Collected by Kendra Jane B.

Body piercing and suspension have taught me that I can maintain and find my center calm in stressful situations. I can work efficiently and effective when others can’t. I’ve learned to be humble and true to myself. I have learned that people can overcome almost anything (pain, healing, criticism) that comes in their path to achieve their goals. I’ve learned that while I may just be poking holes in people, I must remember this is an experience and milestone for so many clients. I’ve learned to arrange my behaviors in such a way to make people comfortable and trust me upon the first minute of interaction. I’ve also found what makes me happy and gives me passion—Britt Riggs

I’ve learned patience and professionalism. What I’m building will never end and my skills will never be as good as they will be in the future. I’ve learned that I can completely change someone’s day and be a ray of light in their ‘story’. It’s taught me to stay humble and that I’m lucky to be in my own shoes. There are tons of people miserable in their jobs and I’m lucky to be in love with mine.-—Tyler Hamline

I already possess all the strength I need to live through anything.—Jaymes Lombardi

I have learned about my limits, and to trust my intuition. I’ve learned not to take myself too seriously, and that sometimes shit just happens. I’ve grown a thicker skin and also become a compassionate person. I’ve learned how, and the importance of, setting boundaries, and that preserving my own mental health needs to be a priority if I want to be so emotionally available for my peers and clients. And I’ve learned the power of the little things, like an extra smile or hug.—Ali Pope

That I know nothing. That being  humble goes a long way and that no matter how trivial it sometimes seems, I get to make a difference in someone’s life.—Ken Seyler

There is always more involved than just what is visible to the naked eye.—Tod Almighty

Patience, professionalism, how to have a backbone, and most of all is how beautiful people are.—Kendra Hansen

Piercing has taught me patience, kindness, to be open and to listen to others. It has taught to be kind to myself, it has shown me that everyone is different and everyone deserves to be educated and treated like it is their birthday, even if they aren’t your clients.—Nina Mikulin

That I am capable of more than I ever thought possible, how to be patient, and most of all, how absolutely beautiful people are. I’ve found so much joy, gratitude, and humbleness in this industry.—Taryn Dahlgren

I have learned how to love myself in more ways than I could explain. I grew up, toughened up, and learned how to be a light for many people. I’ve made connections deep enough to find a new meaning in what I consider a family.—Corey DeMelo

That I’m not bad at ‘physical’ or intricate work. All through growing up, I thought I was a kid who was good at things like reading and writing and bad at everything else. I found learning to pierce much more difficult than any studying I’d ever done in the past, but so much more enjoyable and rewarding, and my drive to want to do this is what pushed me forward when I found it hard. I’m constantly surprised at how quickly I can pick up new things now. Becoming a piercer has honestly raised my self esteem because until that point, other people had made me believe that I was a ‘bright kid academically who couldn’t do a good job of practical things.’—Becky Crossan

That I didn’t have to stay in the situation I was given. That dedication and strength of will can lead me to anything I want to do. That my experience of joy can also help others find their joy. It taught me patience and empathy.—Ryan Archuleta