Category Awards & Recognition

Point 76: Scholar Reflections – Hannah Bough

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The Point: Issue 76 - Cover

I initially found out about Conference four years ago. However, up until last year, attending it was something that seemed unachievable for me, until I found out about the Al D. Scholarship. I found applying for the scholarship to be an extremely nerve wracking experience. I just hoped that throughout the application process my hard work, dedication, and passion for the industry would show. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the moment I got the call from Kendra to say I made it. Achieving a place as a Scholar was definitely a career defining moment for me.

In the weeks leading up to Conference, I became extremely excited to meet all of the faces I had seen from the other side of a computer screen. I watched all of the training videos, attended meetings, and prepared myself for the tasks that were to be set for me as a Scholar. However, nothing could prepare me for what I was about to undertake.

Being a volunteer means you get to be part of this awesome group of people who accept you as if you have been part of Conference since day one. They accept you as one of their own and take care of you when you need it (and even if you don’t.) I have never met a group of people so willing to help others at the drop of a hat. The selflessness of the volunteers is astounding and I am already counting down the days until I get to see them again.

There are numerous things that happened during my time at Conference that I won’t forget: the myriad of information during classes, meeting some of the piercers whose work I admire, volunteer dinner, and the extremely loud singing on the way (I’m sure the other passengers on the bus were delighted by our dulcet tones!) Yet, one of the most overwhelming and emotional moments for me was having my name called out at Banquet. It made me feel privileged to stand up in front of my peers, knowing that we are all striving to make our industry a better place and that all of the hard work during the application process had been worth it.

I am really happy that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and applied for the scholarship. It was definitely worth all of the stress I put myself under. If asked if I would do it again I would, without a second thought. Since coming back from Conference I have faced my work with a renewed energy and I am counting down the days until next year. Thank you to everyone I met during my week for making my experience great, but especially Caitlin, Kendra, and Ryan for allowing me to be part of it.

Point 76: Scholar Reflections – Angie van Dijken

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The Point: Issue 76 - Cover

“I’m too inexperienced, too small, too far away. Let’s attend in the future, when I’m more experienced. Why should I attend now?” Thoughts that have frequently gone through my head. I was second guessing myself all the time; doubt all over. It wasn’t until after a conversation with Shorty; he convinced me to go, with just one single question: “Do you want to improve?” Of course I do! “Then sign up,” he said and so I did. Two days before the deadline with the thought, “at least I tried.” I’m happy I did, because I got through!

I drove to the airport, slightly fearful of going on a trip this far alone and not knowing what to expect, but there was no need to be worried. I arrived safe and sound at Bally’s Hotel and it felt like home right from the start. It’s just so great to see people from all over the world, with the same passion for piercing and the same purpose to attend—to teach and learn.

Everyone was super friendly and showed true interest in one another, all open for a chat or a hug. It is the place to network, make friends, have fun, and have a drink or two. Just by having conversations with others, you will learn new things, get new ideas, or get the advice you were looking for. In one week you will increase your knowledge and expand your view on things.

The classes were great and interesting. Being a volunteer, I also had the chance to see what goes on back-stage, how truly amazing it is to see so many people working together to make this Conference happen. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible!

I’m so glad I applied for the Al D. Scholarship. I’ve grown in so many aspects, professionally and personally. Not only did I learn a lot, but I also made new friends. I have a new family now. I can proudly say, I’ve been there and hell yes, I’ll be back again as a volunteer!

So, if you are like me—second guessing if you should go, because you feel like you don’t have the experience or own a small studio—just ask yourself one thing. Do you want to improve?

Point 76: Tether – Creative Innovator Award & Best Single Booth

1 Comment read Awards & Recognition, Conference, Issue 76, Questions & Answers
The Point: Issue 76 - Cover

Kendra Jane: Tether Jewelry had a very strong first show at this year’s expo. Tell us how it came to be and what the line is all about?

Tether Jewelry: Tether is about creating a jewelry brand that is not only innovative and beautiful, but can reach a wide audience. Riding that line between where designs can be enjoyed and embraced by all people. No matter gender/scene/age, jewelry for all. With each piece of jewelry we hope to take you on a journey; our story is just beginning. That is why this season is called Genesis.

