenagers are capable of cleanly and safely giving themselves and each other safe piercings?

            Absolutely not. Aside from not knowing where to properly place a piercing so that it will heal properly; Teenagers have no knowledge of blood borne diseases and do not have access to sterile equipment. They have no idea how to prevent cross contamination, and have nowhere to put their used needles. A lot of them think, “well I did it before and it was fine” or “my friend did it and it was okay” but if they were informed of all the real risks they put their bodies at they would probably think twice. It’s really not as easy as “well if it gets infected I’ll just take it out” because not only can this seal the infection inside your body allowing it to travel to other places via your blood stream but a true infection requires antibiotics and a doctors visit. I’ve seen people need to be quarantined in the ER and blood transfusions from such severe infections in an improperly done piercing.

6. What would your best advice be for a teenager who is too young to go to a parlor but who wants a nose or belly button piercing?

            Do your research. Nothing bad can come from informing yourself. A lot of times there’s a good reason tattoo shops refuse to pierce minors. I get asked almost every day by minors for piercing, and it would be a lot easier for me to just take their money and pierce them. I certainly need the money(piercers don’t make much), but I have a few personal reasons why I find it inappropriate for someone so young to get pierced. I know it seems like an eternity to wait till you are 18, but in the end it’s better to do your research and first find out which shop will truly give you the best piercing experience so you know where to go when you turn 18. It’s a much better alternative then to have your friend pierce you in their bathroom and lose the top half of your ear because of an infection.

7. Do you have to turn away a lot of teenagers at your parlor who want to be pierced but are too young?

            We do, and a lot of times they try to argue with us. The thing is, we are a high end shop doing what we feel is best for the customer. Maybe the customer doesn’t see that because they are immature, but that’s exactly why they need to really think about what they are doing and maybe wait a little longer.

8. What is your position at the parlor? (head piercer, etc.)

            I am the piercing manager. I work 5 days a week.

9. Why do you think teenagers are so eager to be pierced?

            I’m sure it really depends on the individual teenager. I know from a very young age I just wanted a ton of piercings. I always loved them, and I felt like I truly needed them. It was a really strong urge for me.

10. How many piercings do you have?

            20(I think)

11. (to your knowledge) Have the laws restricting the piercings of minors affected Fatty's business in any way?

            We’ve certainly missed out on money due to not piercing minors, but I think it makes me a better piercer in the end.

12. How did your parents feel about you having piercings in high school?

            They absolutely hated it. I remember at times my dad wouldn’t even talk to me. They would try to ground me or take away privileges. I feel bad for giving them so much grief.

12. Is there anything else you would like to add

            A great place to learn more about safe piercing is the APP’s(association of professional piercers) web site. They have tons of free info for anyone wanting to get pierced but doesn’t know where to start. Also, anyone is welcome to email me if they have any questions about piercing. I really feel like it’s important to educate kids because I hear so much false information being thrown around.

Helloween is coming!

So my friends over at Pangea Piercing make these awesome videos that are fantastic for providing useful information to both customers and piercers. They recently came out with one about stone jewelry, and becuase I sell and wear so much of it I felt it would be great to share the video here.




Also, dont forget that we are about to have an awesome Halloween sale. Not only will we be having a jewelry sale but me and Michelle will both be working Halloween day offering a two for one special on tandem piercings. This means that if you let us pierce you at the same time you will get two piercings for the price of one. We will also both be in costume and giving out special goody bags for those who also dress up! How fun!

Halloween sale at Fatty's

So we are having a few Halloween sales at Fatty's this year. Definitely take advantage of our love for this holiday :) Not only are we having a jewelry sale, but me and Michelle decided that we will both be working on Halloween day and doing a tandem piercing special. If you let us both pierce you at the same time, we will give you two piercings for the price of one excluding jewelry cost. Example; If you get two nipple piercings, you will get both for $50 instead of $90! What a deal! We are so excited to do this. If you have any questions feel free to email me. This deal does not include genital piercings. Sorry! Also check out the Fatty's facebook page for information on tattoo contests we'll be having.

What Makes Me Happy

Yesterday I had the pleasure of piercing a little girl's ear lobes. She was 7 and super excited, but after the first lobe got a little scared and worked up. She kept saying she wanted to do the second ear but that she was too nervous. It took a lot of coaxing on mine and her fathers part(and a grape jolly rancher), but she finally got the guts to do the second and gave me the "go ahead"(I would never pierce someone unless they were OK with it and totally ready) After she was all finished I commended her for being so very brave and gave her a sticker. Her parents thanked me for being patient and left. Later that night, her mother sent me this really heartwarming e-mail that I had to share. I feel fuzzy inside :)

 

New Piercer

I am very pleased to announce that starting tomorrow my good friend Michelle will be joining the Fatty's crew. She will be piercing Tuesday's and Wednesday's, which means we'll have a piercer in 7 days a week now! We both apprenticed under the same piercer which means if you like me you'll probably like her too. Stop in and say hi to her.

dear customers

BACK TO SCHOOL SALE!

