Lola Slider gets to reopen her shop in Glasgow today! Exciting times for the UK piercing industry as they are back to work after a lengthy lockdown. We discuss managing the stress of reopening after 4+ months of closure. Ryan and Lola also talk about a great aftercare class that Jef Saunders offered recently and the issues it raised. Many of us have been participating in online education over the pandemic. Applying that education can be an intimidating task. We talk about how to effectively enac...
Apr 26, 2021•1 hr 19 min
Lola Slider found a hidden gem for you. Select Pop Babylon (a music magazine from the UK) published a piece all about body piercing in February of 1993. Lola reads the best bits and discusses with Ryan. This is a great time capsule of what piercing was like in the early 90's. Stories about the Gauntlet Los Angeles studio manager Elayne (Angel), stories from Mr. Lifto, stories from UK piercing legend Mr. Sebastian talking about working with Jim Ward and Doug Malloy. We also discuss how a legal ca...
Mar 29, 2021•1 hr 34 min
Stuart Hoffmann comes on the show to talk about the APP Benelux, a new piercing organization in Europe. We discuss how a group of piercers in lockdown started with talks about reopening protocols and eventually decided to start a new local association together. Visit www.appbenelux.org for more information. Visit www.patreon.com/ryanpba for on-demand educational content for piercers. The arch-mage tier gives you instant access to a dozen presentations on various subjects including nipple piercin...
Mar 01, 2021
This week Lola and Ryan talk about how we communicate online, particularly during a pandemic. As we all slowly descend into trauma induced anxiety and exhaustion we can start to lose focus on our communication skills. We can also feel a blur between the internet and reality as so much of our interactions are now online. We have a casual talk about maintaining healthy and professional communication skills. Lola also talks with piercer Kelly Carvara about balancing your personal and professional l...
Feb 15, 2021•1 hr 39 min
Lola Slider is back as co host this week. We talk about how much work goes into not working. Lola is currently on her third lockdown but still puts in work every day. We discuss the Prince Albert class Lola is planning for January 24th 2021, as well pay models for piercers, setting boundaries for office hours, and a great social media video Lola made to remind clients to take care of their piercings during a lockdown. You can get more info on Lola's class at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1455...
Jan 11, 2021•1 hr 21 min
Goodbye 2020. This was a terrible year for most of us. I recap the good, the bad, and the ugly from 2020 and look forward to the next year. Thank you for all of your support whether it was attending my online classes, buying a t-shirt, or listening to the show. You kept me going. www.patreon.com/ryanpba for on demand classes and exclusive content. www.facebook.com/staysharpryanpba for Body Art Education by Ryan Ouellette updates. www.precisionbodyarts.com/shop for the merch....
Dec 28, 2020
Ryan and Lola return for another episode answering your questions. Acupuncture and piercing, is there a therapeutic benefit? Time management in the studio. The role of piercing organizations in the industry. Accountability. Music in the studio. The environmental impact of going disposable. And more! Lola and I are offering a day of education on Sunday the 24th of January 2021. Like and follow the show at: https://www.facebook.com/piercingwizardpodcast and: https://www.instagram.com/piercingwizar...
Dec 21, 2020•1 hr 41 min
Enjoy another discussion with Scottish piercer, studio owner, UKAPP President, APP member (and also my girlfriend) Lola Slider. Lola leads a conversation about a transition many shops have had to make recently, being an appointment only studio. We both worked for years in fast-paced multitasking walk in businesses. We talk about Lola's proactive experience with appointment systems helping her in today's piercing landscape, and how I had to play catch up and transition reactively. Like and follow...
Nov 09, 2020•1 hr 15 min
Monica Sabin, current President of the Association of Professional Piercers, comes on the show this week. The APP has gotten so much work done in 2020. Some by choice, and some by necessity. Monica gives some updates on how work behind the scenes has transitioned into progress for the industry. Also get information on resources the APP can provide for your growth as a piercer, many of which are free!
Nov 02, 2020•1 hr 3 min
Well, I'm back. I won't be doing weekly episodes, but I will post new content as I make it. For now enjoy a conversation with Scottish piercer Lola Slider. We talk about bleeding and how we both manage it post-piercing, how to approach aftercare support from a place of preparation and confidence, Statim sterilizers and how crucial we think they are to our studios, and the toxic atmosphere on social media driving mentors away. I have a new 2 hour class called BLOOD available on-demand at: www.pat...