Spending 15 years at a very jewelry-centric studio was where I truly fell in love with body jewelry and all it’s diversity. I started asking “why isn’t anyone making this/doing this better?”

It was at that time I was blessed with the job of designing a line for the shop, I got my first taste as a jewelry designer, and began to bring answers to that question. During that time it really inspired me to explore my designing capability further.

It was 3 years ago, at the 2013 Conference that I decided I wanted to finally pull the trigger on starting my very own jewelry line. The following year was tough; I kept running into obstacles and other frustrations. All while continuing to pierce. I finally decided to take a huge leap of faith and step away from piercing last year to give Tether all my energy. Fast forward to now, after an amazing response at the Expo. It feels so good to have overcome those roadblocks and have reassurance that the leap of faith I took was worth it. The future looks very bright and I’m excited to continue in this industry I love so very much as a jewelry designer and manufacturer.

Kendra Jane: How did you come up with the name of your company?

Tether Jewelry: Naming things/projects is the hardest thing for me. My brain can’t seem to commit to one idea. But there was something very natural and easy when “Tether” popped into my head. The name comes from a place of feeling anchored and connected to things. Being a social shapeshifter myself, I like to be fluid and sit in between two social scenes or two places, taking inspiration from different places and surrounding myself with many peer groups. Tether comes from that place too. There is something uniting and comfortable about that flexibility.Tether Jewelry display

Kendra Jane: This year Tether took home not only the Innovator’s Creative Award but also the Best Single Booth Award, what was the inspiration behind the design of your booth?

Tether Jewelry: I wanted to bring the feeling and identity of Tether out and present all my products in a striking yet minimal environment. We wanted to create a visual experience that was uniquely Tether. We arranged our jewelry display in a way that made you feel like you were looking at an alien language, and as our guest, to feel like you’re a space explorer that just stepped into another world.

Kendra Jane: The design of your booth was unique, but everything about your presentation is very well thought out, right down to your packaging. Tell us more about this.

Tether Jewelry: It took over 2 years to come up with a more complete system for the line. Tether isn’t just about the jewelry. It’s a true exploration of those great feelings you get from adornment and fashion. When you open a box and it contains something that when you put into your hands, or put on, it gives you joy. You get a smile, smirk, or goosebumps. I know we all have felt it. This is my compass in my journey as a designer.

Everything has been designed together and iterated many times. Every color we use is deliberate: our displays, the font, our images on social media, all of it.

There is a quote that has always rang true for me from Doug Tompkins who founded a successful outdoor line: “There is no such thing as small details.”

I also say “we” because all of this wouldn’t have happened without the team of artists/designers and dreamers that are part of Tether. And, of course, to our wearers. Tether is about building something bigger than myself and trusting collaborations and making long term, deeper connections to bring forward something truly special. I hope people can feel that.Tether clicker display

Kendra Jane: Each one of your pieces has a name and a story, please tell us what some of them are?

Tether Jewelry: The 2017 Collection was named Genesis as it marks the beginning of our journey. Our first experiment to glimpse into a future unknown. It’s inspired by water and crafts of travel; both space and sea. Also comes from a passion for machines, science fiction and architecture. Some of the designs were brilliant accidents.

• Navigator — The very first locket ear weight. The name came from the movie Flight of the Navigator. I adored that movie as a kid. The shape of this design was inspired by the spaceship in the movie and a traditional gold ear weight from the Tamil Nadu region of India. This is my ode to alien spacecrafts that can travel our deep blue seas as well as the vast expanse of space.

• Melange — Inspired by the distinctive work of H.R. Giger, I wanted to create a piece to have depth, and texture, but from more angles. It’s my own take on gold granulation, stacking together long tubular ellipsoids to create patterns.

• Drake Series — The Genesis collection is inspired by ocean and water. One of the most well known civilizations that had their own innovations on the sea were the Vikings. The longships were way ahead of their time. And so this design is an ode to one of their ships. The Drake name comes from the word Draken which means dragon. The Vikings sometimes had a dragon-shaped prow on their longships as a symbol for protection. Out of that design, using the curving lines of a Viking longship keel, manifested the Drake cuff. The Drake hoop was an accident from an early iteration of the cuff that was too large, I immediately thought how a larger clicker weight would be great in earlobes.

