Interview by Sean Dowdell. Article courtesy of InkSpired Magazine

Studio Name: Dandyland

City/State: San Antonio, TX

Number of Years Piercing: 20

Sean Dowdell: Why did you want to learn to do body piercing?

Miro Hernandez: I was always intrigued by the cultural aspects of it and the history. Loved learning the ritual aspects as well.

Sean Dowdell: When did you start body piercing, who taught you, and where?

Miro Hernandez: 2002, mostly self-taught. Got some help from Margaret at MINX, James Green, Bear, and Scott Barrs. They were all very helpful to me in the beginning.

Sean Dowdell: What piercers do you look up to and why?

Miro Hernandez: Luis Garcia because of how technique driven he is, Noah Babcock for pushing boundaries, Jim Ward and Fakir for historical sense, and David Vidra.

Sean Dowdell: Have you ever apprenticed anyone?

Miro Hernandez: Yes, but it never worked out. I couldn’t seem to find anyone who shared my passion for what I do.

Sean Dowdell: What would you say that you are most known for within the industry?

Miro Hernandez: I think I am known for the love of gold, and for the amount of detail I place into the things that I do.

Sean Dowdell: What do you think are (if any) problems within the piercing industry?

Miro Hernandez: It’s growing too fast and production can’t meet up with demand at the moment. Also, there aren’t enough “qualified” piercers in our industry.

Sean Dowdell: Where would you like to be in 5 years (pertaining to life and business)?

Miro Hernandez: Continue on the path that I am on and to keep growing. Always making sure that there is continual progress.

Sean Dowdell: What is your favorite piercing to perform and why?

Miro Hernandez: Without any hesitation, Daith, there is something about the technical application to the piercer performing it and the simplicity of the wearer that I love.

Sean Dowdell: Do any piercings still make you nervous?

Miro Hernandez: Septums—unforeseen deviation that is out of my control makes me nervous.

Sean Dowdell: Being a veteran piercer, what advice do you think other novice piercers should hear?

Miro Hernandez: Never be afraid to admit you’re wrong and learn from it!

Sean Dowdell: What would you like to learn or do better?

Miro Hernandez: I would love to get better at running my studio more efficiently!

Sean Dowdell: What is your favorite thing about your career?

Miro Hernandez: Working with people that are in a very raw moment and finding themselves through a moment. That moment when they are being honest with themselves is a moment I love to be a part of.