We were lucky to catch up with Kali Harris recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kali, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

When I first became a piercer I was told they had a 5-6 year shelf life. I really believed it. Being in the body arts industry can be very challenging. You work long hours and often in the late evenings. You have to work the busy days which are the weekends. This means you miss out on a lot of functions. And you don’t get paid unless you work so you can’t miss work. So I completely understood burnout.

I was fortunate to marry someone in the industry so we have the same work ethic. I’m 18 years into my career. Almost five years ago I moved from Dallas to Austin. I was able to adjust my work load and hours where I now have a happy balance.

This industry also has slow and busy seasons which does change depending on which city you are in. During slow seasons I usually find myself a craft project to pick up and bide my time. So every year I pick up a new hobby!

Kali, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been a body piercer for 18 years. This industry is a hard one to get into since there is no official schooling. In my early twenties I got a job answering phones at a tattoo studio because I had connections through my sister.

Once I got in, I climbed the ladder. I became a piercer within the year. Moved up to busier locations and because piercing manager. In 2019, I moved to the Austin area with my Tattooer husband.

Since relocating to The Austin Tattoo Company, my love for the craft has sky rocketed. I curate the jewelry case and decide what brands and styles to bring in. I am also doing more curated ear styling – which means to style an ear with several piercings to form a cohesive look.

I have also included many spa like services to my menu which I never offered. I now include a photoshop service for those that need to see it before we pierce. A deep ear cleaning where I remove all jewelry and give them and the ear a deep clean. And also services for people who are having issues healing their piercings.

I think what sets me apart for others is my length of experience in all types of piercings and types of jewelry. I try to make the atmosphere very relaxing to help ease people’s nerves. I have been told I am very calming and gentle.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As mentioned before I moved to Austin in 2019. While a plot of land and a job offer were what pushed me to move it wasn’t the reason.

In 2018, I was diagnosed with anxiety with panic attacks. Thanks to a great support system of my husband and best friends I was able to get the help needed. With therapy I knew I was in the wrong place. My environment with both work and family had me stressed out and I knew I needed some distance.

As a creature of habit, it was very hard for me to move away from a well paying job i had been dependent on for 13 years. It was a tough 4-5 months after we did move due to a temporary pay cut as a gained clientele and the adjustment of moving. But I’m thankful we did. Being in a new work environment with the clients of Austin having great attitudes, really helped make the transition easier. I get asked all the time if I like Austin better than Dallas and I am quick to say YES!!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The best way to support artists of any kind is to buy something from them. And if you can’t buy something then refer them to your friends. If it wasn’t for word of mouth I would not have the clientele I do today!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.kaliharrisbeauty.com
• Instagram: @kai.Harris.piercings