Kendra Jane: What are your plans for the next year?

Tether Jewelry: You can expect more designs next year. I am committed to ensure we are delivering the best product to the end customer. Our primary goal for next year is how to be a better wholesale-only design house. All the while enjoying ourselves and trying to create a memorable and lasting experience.

Kendra Jane: Do you have any advice to those small companies that are thinking about making their first appearance on the Expo floor at Conference?

Tether Jewelry: This took a huge leap of faith for me. Plan for the long game, there are no shortcuts. This industry is growing fast and there is a little piece for all of us. Don’t be afraid to partner with someone. We can’t do everything ourselves, especially when doing it well.

Tether Jewelry - 2016 APP Expo Booth

Point 76: Tawapa – Best Multiple Booth

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The Point: Issue 76 - Cover

Marina Pecorino headshotMarina Pecorino
Managing Editor of Content & Statistics

At this year’s Exposition, Tawapa won the multiple booth award with their dark unicorn themed display. I had the opportunity to interview Phoebe, owner and designer for Tawapa, about how their processes and ideas have evolved during 20 years of producing jewelry for the industry. Manufacturing and distribution to over 200 countries is a huge job, and it sounds like Tawapa is constantly fine-tuning their processes to meet demand and introduce new designs.

Marina: Tawapa has been producing jewelry for our industry for 20 years. How have the manufacturing and order processes changed in that time?

Tawapa: 20 years is a long time. Everything has changed, and then changed back, and then changed again. The manufacturing process used to be much much simpler. In the beginning we only produced carved jewelry. Ideas were communicated to the carvers via my drawings. I started Tawapa in 1996 working with the carver who was making buttons for my clothing line at the time. I loved him, but the industry grew quickly in the beginning; he began taking on a lot of clients and our quality and security were compromised. So I started the Tawapa carving workshop in about ‘98 or ‘99. Building our own workshop made it possible to hire a team focused only on Tawapa. This meant, better quality, consistency and prices. It also gave steady jobs to a small team who really got to know our product and our vision. These are the guys who still carve all of Tawapa’s organic jewelry. Our relationship has been long and prosperous. It’s been great growing up together.

We are now, clearly, more focused on metals which is a huge shift in manufacturing (and designing). I started the Tawapa metal workshop about 7-8 years ago. This was the next major milestone in our production capabilities. I learned so much in this process and was once again able to provide solid jobs to a strong team who could grow with us. Here we have our master wax carver who works beside me on new designs. She is, incidentally one of the only female wax carvers in Bali. She is highly skilled and can work sometimes up to one month on extremely complicated designs. Her finished waxes go to casting and then come back to the workshop for finishing. Besides our wax carver we have 2 amazing sample makers. These guys make hand made samples that don’t need cast pieces for the design. They are also the ones who finish our “masters” for casting and who consistently help me problem solve; they are our engineers. Their skill surpasses most silversmiths I have met, so their time is precious.

Next we have our production team. These people are piecing every item of jewelry together with their hands, their bench, a torch and some solder. Our team is stellar and coincidentally predominantly female, which is very uncommon in the jewelry business. They come to us with different degrees of skills. It’s been amazing to watch these women excel, deepening their skills while sharing, teaching, and learning from each other. The intent is that everyone who works for us learns greater skills for the future while they become experts working piece by piece on Tawapa jewelry.

Using metal is infinitely inspiring to me. Every day and every year I learn more about the process, while creating new processes and transforming old ones.

Regarding the ordering process, we have gone from producing stock and selling what we have, to primarily taking orders and filling them, to finding a happy medium. Producing quantity and quality to fill orders in a timely fashion is an inherent challenge in this business where everything is handmade in small facilities. Through the combination of in-house stock and taking orders, we are able to hone in on this great conundrum and continue to fill orders better and faster.

Marina: Tawapa is woman-owned and operated. Has Tawapa chosen to always employ only women and why?

