We were lucky to catch up with Michael “Bambi” Held recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michael “Bambi” thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been 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? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Earning a full-time living as a professional body piercing wasn’t something I thought was possible in my early years as an up and coming body piercer. Through my 14 years of traveling and working in various piercing studios I was able to network and polish my skills that allowed me to be recognized by more high volume and prestige studios across the country. I found out through the years that no two studios pays their body piercers the same and in my last 4 years or so I have been fortunate enough to come across studios that respect their piercers and want to make sure that they are able to make a comfortable living. In my early years I actually took a major pay cut working in a different field to be able to pursue body piercing, and in doing so I put myself in a hard financial position, so much so that I had to file for bankruptcy in order to settle my mounting debts. That was a hard decision to make while still staying motivated in the piercing industry. Thankfully I stuck with it and the universe has paid me back ten fold through traveling experiences, a wonderful network of friendly peers, and finally being in a comfortable financial position that my finances are no longer a stress in my life, so much so that in summer 2023 I was able to purchase my first home and dream vehicle!

Michael “Bambi”, 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?

For those of you who may not know me, I am a 14 year professional body piercer. I pride myself on providing the highest quality of service to my clients with both my customer service and bedside manner, as well as offering the best body jewelry available, working only with implant grade titanium or solid 14k & 18k gold products that are produced by the piercing industries best suppliers. I also pride myself on continued education in my field so that I can provide my clients with the best and most informed piercing services, and I achieve that through guest spots in some of the countries best studios so that I can work side by side with some of my favorite piercers in my field such as Infinite Body Piercing in Philadelphia PA and Outer Limits in Costa Mesa CA just to name a few. As well as going to the annual APP (Association of Professional Piercers) conference for classes and seminars. Some people believe that a body piercing is just that, but to me it’s so much more, it’s an extension of our personality and I have the amazing opportunity to be able to work with my clients in choosing jewelry and piercing locations that allow them to feel more comfortable in their own body and to see clients look at themselves in the mirror after a piercing I’ve performed and their face lights up with joy and excitement is the single most rewarding part of my job and I live for those moments!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

As a prfessional body piercer, there are a few key factors that have helped me build my reputation. Firstly, my dedication to helping clients get the best placements to fit their anatomy is crucial. I take the time to assess each client’s unique body structure and offer suggestions that will enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of the piercing. This personalized approach ensures that the placement is not only visually appealing but also minimizes potential complications. Additionally, I prioritize the well-being of my clients above financial gain. I firmly believe that doing what’s best for the client, rather than focusing solely on monetary gain, is essential for building trust and a strong reputation. This means providing honest recommendations, even if it means suggesting against a certain piercing or advising on alternative options that may be more suitable for the client’s anatomy or lifestyle. By combining these principles of personalized placement and client-centric decision-making, I have been able to establish a reputation as a trusted and skilled body piercer.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a body piercer is multifaceted and deeply personal. At the core, it’s about the profound joy and satisfaction I get from seeing the excitement and happiness on my clients’ faces when they see their new piercing. It’s that moment when they look in the mirror, their eyes lit up with delight, that instills a sense of fulfillment in me. It’s not just about the physical transformation, it’s also about contributing to someone’s self-expression and personal journey, helping them feel more comfortable and confident in their own bodies. Beyond the immediate client interactions, the opportunity to travel and guest spot at various renowned studios has been a significant highlight of my career as a body piercer. This has not only broadened my professional horizons, but it has also allowed me to connect with my peers, exchange ideas and experiences, and continually learn and grow in my field. The sense of community and camaraderie that this profession brings is truly rewarding. In sum, the most rewarding aspect of being a body piercer is the combination of personal client satisfaction, the opportunity for travel and networking, and the continuous learning and growth within the profession. These elements together make this job incredibly fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: BambiBodyArts