Oct 26, 2020•1 hr
Part 2 of a 2 part series with Lola Slider. We are back with more questions submitted by you, the listener, on another variety of topics. We cover; our opinions on sterile gloves, the importance of mentoring, body mods vs piercing, where we see the industry going in the near future, predicting and preventing predatory behavior from clients, stretching more than just lobes, and what piercings we find to be the most fun. I'll be taking a short break from new episodes so please enjoy some of my old...
Jul 27, 2020•1 hr 33 min
Part 1 of a 2 part series with Lola Slider. We answer your questions on a variety of subjects including; How does the APP work, How to be a leader in your studio, How we pierce deviated septums, Advice for piercers needing to move studios, Are nostril piercings safe during COVID, Conch Piercings, and Stretching Lobes. Come back next week for part 2 where we cover even more topics. Like and follow the show at: https://www.facebook.com/piercingwizardpodcast and: https://www.instagram.com/piercingw...
Jul 20, 2020•1 hr 42 min
Vivi Madero of Fox Labyrinth in El Paso, Texas comes on the show this week to give me a lesson about online logistics. I've had to relearn several aspects of my own business in the last few weeks. Efficient utilization of online booking systems and digital waivers have been right at the top of that list. Vivi shares some great insight on digital resources as well as discussing the importance of maintaining a strong internet presence through your shop website and social media. Like and follow the...
Jul 13, 2020•57 min
John Robberson comes back to the show to talk about how reopening is going in west Florida. We talk about the challenges face masks pose to both new and old piercings, and our thought process on when we start offering nostril piercings again. Submit your questions on any piercing related subject for an upcoming episode via this anonymous form: https://forms.gle/Ti9gMHhhdU6KZwUf7 deadline is July 14. Techniques, apprenticeships, jewellery, whatever. Get your question answered on the show. Like an...
Jul 06, 2020•49 min
Ontario piercer Lee Horton comes on the show to discuss reopening limitations and PPE requirements many of us are dealing with. While restrictions against nose or mouth piercings are becoming commonplace, some Canadian piercers are also dealing with restrictions against ear piercing as well. Its a challenging time to be a safe and successful body piercer. Knowing how to effectively communicate with your local health authorities can be the difference between sensible rules and ones crafted for di...
Jun 29, 2020•51 min
Christina Blossey of Atlanta's Piercing Experience returns to the show, this time as a newly elected APP Board member. Georgia was one of the earliest States to reopen for close contact services and Christina talks about adjusting to the new normal. Risks, personal protective equipment, new protocols, and how to manage the flow of an appointment only business. We also talk about the upcoming APP online educational event. Like and follow the show at: https://www.facebook.com/piercingwizardpodcast...
Jun 22, 2020•1 hr 1 min
After three months of uncertainty I am back to work offering piercing by appointment. I talk about some of the protocols and changes I am operating under. This has been a challenging year. Not just at work, but at home. If you have not already listened to the Piercing Wizard Podcast episode 163: BLACK LIVES MATTER (Piercer of Color roundtable) I would urge you to do so. This virus isn't the only toxic threat we are dealing with right now. Like and follow the show at: https://www.facebook.com/pie...
Jun 15, 2020•25 min
In support of Black Lives Matter this week will be a Piercers of Color panel discussion featuring Cameron Solo, Trevor Thomas, Shwayze, Victoria Rothman, Tenn, Cozmo, and moderated by Michelle Katzelnick. I encourage you to get involved in the discussion and show your support wherever you can. Follow: https://www.instagram.com/_piercersofcolor/ and join the forum at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1965578407075835/.
Jun 08, 2020•48 min
Honestly, I kind of forgot what it felt like to just be a normal piercer and not have to spend my days focusing on a global pandemic. I am so glad I had this interview from February 2020 with piercer Rogan Eric Watral to share. Rogan talked about all kinds of piercer gold; how to mark for paired nostrils, teamwork dynamics to manage a busy day in the shop, and practical aftercare advice for traveling clients. Enjoy the show, and enjoy some normalcy. If you are a professional piercer you can sign...
Jun 01, 2020•54 min
This week I chat with Deron (@piercingsbyTenn), one of this year's Piercers of Color scholarship recipients. We discuss his start in the industry, the tough choices to abandon his comfort zone and invest in quality for his future, and the steps he has made to access and share new information. I also talk about some surprise news for me, I'm heading back to work (very) soon. Like and follow the show at: https://www.facebook.com/piercingwizardpodcast/ and: https://www.instagram.com/piercingwizardp...