Tawapa: This has been a natural evolution of the company. We do not exclude men. We love men 🙂 I think energetically, the environment Jenella and I have created over time is more feminine, and therefore we attract females. I know that in our production studio, since we have balanced the gender scheme, it is a much gentler environment for everyone to work in. Incidentally, this choice was not at my request, it just happened naturally.

Marina: Tawapa offers a huge selection of designs and materials, which must require a lot of space and a wide variety of skills. How is quality control handled within the manufacturing process.

Tawapa: As I mentioned earlier, we have a carving workshop and a metals workshop. We also have started sampling ourselves here in Los Angeles, which helps speed the whole process along.

We have at least 3 stages of QC. The carving workshop quality controls everything they produce, then they deliver to the metal workshop. Here, we have full time QC people dedicated to checking the quality while also checking and testing and double testing everything that is produced in the metal workshop. Next, all of that jewelry lands in our studio in Los Angeles, where we have 1-3 people checking every single piece of jewelry that comes through here…. again. It’s a very important process that takes a lot of time and employs several people.

Marina: Where do you guys find inspiration for new designs and jewelry lines?

Tawapa: I am inspired by everything all the time! It’s limitless. But I like to focus on a few important topics every year or every season.

We did a large collection of geometric inspired jewelry a couple years ago. This year I was inspired by gothic and deco stained glass. I mean, it is infinite, and this inspiration is what drives me.Tawapa - unicorn display

Marina: Tawapa has released all sorts of new designs within the last year. Which new designs are the Tawapa pirates most excited about this season?

Tawapa: Oh wow… so much! To begin with, we are excited about horn again for the first time in awhile. The simple sophisticated geometric shapes that are a long way from previous “tribal jewelry” are really changing our current outlook on carved jewelry. I wear horn again! Besides that, the bondage eyelets are super innovative and new. (We love all the new eyelets.)

We are thrilled about all of the septum jewelry and push pins. The black nano coating has added a refreshing new look to everything. A few favorite designs would be the Minona, Valkyrie Shield, the Owl, Origami Weights, Unicorn Weights, and Notre Dame (inspired from the window of Notre Dame). We are also excited about the inclusion of stone in so many of our new designs.

Marina: Where does Tawapa find inspiration for the Conference booth displays?

Tawapa: We LOVE creating displays! We spend way too much time, effort and money on it, because we enjoy it so much. This year that unicorn (previously a horse) came to us magically, and we sort of built the display around her, deciding that matte black was this year’s color choice. I’ve also been really inspired by street art lately. I’ve been learning screen printing, so some of that carried over to the overall look of the campaign. Every year is different depending on current inspirations. #currentmood Going all white a couple years ago was a bold move for a dark industry that I think everyone found surprisingly refreshing.

Marina: Does Tawapa have any suggestions about how to handle and display your jewelry in the shop?

Tawapa: Be innovative with your materials. Think outside of traditional “displays” and use unusual items and materials for your displays. Creating multiple levels is really important to us. The key is to create a visually stimulating display that maintains an essence of simplicity so that it does not overwhelm the viewer. It’s a thin line. You need to wow your customers with an amazing display that doesn’t take focus away from the jewelry, but rather, draws them in and makes it easy for them to digest, and want to buy.

Marina: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the Point readership?

Tawapa: We are just really humbled that we are still here after 20 years! It has been an exciting ride. It is awesome to be 20 years in and feeling more inspired than ever. We are so grateful to all of our shops, piercers, friends, and community who have stood by us all of these years. I think that in this industry more than most, there is a very symbiotic relationship between all of us. All of us at Tawapa love and respect the relationship we have within this greater community that goes beyond manufacturing jewelry. It is a relationship that has withstood the test of time… and it feels great! So, thanks, you guys! We love you!

