Category Issues

Point 76: Scholar Reflections – Angie van Dijken

November 21, 2016 Comments Off read Awards & Recognition, Conference, International, Issue 76

“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

November 21, 2016 1 Comment read Awards & Recognition, Conference, Issue 76, Questions & Answers

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.

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.

Point 76: Tawapa – Best Multiple Booth

November 21, 2016 Comments Off read Awards & Recognition, Business Practices, Conference, Issue 76, Questions & Answers

Marina 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.

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!

Point 76: It’s Not Just Counter Girl – Stephanie Hill

November 21, 2016 Comments Off read Business Practices, Conference, Issue 76

Stephanie Hill
Prysm Body Piercing – Business Consultant

Alicia Cardenas led a well-attended round table at this year’s APP Conference titled, “Women in Piercing.” The group in attendance explored the past, current, and future experiences of those identifying as women in the piercing industry. As we went around the room hearing from people describing their situations or that of others in their shops, we learned that as an industry we still have opportunities to improve, especially in the following areas:
• Harassment, discrimination, and abuse
• Objectification
• Language norms
• Active presence of female role models
• Leadership positions

Coming from a corporate background, I was surprised to hear how prevalent harassment, discrimination, and abuse based on gender still are within the body modification industry. I have always had to go through mandatory training and regular reminders of what is (not) acceptable and what is (not) legal. Yet, many of the stories I was hearing sounded accepted with no one taking action whether or not the person being victimized spoke up about the treatment. Experiences by managers, coworkers, and clients (male and female) included verbal degradation, persistent sexual advances, and physically inappropriate acts that in many cases traumatized the female piercer victims. We all have a legal right to not experience that from any individual that interacts with the business (staff, vendor, or client).

If your business does not have a sexual harassment policy, please adopt one and ensure that your staff has been properly trained. If you (or your manager) is not sure where to start or what your rights are, there are many companies that can provide this expertise and training. First and foremost, everyone in your studio must feel safe at all times. Several people in the round table suggested ways to express this violation of safety. Saying to a client, “you are making me uncomfortable, so I need you to change how you are speaking to me in order for us to continue,” is a great way to set and follow-through on ground rules. If they continue, all personnel must feel that it is appropriate for them to refuse service to that client at any point in the interaction. No client or sale is worth sacrificing anyone’s emotional or physical safety. Finally, know that you have legal rights. If you experience abuse, contact your police department. If you have questions about harassment or discrimination, investigate government agencies that provide support or speak with a lawyer. I have always been taught to write allegations down as you experience them. Sometimes, the pattern of behavior is more telling than an individual incident, so having a log of what you have experienced, along with dates, can provide the evidence needed to tell your story.

Objectification often seems subtler than other mistreatment based upon gender, but it quickly damages a person’s potential in their career. While many people assume this word means to treat a woman like an object, like a piece of meat, it goes beyond this. “Object” contrasts the word “subject,” like in a story: the reader only has interest in the subject of a story. The objects of a story merely exist to add background and interest to the subject. The object alone does not play a role of interest to the reader. Anything we learn about those people are merely to embellish what we know about the subject.

As women, we play this role more often than we notice, but we deserve the spotlight, too. If we bring that into daily experiences in the piercing world, whenever a female is discredited in a shop, often by a client, that female loses the opportunity to play a star role. A client may ask a male piercer the exact question he just asked the female, even if she is the owner, because the client may assume the male has more authority or knowledge. The group in the round table suggested to the men in the group that if a client asks a woman a question and then turns to them or another male asking them the same question, to avoid the tendency to give them the answer. Instead, say something like, “she just answered that question for you.” That type of response empowers the female, and she jumps into being the subject, not the object.

Illustration by Fish from Responsible Body Piercing by Michaela Grey & Jim Ward. Used with permission.

Now, let’s talk about the term “counter girl.” When do we hear the term “boy” used for males over 18 years old? Historically in the U.S., “boy” has been a derogatory term to imply a subservient position or to sexualize a male. We have heard the term “boy” used during slave times or in other racially degrading manners, and we hear “pool boy” when middle-aged women plan to have an illicit affair with a young man. Other than sexualizing or demeaning a male, I do not hear the term, “boy” used to refer to a man. So, unless we intend to sexualize or demean our vital studio role, why does any shop continue to use the term, “counter girl?” If you still do this, please stop immediately. Change your job description. Change your postings for counter positions. Change your policy and/or procedure manual, and communicate this change to staff and clients, if necessary. There are no girls who work in your shop. People work in your shop. If you are a woman who is referred to as a “counter girl,” inform your manager that you would like a new title and why. Show that person this article if you need more of an explanation… or have them give me a call.

