Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Bailey
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
What got me started on my piercing journey was my love for jewelry and earrings. I’ve always loved piercings and knew hollow needle was the safest way to go. One weekend, I randomly signed up for a hollow needle piercing course to offer an extra service to my menu (I am a licensed nail technician).
Once I got trained, I jumped right into this new gig and never looked back. Becoming a piercer blossomed into more than I could’ve ever imagined. My schedule filled up immediately and I turned my business into a full time ear piercer/stylist right away. Word of mouth kept my schedule full. I was in love with piercing, but I wanted to give my clients a more polished look when they left me. That’s why I started focusing on ear styling as my next step-for a more complete design. Curating ears has been such a rewarding and unique part of what I do. With the positive responses I received for the jewelry I styled with and the demand for out-of-state shipping from people seeing my work on social media, I decided to expand and sell my pieces online.
I now run my own e-commerce site where I sell titanium and solid gold flat back earrings and comfortable Huggies and hoops called Piercedbyashdesign.com. I have recently been creating my very own pieces. Being a part of designing flat backs has been a dream come true. They’ve been a hit in my studio and online.
Another opportunity that came from my piercing business is the ability to educate others on becoming hollow needle piercers. I have created a hands-on, in-person course that covers both the business side of piercing and performing advanced hollow needle piercings.
I have met so many amazing people the past couple years since I started this journey. I couldn’t be happier with where it is today and the work I’ve put in to get here.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Surprisingly yes, pretty smooth. Smooth as in it all grew super fast and one thing led to another. Each month gets busier than the last.
I’ve learned a lot along the way. Lots of success and trial and error. All of it hasn’t come without putting in the hard work daily. I work 7 days a week. There’s no days off. Marketing myself and my jewelry comes with a ton of extra work and planning at the end of the day. Organizing photo shoots and loading product online is time consuming. I am a one man show from piercing, styling, selling, packaging, educating and marketing myself. One thing has blossomed and grew into another with growing my business; but it definitely comes with a lot of hard work and dedication.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think what sets me apart from other piercers is the way I create an entirely new look on each persons ear I get my hands on. Most people don’t just come for a “piercing”. They come for a unique style that fits their lifestyle and personality. From dainty and simple to bold and chunky. I offer all types of jewelry to fit each individuals needs. Each persons personality and career type affects how they get to express their style (even on ears). Nurses and athletes like more simple and dainty pieces, where a hairdresser or business woman may want someone more flashy and classy.
It’s a creative outlet for me to create a whole new “look” for them. It is something women get so excited about. I love making people smile and get giddy over something as simple as decorated ears.
What makes you happy?
Making other people smile. Making people happy. Creating a fun environment for the person who may be nervous about getting pierced. Seeing children light up when they get their first piercing. A happy mom and dad creating a core memory together seeing their child get that first piercing.
The girls laughing having a girls day coming in for stylings/piercings together.
Making people feel beautiful.
Fixing someone’s insecurity by doing a piercing revision.
Being a part of so many peoples birthday. Birthday piercings are a regular occurrence in my studio, it makes my day being a part of that present.
I love seeing people wearing my jewelry.
I love helping people succeed by starting their own career in piercing.
I love nothing more than people taking that risk to start something new. I am lucky to be a part of so many peoples special moments.
Also, what makes me happy is being a hardworking mother and example for my children to look up to. I hope to be setting a great example to them to follow your dreams and to keep growing and learning no matter what your age.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Piercedbyashdesign.com
- Instagram: Piercedby_ash
- Other: Tik tok : piercedby_ash
Image Credits
Lindsay Romer
Lynzee Ouelette