Tawapa - 2016 APP Expo

Point 76: Conference Volunteers

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2016 Association of Professional Piercers Conference Volunteers

2016 Conference VolunteersAl D. Scholars
Aldo Booth Gissi
Angie Van Dijken
Anthony Watts
Fabrício Cardoso
Hannah Bough
Jamie Biggers
Jane Absinth
Juan Manuel Mora
Maree Fowler
Nicole Holmes

Managers
Sarah Wooten
Will Spencer

Registration
Kendra Jane B
Theo Sheffler
Anna York
Badur Ramji
Tiana McGuire
Marina Pecorino
Stephanie Hill

Info Booth
Jezebel Voulé

Merchandise Booth
Casey Hosch
Danny Greenwood


Raffle Booth
Aaron Foster
Ken Seyler
Zane Nichols


AV
Aiden Johnson
Allen Falkner
Brian Moeller
Gus Diamond
Paul Ranier
Shana Gyure

Mobile App Helpdesk
Shorty Calma
Ryan Clark

Classroom Doors
Chadwick Jackson
Mike McInnes
Seven Wolfe

Multiple Stations
Andre Berg
Andru Rogge
Dianna Brown
Frankie Pistone
Hika Kiekenupp
Ismael Vargas Guerrero
Jacob Spjut
John Robberson
Jose Carlos Salgado
Julie Taylor
Kenny  Hughes
Logan Wright
Luna Duran
Marita Wikström
Mark Montgomery
Monica Sabin
Zach Fitzgerald

2016 Association of Professional Piercers Conference Volunteers
2016 Conference Volunteers – Banquet Dinner

Point 76: Thank You, Ash Misako – Kendra Jane B

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headshot of Ash Misako

Kendra Jane headshotKendra Jane Berndt
Managing Editor of Content & Archives

I am fortunate to work in an industry that surrounds me with beautiful things, special occasions, and brilliantly talented people. One such person I feel lucky to not only call a colleague but a friend is Ash Misako, the wandering piercer. Ash has a no nonsense attitude and will always tell you where you stand, but at the same time she wants you to stand as tall as you can and be the best you can. I am absolutely honored to be able to say thank you to Ash, from the bottom of my heart. I am so proud that I have the opportunity to join the Board of Directors as you step down, and it would not have been possible without your support.

As a fellow piercer I admire her commitment to the highest standards, the fact that she never settles, she strives to stay at the forefront of education and knowledge, and willingly helps many new piercers better themselves. As a client I admire these exact same attributes, but I also know that I am in safe hands, and that she would never compromise my health or the experience that I was looking for by rushing the process or just to make the sale. Ash is a special combination of everything a piercer should be.

headshot of Ash Misako
Ash Misako
photo credit: Autumn Swisher

A perfect testament to Ash’s commitment to our industry can be seen in the beautiful gold end from Anatometal named after her, the “Kira Kira”. However, the respect that accompanies something such as this was not earned overnight. Before owning her own shop, Kira Kira, Ash spent many years honing her piercing skills at Hearts of Fire. In fact she has been piercing since 2001 and an APP Member since 2008. Since she joined the APP, her invaluable commitment to helping and bettering our industry has become even more evident; piercing is not just a career for Ashley, but truly a passion. She has volunteered countless hours for this passion, all to ensure young piercers are steered in the right direction. She helps those piercers wanting to become Members alongside her, providing answers to their questions as they move through the steps to membership.

She has spearheaded the mentor program at Conference for the past 3 years and has set it up for success. Now, she steps down from the Board and away from these responsibilities to focus on other areas of piercing for awhile.

I hope she knows what an invaluable mentor and role model she has been to, not only myself and fellow Members, but to piercers worldwide. Ash Misako, thank you for all you’ve done.

Point 76: President’s Corner – Jef Saunders

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Jef thanks Brian for his service as APP President

Jef Saunder headshotJef Saunders
APP President

The first time I ever heard Brian Skellie’s name was in a discussion about “how crazy people can get about cleanliness.” This was in 2001 or 2002 and I kind of just assumed Brian was some nut who wanted to turn body piercing into surgery. Little did I know I’d become an enormous fan of Brian’s, a proponent of much of his philosophy, a fellow Board Member and a friend.

Brian’s tenure as President was really a joy to behold. For those not in the know, Brian is a spectacular navigator of choppy waters. To him, no problem seems insurmountable; every issue fraught with emotion has a rational conclusion. Brian is the rare worker-bee that is also an expert boss.