While I did hear some discouraging stories in the round table, I found it refreshing that many of the males in attendance encouraged and supported female piercers. We heard of several males who act as role models for women, but often that relationship has a damsel-in-distress/knight-in-shining-armor feel to it, whether that was the intent by either party or not. Two things that can remedy this are:
1) If men stop solving women’s problems for them and, instead, set the expectation for women to think critically and answer questions/solve problems through their own knowledge and research, they decrease the reliance on a male to hold control over that mentor-mentee relationship.
2) Provide a network of female role models who should do the suggestion from #1, but also demonstrate first-hand how critical thinking and self-reliance leads to increased respect, expertise, and leader-ship in the industry. We love having the male support, but we absolutely need to see and engage with the female leaders in the industry to help shape future female leaders.

Speaking of female leaders, we could all rapidly identify amazing current and past women in the industry who could be wonderful resources for providing guidance for other women. We also shared several experiences in which female leaders had taken on traditionally male qualities to “fit in” and establish the respect prior male leaders already had. Unfortunately, these more aggressive qualities often backfired by treating females in those workplaces more harshly than others. Some female leaders in the group expressed past feelings of losing themselves and their femininity as they attempted to gain acceptance and respect from their male community. They helped us learn that a significant number of female leaders perpetuate the disrespect and verbal/emotional abuse of women who enter this industry desperate for a strong, positive female role model to help her navigate the rough roads she will inevitably encounter. We need female (and male) allies. We need to maintain and celebrate our femininity in a way that centers on ourselves and not men.

The group left Alicia’s round table empowered, connected, and prepared to take action. One action we committed to was to change our language and expectations to match the level of respect and appreciation we deserve. Since Conference, we have supported one another through several positive changes. Many attendees shared their experiences, both positive and negative. A few others have shared tips and resources for developing ourselves as business women and leaders. I am excited by the future of this group and other females in the industry who may be joining us. And thank you to the men who have encouraged and supported us as we have paved our way in this industry.

Point 76: Conference Volunteers

November 20, 2016 Comments Off read Awards & Recognition, Conference, In the Office, Issue 76

2016 Association of Professional Piercers Conference Volunteers

Al 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

Point 76: Talk APP – Will Spencer

November 20, 2016 Comments Off read Conference, Issue 76, Procedures

Will Spencer
TRX Tattoos & Body Piercing

It’s Las Vegas… everyone always wants more: more classes, more options, and of course more free time too. All at once. So how do we get more classes squished into a day without taking up more time and without a magic wand? Make them shorter.

Not all of them of course—not the technical classes, not the hands on classes. What about the others? The inspirational classes. The stuff that makes you think. The people who open your eyes and stretch your perceptions. Talking about new concepts or angles of approach to subjects you might never have thought about. These are the kind of classes that don’t need hours and hours. In fact all that extra time would bog them down and the core idea would get lost in a miasma of unnecessary flotsam.

This was the idea behind Talk APP. Inspired by the success of the ever popular TED Talks we crafted a new format just for the APP that gives us the ability to put all these great class ideas into a smaller, faster, more exciting format. With only twenty minutes for each presenter, we are able to take great ideas and boil them down to the roots. Our aim is to give you a class with punch that you’ll actually remember. This year we had two talks with standing ovations.

We hope you checked out our new format. If you haven’t already, please give us your feedback. We are always striving to integrate new ideas and make this better. We look forward to hearing from you! We can’t wait to see what next year’s topics will bring.

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

November 20, 2016 Comments Off read Awards & Recognition, Conference, Issue 76

Kendra 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.

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

November 20, 2016 Comments Off read Awards & Recognition, Conference, Issue 76, President's Corner

Jef thanks Brian for his service as APP President

Jef 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.

Point 76: From the Editor – Kendra Jane B

November 20, 2016 Comments Off read Conference, From the Editor, Issue 76

Kendra Jane Berndt
Managing Editor of Content & Archives

With a blink of an eye it is over; another Conference has come and gone. The 21st annual Association of Professional Piercers Conference was my sixth, and these six years have been quite the journey. I have gone from apprentice and Al D. Scholar to Board Member. This year’s Conference had me wearing more hats and running more steps than ever, but it also came with the chance for me to share what I do with my two daughters (and show them off a bit). Being able to share the one week of the year that makes me feel the most alive and like myself with the two people that I love more than words; I have to say it was the most rewarding experience. It was an honor to introduce them to a wonderful group of people, my community, my family, the most beautiful people I know. After all they say it takes a village to raise a child, and I belong to a great village.

