We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Castillo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.
Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
Opening my own studio was so daunting, yet so incredibly rewarding! I decided after (too many times) working for studios that were toxic and full of negative energy that the next shop I worked in would be my own. I made the decision and didn’t rush it, as much as I wanted it to “just happen already!” I found a really nice little studio space in the North Hollywood arts district with a landlord who truly wants to see me succeed, and I decided to take the leap! Obviously not without anxiety and doubt, though.
I only qualified for a $10k loan, and moving into the unit was $7400 or so I believe, so whatever was left was what I had to work with to get us up and running! Somehow, someway, we made it work! From the beginning to now, whatever I make FROM the studio I try to put back into it! So, slowly but surely, it’s turning into something spectacular!
A big aspect of my space is comfort and coziness. I want it to feel welcoming, safe, and peaceful! I’ll always make that the priority of my studio!
There’s been a lot of trial and error, and I’m sure I’d do some things differently if I had the knowledge that I do now, but it’s all a part of the process and I’m so thankful I get to experience it!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My first time doing a piercing was in 2008 with a safety pin. I brushed my emo side bangs out of my face and stuck it through my friend’s lip in true alternative y2k fashion! Fast forward to 2015, I was walking through a mall during my short time living in Michigan and came across a tattoo studio with a “help wanted” sign in the window. I remember going “hm! Let’s give it a shot” and walking through the door, and the rest was history! I didn’t realize that something I had always loved would turn into a passion and career choice when I started running the jewelry counter in this shop. Since then I have learned, I’ve grown, evolved, and now I own my own studio! I guess you could say it’s come full circle!
When I pierce, my main focus is that my client feels safe and heard. I want to be a tool utilized on their journey to becoming their favorite version of themselves! I like to place importance on being patient, comforting, and compassionate during the process! It’s scary getting pierced, after all!
I think I’m most proud of my approach to piercing. I’ve met piercers who do piercings for a lot of different reasons, and I do feel good about why I choose to do them myself! Every choice from the color of my gloves (pink, of course) to the stuffed animal friends I have for clients to give a little squeeze, they’re all things that I’m proud of!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Being kind. The body modification industry is unfortunately filled with this aura of “toughness” and negativity. There is a lot of progress happening, of course, but there’s still so many anxiety-provoking aspects of the tattoo and piercing industry. I think what’s helped me personally build myself up in this industry and gain the clients I have is just by being kind!
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Caring about people’s bodies over the profit. When you find yourself thinking more about making money than taking care of your clients, I think you need to re-evaluate why you’re doing piercings and either make changes or leave the field.
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