During Brian’s tenure, the APP had it’s largest conferences to date. He helped process the application and renewals of literally hundreds of Members and applicants. He acted as a resource to the Legislation Committee. He served as International Liaison, supporting piercers all over the globe with their questions about piercing and the Association of Professional Piercers. He also filled in as Medical Liaison by committee. He spoke at industry related conferences all over the world. During all of this, he also ran businesses on two continents. Did I mention he did all of this from France, while raising two young children?

It really is difficult to imagine body piercing being quite what it is without Brian’s influence. Whether the discussion centers around health and safety, freehand technique, material standards, anodization, StatIM autoclaves, or disposable studios, Brian’s name will come up. He’s a master of all things piercing related.

If Brian’s tenure as President marked his departure from APP work, I’d write about how much we’d miss him. Of course, that’s not Brian’s style at all (and we are very thankful for this.) He will continue to assist the Board in all things technical and web related. He is now deeply entrenched in the work of updating the data processing of our ever-expanding membership. Thus giving the organization, and all APP Members, a modern and streamlined method of maintaining membership standards.

Brian hasn’t done this alone. I know this from my own personal experience. Without a dedicated partner, the kind of volunteer hours someone like Brian puts in are simply not possible. His wonderful wife Sandrine is as much a part of this work as Brian is. Thank you Sandrine!

Brian has taught me a lot about piercing, but he’s also taught me a lot about being a dad. One of my favorite experiences with Brian was talking about fatherhood in Mexico late one night while we attended the LBP Conference. It was one of those conversations you think back to and say, “I really needed that at that point in my life.” He may not have thought much about it, but I did… and still do.

So thank you, Brian. You’ve been an exceptional Board Member and President of the Association of Professional Piercers. Thank you for your ongoing support of not only the APP, but the entire piercing community.

Jef thanks Brian for his service as APP President
Jef Saunders honors Brian Skellie at the 2016 APP Conference

Point 73: Beto Madrigal Award

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THE BETO MADRIGAL AWARD
presented to Ed Chavarria
at the LBP Gala
by Beto’s brother Ennio Madrigal
The Point Issue 73 - Beto Madrigal Award - LBP Gala 2015

Unfortunately Beto took his own life last year, Beto had a large role in the LBP and this new award akin to the APP’s Josh Prentice volunteer award was to recognize outstanding volunteer work and contributions to the piercing community.

Spanish Original:
Muy Feliz y agradecido con LBP… por seguir honrando la memoria y el aporte de mi hermano Beto …para con la industria del Body Piercing Latinoamericano … Para mí es un orgullo que hayan nombrado con el nombre Beto Madrigal el premio que entregarán año con año en la gala de Latinoamérica Body Piercing… Este año le correspondió a nuestro querido Eduardo Chavarria….recibir este importante reconocimiento por su entrega y compromiso para con la industria del Body Piercing. Felicidades mi queridísimo Ed…!!! Sé que Beto se encuentra feliz de que te entregaran …tan merecido reconocimiento..!!

Thank you, Luis Garcia, for an English Translation:

I am very happy and thankful to the LBP for continuing to honor the memory of my brother Beto and the support he gave the body piercing industry in Latin America. I am proud that they named the service award after my brother, Beto Madrigal, and that they will be presenting this award year after year at the LBP gala. This year the award was given to the beloved Eduardo Chavarria for his hard work and commitment, not only to the Latin American body piercing community, but the industry worldwide. Congratulations Ed. I know that Beto is happy that you were honored with this much deserved award.

The Point Issue 73 - Beto Madrigal Award presented to Ed Echavarria - LBP 2015

Point #72: Al D. Scholar – Lucina Ugarte

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Lucina UgarteLucina Ugarte

 

English Translation:

The moment I received the call from Caitlin informing me that I had been granted the Al D. Scholarship will be one I never forget. Honestly, I never thought it would be awarded to me. From that day forward everything that occurred was and has been indescribable.

