Helena Nichols

Californian Journey Through Piercing

I have had a fascination with all things body modification related for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Southern California surrounded by a very eclectic group of people who were unapologetically themselves, and encouraged me to feel the same. In fact, when I was a kid my mom had started a piercing apprenticeship of her own, but ultimately decided it wasn’t for her. When I watched the documentary “Modify” that sold the deal, and I knew I wanted to dive head first into the industry. I started getting piercings as a teenager and just couldn’t get enough. Being in and out of the shop all the time, I was very fortunate to be offered a piercing apprenticeship once I turned 18. Needless to say I was thrilled and couldn’t wait to start my journey (even though I was equal parts terrified). Once my apprenticeship started, I never wanted to leave the shop! I was there just about all day every day having the time of my life learning everything I could about piercing.

Over time, I’ve grown to especially enjoy curating fun ear projects, especially when it involves lining up a double or triple piercing and trying to get the angles just right. Talk about satisfying. I love getting to watch people get excited when they look in the mirror and love what they see. It’s fun getting to help people scratch that itch! I will always prioritize honesty with clients and make sure to send people out the door with the most anatomically appropriate piercings and jewelry, rather than the most profitable.

Outside of work I am I total homebody. You can usually find me hanging out with my husband, making a great big mess in the kitchen, working on one of many drawings that I’ll never finish, or knitting until I can’t feel my fingers anymore.