We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brittany Diaz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brittany, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on would be my first play piercing project. For those unfamiliar with the term, play piercing refers to a form of body modification where multiple temporary piercings are made in a pattern, typically for artistic or personal expression. The piercings are removed after the photoshoot, and the process itself is temporary, lasting only as long as the photos are taken.

This project was especially significant to me because it sparked a wide range of reactions within my community. When I first released the images, I was met with a mixture of curiosity and astonishment. Some people questioned why anyone would choose to undergo such an experience, while others thought it was the most incredible thing they’d ever seen. The contrast in responses made me realize the power of art and personal expression in challenging people’s perceptions and sparking conversation. It was meaningful not only for the artistic challenge but also for the opportunity it gave me to push boundaries, raise awareness, and connect with others on a deeper level about individuality and personal choice.

After this, I continued to experiment with different placements on different people. All which have been women of color. This is significant to me due to lack of representation of people of color in the body modification community. I even collaborated with another piercer to have a play piercing done on myself. This process deepened my understanding of the art form, as well as its personal impact. As I continued, I had the privilege of connecting with individuals who received the piercings on a more intimate level. Many of them shared that the experience helped quiet their racing thoughts, allowing them to be present in the moment. Others expressed that they actually enjoyed the pain, finding it meditative or cathartic. Hearing these personal reflections was inspiring, as it reminded me how deeply interconnected physical experiences can be with emotional or mental states. It reinforced the idea that this art form goes beyond the aesthetic—it serves as a form of self-expression, healing, and connection for the people involved.

Brittany, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Since a young age, I’ve always appreciated and prioritized self-expression. Even though I attended a Catholic high school, where personal appearance was often limited, I made the most of the opportunities I had to experiment with my look. Whether it was dyeing my hair or putting together the best outfits on dress-down days, I always found ways to stand out. In fact, I was even voted “Best Dressed” in my senior year. This desire to express myself creatively eventually led me to a deeper fascination with body modifications, particularly piercings.

However, growing up, as a first generation Afro-Latina, I wasn’t allowed to get piercings until I turned 18. That didn’t stop me from exploring early, though. At 17, I went behind my mother’s back and got my first piercings, and that’s when my connection to body modification truly sparked. I thought it was the coolest thing ever, and this moment ignited a passion that would grow over time.

This was right around the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and during that time, I found myself in a place of reflection and self-discovery. A couple of months later, an old friend of mine asked me to pierce his second ear lobe, and I did it with a safety pin. That moment was a turning point—it was like a switch flipped in my mind, and I thought, “I can do this for others.” That’s when I decided to take the leap into piercing professionally. I ordered a piercing kit and began practicing on my friends. I made sure to educate myself thoroughly on proper piercing techniques, aftercare instructions, and safety protocols.

Eventually, I went through an apprenticeship to further my knowledge. However, I quickly realized that I thrived better working independently rather than within the confines of traditional training. I took that knowledge and combined it with my creativity, and began offering unique, custom piercings for people who wanted more than the standard ear piercings. My approach is all about celebrating individuality, whether it’s through a specific piercing placement or a personalized design that reflects each client’s personal story or aesthetic.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is the personal connection I create with my clients. Coming to me isn’t like visiting a traditional tattoo or piercing shop. Through the support of my community and family—especially my grandparents—I’ve been able to build and grow my own studio. This space is more than just a place of work; I’ve carefully curated it to foster an environment where creativity, self-expression, and trust are at the forefront. When you walk in you can feel my energy through out.

My approach goes far beyond simply providing piercings; I believe in the transformative power of body modifications and how they can help people truly connect with their sense of self. Every client is unique, and I take the time to understand the deeper meaning behind their decision to modify their body. I listen closely to what they want to communicate through their body art and ensure that the experience is not only safe and professional but also empowering.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come since that first, spontaneous piercing with a safety pin. From that moment of uncertainty to where I am now, my journey has been defined by self-education, growth, and the joy of helping others connect with their own sense of self. I’m also proud of the unique relationships I’ve built with clients, creating a space where they feel heard, understood, and valued.

I am incredibly honored to be one of the few women of color in the DMV area who provides piercings, primarily serving people of color. Body modifications, including piercings, have deep roots in the traditions of our Native and African ancestors, symbolizing everything from spiritual connection to personal identity. It’s one of my biggest accomplishments to carry on that legacy and contribute to a practice that holds such cultural significance.

For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want them to know that my brand is built on authenticity, trust, and creativity. I am committed to not just being a piercer, but someone who helps people transform through body art. My work is about more than the aesthetic—it’s about creating a personal experience that empowers people to feel confident, free, and true to who they are. Whether it’s through a play piercing project or a custom piece, my goal is to make every person I work with feel special and celebrated in their individuality.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My biggest goal is to create generational wealth and, in doing so, provide a better future for myself and my family. A significant part of this mission is to find ways to give back to my grandparents, whose support and wisdom have played a huge role in helping me get to where I am today. Beyond financial success, I want to build a legacy that reflects the values they instilled in me—hard work, perseverance, and the importance of community. Through my craft, I aim to not only create a sustainable business but also to contribute to a greater sense of self-expression and empowerment in others. By doing so, I hope to inspire others to follow their passions, just as I was encouraged to do, while building something meaningful that can impact future generations. I hope people see the name GLORY and think about coolness, creativity, uniqueness, and expression.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The first thing society can do to support artists and creatives is to realize that support is completely free. In today’s world of social media, something as simple as sharing a post, reposting a video, or even leaving a comment can make a huge difference. Many artists gain exposure and connect with their supporters through these small actions. A share or a like might seem minor, but it can go a long way in helping an artist grow and reach new audiences. That is how my social media presence got to where it is today. Many of the young alternative people of color in my area come to me to get pierced and I know they would not have found me if it wasn’t for their friends constantly supporting and sharing my work.

Another way society can help is by showing more appreciation for the value of creative work. Far too often, creatives are expected to provide their work for free or at a discount, which undervalues the time and skill we put into our craft. Supporting artists by paying for their work, attending their events, or investing in their projects not only helps sustain their careers but also elevates the overall creative ecosystem. Recognition and fair compensation go hand in hand, and when society starts treating creatives with the same respect as other professionals, it will create a much stronger foundation for artists to thrive.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @glorypiercings
• Facebook: Glory Piercings

Image Credits

@killakaymade on Instagram (Kayla Ramos)
@saviordrugz on instagram (Luis Morales)
@aakarolo on instagram (Anthony)