I began to realize that there was a considerable amount of work to do even before the event itself: talks, videos, entertainment, and getting to know people, even if it was only virtually. I had no idea of the grand family that had been forming during the many, many years of volunteer work at each of the Conferences in the past; a family that I was so welcomed into. There were so many lovely people all with the same goal. Initially I felt overwhelmed, knowing that the majority of the attendees already knew each other and I was a complete stranger who didn’t even speak the same language. It didn’t take long for me to realize that all of my preconceptions had no place among the grand and delightful family of volunteers, who not only took me in from the beginning, but were also concerned for me, knowing how far I was travelling in order to participate in such an honorable task. The departure day arrived. It wasn’t an easy trip and during the first layover, I began to feel ill and I thought I wasn’t going to make it to my destination. Despite the situation, I convinced myself that I was fine and that I didn’t have the luxury of missing this opportunity. I found ways to deal with the pain and continued my journey. It wasn’t easy, but arriving in Las Vegas made everything that much more real; I was there!!!

My best memories? After a whirlwind week it is hard to pick just one. The journey by bus to the restaurant where we shared the last supper at the end of Conference was priceless. I enjoyed every minute. That and Caitlin’s final discourse was the perfect finishing touch to such a magnificent experience.

Would I do it again? Without a single doubt! I hope to see everyone again next year.

 

Spanish Translation:

Cuando me llamó Caitlin para contarme que me habían otorgado la beca fue un momento que nunca olvidaré. Honestamente nunca pensé que me la darían.

Y desde ese dia en adelante fue indescriptible todo lo que fue sucediendo.

En seguida me di cuenta de que había mucho trabajo que hacer aun mucho antes del evento, charlas, videos, entrenamiento y conocer aunque sea de manera virtual a los que serían mis compañeros en ésta aventura. No tenía idea de la gran familia que habían estado formando durante años y años de trabajo voluntario en cada conferencia. Mucha gente linda empujando todos para el mismo lado. Me sentí abrumada al principio, sabiendo que la mayoría ya se conocían hace tiempo y yo era una completa extraña que ni siquiera hablaba el mismo idioma que ellos. No tardé mucho en darme cuenta de que todos mis prejuicios no tenían lugar en ésa gran y hermosa familia de voluntarios que no solo me integraron desde el principio, sino que se preocuparon por mi sabiendo de lo lejos que yo iba a viajar para participar de ésta tan honorable tarea.

Y llegó el día del viaje. No fue un viaje facil, ya en la primer escala me empecé a sentir enferma y pensé que no iba a lograr llegar al destino; a pesar de eso me autoconvenci de que debía estar bien, y no me podía dar el lujo de perder ésta oportunidad. Compré una tableta de analgesicos y seguí mi camino. No fue facil pero al llegar a Las Vegas todo se tornó mas real, ya estaba ahi!!!

Concerté con un colega para compartir viaje desde el aeropuerto al hotel y así fue. Cuando llegamos me estaba esperando mi compañera de cuarto, ella también habia recibido la beca Al D.

El día siguiente comenzó temprano con una reunión para conocernos en persona todos los voluntarios. Wooow! Eramos muchos mas de los que me habia imaginado, y algunos eran voluntarios desde hacía más de 15 años. Luego siguió un pequeño tour por los distintos puestos que debíamos ocupar los siguientes cinco días.

Llegó el momento de empezar a trabajar, durante toda la semana ademas de tomar las clases que habíamos elegido, nos rotabamos en distintas tareas, y así se pasó la semana. Con muchas cosas nuevas aprendidas y lo mejor de todo, la hermosa gente con la que compartimos una semana intensa pero que sin dudas volvería a repetir cada año. Los mejores recuerdos? El trayecto en bus hasta el restaurante en el que compartimos la última cena al final del congreso fue impagable, disfruté cada minuto a la ida y a la vuelta. El discurso final de Caitlin fue el broche que cerró tan maravillosa experiencia.

Lo volvería a repetir? Sin absolutamente ninguna duda!!! Espero verlos a todos el proximo año.

