My first dabble in body modification started the year after I graduated high school and has now brought me a total of 14 piercings. Growing up I had very strict parents who wouldn't even let me get my second holes pierced no matter how much I had begged. So needless to say once I had collected up enough courage to defy them... I went for it.
At A Glance Author Heather When A year ago Artist Mikey Studio Adrenaline on the boardwalk Location Seaside Boardwalk NJ My first piercings were both my conches. I fell in love immediately. Not just with the piercing, but with the whole process in general. I loved driving to the shop, talking with all the boys at the counter, getting into the back room, and the final adrenaline rush of watching the needle go in from the mirror filled room. I was officially hooked and my parents hated it.
Living down at the Jersey Shore during the summer time grants me easy access to being on the boardwalk almost every evening. This convenience made it easy to stop by the shop religously and in turn I became very close with my piercer and his collegues. I trust Mikey's judgment beyond belief and would probably let him pierce anything if he wanted.
So one summer evening a little less than a year ago I decided I needed something in my ear to balance me out. I had a bad day, and whenever I have a bad day, it's off to the boardwalk I go to visit the boys. Mikey suggested doing a daith but with a slight twist. As always I basically agreed blindly not exactly sure what he had in mind. But it was Mikey and I trust him in whatever he decides is best.
Walking into the familiar back room (which was always freezing!) I got the same rush as always. I sat in the same chair I had many times before either for myself or as moral support for a friend. I asked what he had meant by "with a twist". He replied " Don't worry hun, it will all work out". Now normally I would never encourage anyone to get a piercing they were never really sure of. It is only because of my close relationship I have with my piercer that this was normal for me. Its almost like asking your mom "whats for dinner?" and her saying "Don't worry sweetie, you'll like it". Its just one of those things I knew I didn't need to worry about.
A big thing that makes me trust him so much is how clean and sterile he is. I have known him for years now and he is still as meticulous as ever. Nothing can be clean enough for him. He also just has this charm of making you feel completely comfortable. Also Im a big fan of how he rarely uses a clamp. He has never used one for any of my piercings. I just chock it up to, he's that good. I've heard numerous stories of friends who had been pierced elsewhere, and how much the clamp made them more uncomfortable than the actual piercing itself. Not my cup of tea if you ask me. Everything I've had done has been quick, easy, and painless. In all seriousness I think we spend more time in the back room talking and joking around than actually getting to the task at hand.
Regardless, after all was said and done and I got up from the chair to look at my new addition, I asked "what is it called?" and of course he said "a mikey special". I had a cute little hoop in my left ear, right next to where a daith would be, and right above the tragus. To date it's one of the "cutest" piercings I have. Hands down the most feminine.
This "special" is probably my favorite piercing to date just because I have never seen anyone with it. Its unique and that makes me happy. Every single one of my piercings were done by mikey and I refuse to let anyone else pierce me.
I have personally never felt any type of pain during a piercing. maybe a slight pinch of pressure, but never pain. This experience was no different. Being that he keeps you talking and breathing like nothing is going on, its hard to tell when he starts or when your finished until he tells you to get up and look at it.
I encourage anyone who is contemplating getting a piercing to get to know their piercer and become comfortable with them. It could mean the difference between great slightly uncomfortable experience. Know what you want and trust your instincts. You only live once and I know Im going to do it my way.
If anyone is ever down the shore for vacation or otherwise and is thinking of a piercing, I suggest Adrenaline. Everyone who works there is more than pleasant.
Good Luck!