I have awesome piercer friends!

 

 I feel like I should help promote my friends more who I know are fantastic piercers. I know not everyone can get to DC ;) If you are ever in Louisiana and are in need of piercings or the best quality body jewelry available then check out Anomaly Body Piercing. My friend, Kyler, is the owner and he stocks a great selection of body jewelry.The more we spread the word about the shops that rule, the more people will pass up going to the hack shops just to get a deal.

WARNING: Chemicals WILL NOT make you heal faster! Quite the opposite in fact, chemicals
of any kind will upset the balance within your newly forming cells and create a condition in
which your piercing will heal tremendously slow, if ever. Therefore, DO NOT USE any product
marked for “external use only” including, but not limited to: Proven, rubbing alcohol,
Hydrogen Peroxide, Bactine and Ear Care Solutions, benzethonium chloride,
Antibacterial soaps, such as Dial, Soft Soap, etc., Neosporin or any other petroleum-
based ointment such as betadine or Hibiclens.

Do Not Use The Following Products On Your New Piercing:
They will lengthen the healing time and cause problems!


•
Do not use Alcohol: Alcohol wipes, Hibiclens (may cause deafness and or
blindness), Hibitane. Alcohol’s are an irritant and toxic to new tissue cells forming in
the wound and are therefore totally unsuitable for the aftercare of piercings.
Products that contain alcohol like Chlorhexidine solutions i.e. Hibiclens, Hibitane etc.
should therefore be avoided even if they are diluted.
•
Do Not Use Listerine: Though this antiseptic mouthwash is very good at keeping your
mouth clean of any infection, it is also very irritating due to high contents of alcohol
which can cause excess scar tissue damage, extend your healing time, and cause
your piercing to swell more.
•
Do not use Benzalkonium Chloride & Benzethonium Chloride Solutions:
(Containing 0.12% Benzalkonium chloride or 0.13% Benzethonium-chloride). Bactine,
Germinol, Germitol, Pierced Ear Care Solution, No More Ouchies, or Sensitive
Ears Solution and other solutions of benzelkonium or benzalthonium-chloride
(usually available at stores that perform ear piercing). Can cause sensitivity and
prolonged use often causes overly dry or flaking skin. Some products contain isopropyl
alcohol that is very irritating. Bactine and No More Ouchies contain lidocaine to
which many people are sensitive and can cause allergic reactions.
•
Do Not Use Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solutions: Bacticlens, Hibiclens, Hibiscrub,
Hibitane, Savlon, Spectro Gram 2. Solutions vary in concentration from 2 to 4%.
Product inserts for all solutions state intended use only for hand washing and presurgical
skin antisepsis. Not suitable for piercings as these solutions contain alcohol,
which is toxic to the cells that form scar tissue. It also causes irritation and delayed
healing. Even in a diluted form it still can cause problems.
•
Do Not Use Hydrogen Peroxide: In solution 3%: Provides mechanical cleansing and
some debridement of wounds by effervescent action, however, it can cause ulceration
of newly formed tissue, and can create Granulomas. It is toxic to fibroblasts, which are
vital for wound healing, and therefore should never be used as an aftercare
solution for piercings because of the damage it causes the wound even in it’s diluted
form.
•
Do Not Use PerOxyl and Gly-Oxide: Oral cleansing antiseptics contain peroxide or
carbamide peroxide may be detrimental towards healing when used for an extended
period of time. Use of these products in addition to antiseptic mouthwash is
unnecessary. Additionally, the US Food and Drug Administration has declared "oral
wound healing agents [including] allantoin and carbamide peroxide in anhydrous
glycerin" as "unacceptable" because these products have not been found to be safe
and/or effective for treatment of oral wounds. It can also destroy the layer of "good"
bacterial on the back of your tongue which can allow thrush, dry mouth, and other
complications to take hold.

•
Do Not Use Methylated Spirits: Too strong to be used as an aftercare solution,
can lead to inflammation of the wound, and increase the healing phase.
•
Do Not Use Dial soap: Dial is a harsh soap for piercings. It contains triclosan, which
can cause problems with overuse. Many new studies are showing that anti-bacterial
soaps that use triclosan have the same efficiency as normal hand soap.
•
Do Not Use Iodine Compounds: Examples: Iodine (tincture of Iodine, weak iodine
solution) Iodophors (Betadine, Betaisodina, Braunol, Braunosan H, Disadine DP,
Disphex, Efadine, Inadine, Isodine, Proviodine, Traumasept, Videne), Betadine soaps
and skin cleansers, and povidone-iodine based liquid soap (Clearly Natural brand).
Iodine solutions have a broad spectrum effectiveness when used on intact skin or
relatively clean wounds, but it is toxic to fibroblasts (cells which form scar tissue) in
normal dilutions, and has questionable effectiveness in infected wounds. Long-term
use of Betadine/ Povidone-Iodine solutions can induce insensitivity to the product as
well as allergy. Long-term use has also been known to cause growing skin cells to lyse
(over-saturate and rupture) and can result in allergic reactions.