Point #72: Al D. Scholar – Gladix Porca Miseria

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Gladix Porca MiseriaGladix Porca Miseria

 

English Translation:

This was the first time I have seen so many people come together and become emotionally united. It left such an impression on me! Since it was my first year, I don’t have anything to compare those connections to, but from the outside, one can witness the strong connection amongst the attendees and the bonds being built between one another. There was laughter and very strong emotions.

The days went by and finally the Banquet and Raffle came and I won!!! Incredible! I have never won anything in my life and I got a small share of the Industrial Strength prize.

The next day was our last day and you could tell there were a thousand emotions in the air. That last night all the volunteers went out to dinner together. We got on a bus where everyone was singing like crazy and laughing; dinner was hilarious. When we got back we made speeches for each other, which I hate. I find expressing my feelings on paper much easier than in front of everybody, especially when everyone else who did it before you was moved and emotions were high. I got emotional. I didn’t say everything I wanted to say, but I am not sure I could ever find the right words. After a full week it is clear that there are a lot of people who work hard all year long so that everything runs smoothly and so that everyone can enjoy Conference.

I was astounded by Caitlin “Mama Duck”, she is efficiency personified; someone who can carry so much work load effortlessly. Her organization is more than admirable. Thank you for letting me be one more “duck.” I also find it admirable seeing people who have been volunteers for more than 17 years all working toward a common goal, knowing that they won’t get anything in return.

In Europe many believe that the APP is an elitist piercing association that has been dedicated to demonizing anyone who did not meet their standards. Now I know the importance it really has, since going behind the scenes at Conference and seeing there is so much more to the abbreviation. There are people who are so involved for the greater good of the industry, because of us. That is the real APP; the people who really help the industry and do everything possible to teach and nurture those who need it, all to help us progress. Thank you so much for choosing me to share this experience with all of you, I hope I can be a part of it for many years to come.

 

Spanish Original:

Era la primera vez que veía a tanta gente junta tan emocionalmente unida , me dejo impactada. Para mi es mi primer año,quizás no puedo comparar pero desde fuera se ve la conexión tan fuerte que hay entre los asistentes y lo fuertemente unidos que están unos a otros. Hubo risas y emociones muy fuertes.

Y empezó la rifa y me toco!!! Jajajajajja increíble! No me ha tocado nunca nada en mi vida y me toco un pellizco del premio de industrial Strength.

El día siguiente era nuestro último día y se notaba en el ambiente, mil emociones se mezclaban, por la noche todos los voluntarios fuimos a cenar todos juntos, nos montaron en un autobús en el que todos iban cantando como locos y riendo, la cena fue una risa, cundo volvimos nos tocaba hablar enfrente de todo el mundo…. Cosa que odio Jajajaja quizás expresar mis sentimientos en un papel, sea bastante más fácil que delante de todo el mundo jajaja mucho mas cuando las personas que lo han hecho antes que tu se han emocionado y la carga emocional del ambiente era bastante alta jajaja pues nada me salió horrible, me emocione… No dije todo lo que quería decir … Así que horrible… La conclusión que saque de mi estancia allí, es que hay un montón de gente que realmente se esta dejando la piel y que trabajan todo el año, para que todo salga perfecto y un montón de gente pueda disfrutar de la conferencia.

Estoy realmente impactada con Caitlin “mama Pato” es la eficiencia personificada, como una persona puede llevar semejante carga de trabajo y que parezca que no es nada? Es admirable la forma de organizarnos a todos. Gracias por todo y por dejarme ser un “pato” más. Me resulta también admirable ver a personas que son voluntarios desde hace más de 17 años y trabajan por un bien común , sabiendo que no recibirán nada a cambio.

En Europa muchos crearon la idea que APP era una especie que asociación de la élite del piercing, que se dedicaba a demonizar a todo el que no trabajaba bajo sus estándares. Ahora realmente se la importancia que tiene, y que detrás de unas siglas hay gente que involucra sus vidas por y para nosotros. Esa es la verdadera APP , gente que realmente ayuda a la industria y hace todo lo posible por tender la mano a quien lo necesite sin importar su nivel para ayudarnos a progresar. Muchas gracias por haberme elegido para compartir esta experiencia con vosotros, espero ser parte de ella durante muchos años mas .