I consider myself very fortunate to have grown up in a household with a mother that is not only educated, but owned her own business, travelled the world, and can change a tire or build a deck. She set me up for success without even realizing it. She allowed me to learn from my own mistakes while still showing me compassion. She may not have agreed with all of my life choices, but she always supported me. As a female leader in our community, I feel that I have a responsibility to be supportive, compassionate, and to encourage the growth of those around me.

I am so fortunate to be one of just a handful of women to have served the APP as a member of the Board of Directors. My way has been paved by powerhouses like Bethrah Szumski, Alicia Cardenas, Elayne Angel, and Ash Misako. This gives me some very big shoes to fill. These amazing ladies have shown that intelligence, hard work, determination, and perseverance will succeed. So I want to take this opportunity to say how fortunate I feel to have had the support of these fierce ladies in my career. It is no secret that our industry has been a male dominated industry since its inception (as with the majority of industries). Now that I have the opportunity to set an example for generations of young ladies, it is difficult to find words to express my appreciation. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be my best, both personally and professionally.

Point 76: From the Editor – Marina Pecorino

November 20, 2016 Comments Off read Conference, From the Editor, Issue 76

Marina Pecorino
Managing Editor of Content & Statistics

“Good morning. Today is going to be epic!” A note with these words is how my conference experience started, and they couldn’t have been more true. is conference experience for me was epic. As my third APP Conference, this one takes the cake, but I’m sure future Conferences will be even sweeter.

I started the rough draft for this editorial after attending the week’s opening festivities at the pool party. As early morning light started peeking through my hotel window, I had an almost giddy appreciation of the events of the previous evening. For the first time at an opening party, I felt like I finally broke out of my shell. I willingly and enthusiastically floated between groups, sharing conversations about professional and personal topics; social media marketing techniques, obstacles faced by international piercers, organizing state-wide groups for piercers. I credit the awesome APP unisex underpants largely for my brazen approach.

Truthfully though, the credit should go to the incredible people in our industry, this community, and my tribe. Conference is a week of hardcore learning and aisles of unbelievably gorgeous merchandise, but it’s also a week for connecting with a much larger family. We welcome new people from around the world with an open attitude and without judgement.

My first class of Conference this year was a round table about disorders in the industry, and I heard many attendees mention social anxiety. This is certainly something I face especially in such a large crowd in such an overwhelming city, but support is strong with this group, and I feel that is a vital component for many of us. This support and lack of judgement allows Conference to serve as a safe space where ideas can flow.

Every year, I’m continually impressed by our international attendees traveling so far to share in the event. For some, the experience was only possible because of generous donations from others in our community. As an industry, the self improvement of one piercer benefits us all. The give and take of knowledge is a communal effort. Sitting around the “Splash Bar”, there are never ending opportunities to learn from exposure to new perspective through a casual conversation.

On Thursday night at the annual Banquet dinner, everyone was sporting their most futuristic attire. Quite a few folks won life-changing prizes. The scholars and volunteers cheered each other on for a week of hard work. The Board of Directors had another changing of the guard, allowing some great leaders to move on to new projects and others to take on new responsibilities. We said hello, goodbye, and thank you to members of our industry family.

And then, before we knew it, the week was over. The vibe died down and the piercing tribe dispersed. We all trickled back home and started counting the days until our next chance to gather. For many, this count-down will be short, thanks to opportunities like guest spots, Camp APP, and conferences like UKAPP (congrats on the second annual!) and BMXnet. Personally, I can’t wait to see you all in Vegas for the 22nd annual APP Conference; mark your calendars now for June 11-16, 2017.

The Point

Category Issues

Point 76: Scholar Reflections – Angie van Dijken

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

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Point 76: Tawapa – Best Multiple Booth

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Point 76: It’s Not Just Counter Girl – Stephanie Hill

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Point 76: Conference Volunteers

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Point 76: Talk APP – Will Spencer

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

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Point 76: President’s Corner – Jef Saunders

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Point 76: From the Editor – Kendra Jane B

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