•
Do Not Use Ointments: Examples: Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Betadine ointments,
Antibiotic ointments i.e. Neosporin, Neomycin, Polymixin-B, Bacitracin Zinc,
etc. Ointments should not be used as they limit air circulation to the piercing, and
they can cause Granulomas. Antibiotic ointments should only be used if recommended
by a physician. Some people experience allergic side effects that can lead to
anaphylactic shock, which is potentially fatal.
All piercings: Avoid playing with new piercings as physical irritation is the worst.
Leave them alone to heal. DO NOT move the jewelry back and forth through piercing
– it does more harm than good. It's like picking a scab, the body has to start the
healing process all over again.

PRODUCTS YOU CAN USE

•
NON-IODIZED SEA SALT-Non-iodized sea salt will always state on the package “this
salt does not contain iodine, a necessary nutrient.” Check the label before you
purchase. DO NOT USE table salt or Epson salt.
•
SALINE SOLUTION-Saline is the key to quick healing! It’s PH balanced to our bodies.
The easiest and most accurate way to acquire saline is in the form of saline solution for
contact lenses, preferably the sterile type in a pressurized can. DO NOT USE multipurpose
solutions or wetting/soaking solutions, they contain an enzyme and are
not the same as saline solution.
•
TEA TREE OIL -This soothing liquid cools and refreshes an irritated piercing. Use only
high quality tea tree oil that has been diluted with distilled water.
•
EMU OIL -A universal healing product that has been discovered to also produce
exceptional results when healing a piercing.
•
H2OCEAN -Although some would call it "glorified saline solution," most do report
excellent healing results with this product.
•
Biotene / Tech 2000-Produced by Care-Tech Laboratories, Inc., this is the most
recommended anti-microbial mouthwash for the care of your new oral piercing. It is
highly effective at reducing bacteria while also being very gentle on oral tissue.

How Smooth is Smooth Enough?

A piercer friend Brian Skellie wrote a fantastic article about the importance of proper polishing when it comes to what we wear in our piercings. It can honestly make all the difference when healing a piercing, and is something I try to explain to my customers all the time. I think he said he better then I could though. The article can be found HERE.

Just a few reasons...

Acrylic jewelry is crap guys! It belongs in the trash can.

How many times do I have to say it?

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Taking a mini vacation!

    Just wanted to let everyone know that I will be out of town this Saturday and Sunday. I'll be back in the shop at 12:30 Monday though. As always, if you have any questions feel free to email me at hannahcherrypiercing@gmail.com. Have a great weekend everyone!

Hacks

It's not only uncool to steal someone elses portfolio photos, but it is also illegal. It has been brought to my attention that this shop tried to steal one of my photos along with another shops and pass it off as their own work. They might have gotten away with it if it hadn't been the photo I placed in in last years Earmageddon contest with Industrial Strength. If it happens again, they'll be hearing from my lawyer. Also, to all my piercer friends; look through their photos to make sure they didn't steal anything of yours. I am pretty angry about this, but I am sure karma will come back around to bite them one way or another. I'll just keep on piercing :)

Come get some!

So my friend Samppa and his lovely wife Aneta are on their USA tour right now. They are trying to book more work for when they come to Richmond, VA in April. They aren't 100% sure of the dates yet, but if you have any desire for mod work please email him by clicking HERE.

sale time

Good jewelry is'nt cheap...cheap jewelrr isnt good.

This is for all the customers who ask "why is your jewelry so expensive?". I hope this will prevent some of you from learning the hard way becuase I get so upset at the amount of hack work I end up fixing.

Summertime! And the livin's easy...

A lovely healed navel piercing

So summer is right around the corner and I happen to have an overabundance of navel curves. Now is the perfect time to get your navel pierced so that come bikini/beach season your piercing is healed enough to go in the water :) Come check out all our fancy navel jewelry!

Stretch Responsibly

Look how swollen his lobe is

This is the inside after a few days. It was even worse!!!

A friend of mine was stretching his ears, and despite my warning he decided to go with silicone. Silicone is NEVER safe to stretch with; Kaos jewelry comes with a warning even! Since this was a friend I was able to get a couple images from him. This is hopefully a lesson to you all to listen to your piercer and also to never stretch any body piercing with silicone jewelry. My friend now has to leave his jewelry out until the wound heals and start from square one again. His ears were 1".

Savage

I made it into this months Savage magazine for my Earmagaddon entry. I'm very excited :) I'm going to frame the pages and hang them in my piercing room. I also need to start planning my next entry.

Get it right guys

This is great! I'm so glad a fellow piercer made this so I could share. I am so sick of seeing this in the shop! Haven't you all learned that just becuase it's cheaper, that doesn't make it better?

It's About That Time Again

The City Paper is having it's "Best of DC" contest again. We really need everyone's support if were gonna win "Best Tattoo Shop" again. Please click HERE and vote us if you've got love for the Fatty's crew!