May 25, 2020•52 min
Nahuel Burgos is a Spanish piercer working in London. He was also selected as one of the Al D. Scholars before the 2020 APP conference was cancelled. We talk about his passion for history and documentation in our industry, his Spanish translation work for Sacred Debris, and his Spanish language piercing podcast Needle Vision. Like and follow the show at: https://www.facebook.com/piercingwizardpodcast/ and https://www.instagram.com/piercingwizardpodcast/ . Support the show at: www.patreon.com/rya...
May 18, 2020•52 min
Zoom and other video conferencing tools have been an important part of social interaction for piercers during the closures. Piercer and jeweler Stray Johnson comes on the show to talk about the Piercer Hangs group and how they've been spending time together online. We also talk about how challenging it can be to stay connected while still trying to unplug. Like and follow the show at: https://www.facebook.com/piercingwizardpodcast/ and: https://www.instagram.com/piercingwizardpodcast/ . Support ...
May 11, 2020•46 min
Well, most of us expected this announcement. The Association of Professional Piercers' annual conference in Las Vegas has been cancelled for this year. Its a bummer, but it was necessary. I have APP secretary Aaron Pollack on the show this week to give context to the difficult decision and more difficult process to cancel the world's largest event for professional body piercers. Like and follow the show at: https://www.facebook.com/piercingwizardpodcast/ and: https://www.instagram.com/piercingwi...
May 04, 2020•56 min
Jef Saunders comes on the show this week to discuss the Association of Professional Piercers' suggested protocols for COVID-19. We discuss reopening issues, and the constantly evolving nature of our decisions and the information we rely on to make them. You can read the APP's suggested protocols for free at: https://www.safepiercing.org/psa_covid-19.php . Like and follow the show at: https://www.facebook.com/piercingwizardpodcast/ and https://www.instagram.com/piercingwizardpodcast/ . Support th...
Apr 27, 2020•46 min
Current UKAPP President, APP member, studio owner, and professional piercer Lola Slider comes on the show this week to talk about how much the closure sucks. We discuss how shops shouldn't rush to get back to work. The world and businesses we had are forever changed. We need to carefully craft our reopening strategies and adapt to the new normal. We also talk about the classes we have been focusing on to stay productive, Lola is writing a new class that she details during our talk. Like and foll...
Apr 20, 2020•1 hr 6 min
This week I check in with Leo Ziebol, owner of Mint Piercing in Iowa. We talk about what we're doing to support our staff during the closure, how we're settling in to home life, and the financial programs we are focusing on to support our studios. I've put some of my webinars online at www.patreon.com/ryanpba for anyone interested. Like and follow the how on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/piercingwizardpodcast/ and instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/piercingwizardpodcast/ ....
Apr 13, 2020•44 min
No guest this week. I'm just giving some updates on COVID issues and talking about the classes I'm working on. I share some news on benefits for people out of work in the US, and I talk about what I'm doing to keep you and I busy. I'll outline my webinar plans, both free and paid options. I also talk about my Patreon page. You can access my previous webinar sessions on Anatomy for the Piercer and Studio Growth Strategies right now at www.patreon.com/ryanpba . I take a few minutes to thank all of...
Apr 06, 2020•37 min
This week I talk with Kelsi Siefert about mental health focused on the career piercer and their clientele. Kelsi shares her tips and experience on how to maintain self care and switch off from a busy piercing career at the end of the day. We discuss customer care and bedside manner, and taking care of our mental and physical health in a sometimes hectic work environment. I also detail some of the free and paid educational content I will be putting out over the next few weeks. For more on the sho...
Mar 30, 2020•57 min
I know things are rough for a lot of you right now, so lets just pop back a few weeks and sit in on breakfast with two California piercers named Ciera Baker & Desi Arellano. We met up the morning after one of my seminars and talked about the California piercer community, jewelry selection (and lots of other jewelry stuff), statim maintenance, cold brew coffee, and more. At the end I discuss my plans to offer some free online piercer education over the next few weeks. Like and follow the show...
Mar 23, 2020•52 min
Welp, I just can't see any argument against it anymore. Its time for us to voluntarily close our shops for the time being. The decision will be taken away from you within days. The best thing you can do is take this as an opportunity to publish a thoughtful statement to your customers. It is in your best interest to be the shop who "closed too early" rather than be the one who stayed open too long. I share some more thoughts in this supplemental episode as well, so please give it a listen. I wil...
Mar 19, 2020•21 min
