Interview by Sean Dowdell
Reprinted with permission from InkSpired Magazine Issue 36
Shop: Saint Sabrina’s
City/State: Minneapolis, MN
Number of years piercing: 10
Sean Dowdell: Why did you want to learn to do body piercing?
Courtney Jane Maxwell: My first professional piercing when I was 14 left a strong impression on me. The piercer’s bedside manner and ability to create the feeling of a safe, controlled space was quite inspiring. I left the studio knowing that I wanted to be that for other people. My long standing interest in body manipulation only added to that.
SD: When did you start body piercing, who taught you and where?
CJM: I started piercing right after my 20th birthday, just outside of St. Louis (where I am from originally). I am one of those oddballs that was self-taught, aside from a little guidance from a few local piercers – not the most glamorous answer, but the honest one. I have to emphasize that I do not believe this is an appropriate way to start piercing. It was unusual circumstances that allowed for it in my life, but nonetheless, I don’t ever encourage someone to follow my exam ple, especially at this point in history.
Luckily, for the future of my career, I started going to the annual A.P.P. conference from the very beginning. Relentless pursuit of my continued education is the reason I made it through.
SD: What piercers did you look up to while learning and why? Who do you currently admire in the industry?
CJM: Early on, 1 always remember looking up to the instructors/volunteers at the A.P.P. conference, as well the piercers on staff with BME. The people who were stepping up and getting involved. I always really admired that as a young piercer.
As I got to meet and learn more from other piercers, I was so impressed by Luis Garcia. He is one of those people who is such an exceptional piercer and teacher that I simply can’t imagine the industry without him. I admire what he has been able to do for the profession, and the amount he gives back on top of being a full-time piercer.
I also have to name Brian Skellie. He has changed the game for us by constantly raising the bar for industry standards, and bringing in a totally different level of scientific understanding to the field.
SD: What do you feel is your biggest contribution to the industry as a whole?
CJM: Truthfully, I feel as though I’m just getting started. My first thought was, “ask me again in another 10 years!”
SD: What would you say you are most known for in the industry and in your place of business?
CJM: I had to think long and hard about this, but perhaps my patience? I deal incredibly well with people that are challenging to communicate with, be it clients or other piercers. It’s something that is a great defining factor in my work as a piercer, but has been quite helpful over the years in regards to outreach work as well.
In addition, a lot of piercers and piercees contact me regarding my knowledge of genital piercings for transgender clients (pre and post op) so I gather that I’m known for that as well. I’ve always been pretty passionate about advocating for the interest of genital piercing clients in general.
SD: Being a female piercer, what advice do you think that most female piercers should be aware of as they climb into this industry?
CJM: I think being female is a different experience for many different people, so I hate to generalize. That said, I encourage people to be prepared.Think hard about what it means to you to be a woman, and what that could mean for you in the workplace. Be prepared to handle the many ways people may behave towards you because of this. Don’t be left wishing you would have said or done something differently. You need to be confident in order to handle the many situations you will find yourself in, so arm yourself mentally.
SD: Is there anything you wish to learn or get better at in the piercing industry?
CJM: Everything. Always. I’m never going to be done! If I ever say that I am finished, do me a favor and kick my butt.
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