Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Blackburn.
Hi Grace, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
4 years ago, I took on a body piercing apprenticeship. It was definitely not something I ever saw myself doing. When I started, I had a decent amount of knowledge about tattoos, but I was completely lost about piercings. Now that I’m 4 years in, I fall more in love with what I do every single day. I couldn’t ask for a better career, and I’m so blessed to do this everyday. I recently went out on my own and built what I have now from bottom to top. Now, I’m thriving where I’m currently at, and I couldn’t have made a better decision to run my own business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes and no. I had a fantastic mentor, but I was extremely hard on myself. I’m the type of person that when I 100% apply to something, I obsess over it, and I try to be the absolute best at it. With this industry, nothing is perfect. Mistakes are made. I had to realize that pretty quickly and be at peace with it. Most people are their own worst critics. However, I had (and still do) have a fantastic clientele that allowed me to mess up, and allows me to correct my mistakes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Licensed Body Piercer in Knoxville, Tennessee. I specialize in custom designing and curating piercings and jewelry for each individual client. I am known for those projects, and so much more. I’m most proud of the creations I come up with, and watching my brain work in real time. When I’m focused on it, I give it everything I have, and it absolutely pays off. I think what sets me apart is my bedside manner. While I maintain professionalism, I try to make my clients as comfortable in my chair as possible, so I drop a little of the professional mask, and try to joke with them. Talk to them like the human they are, instead of overwhelming them with brute manner.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
You will never know everything. You can be in this industry for 2 weeks or 20 years – if you think you know everything, quit while you’re ahead. This industry evolves, grows, and changes every single day. Adapt.
I wish I had known not to be so hard on myself. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely still am, but not to the degree I used to be. I acknowledge when I’ve done something wrong and I correct my mistakes. Not a lot of people do that.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_adornedbygrace/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577168279952
- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@_adornedbygrace
