Last week, I had the privilege of attending the first-ever Comprehensive Piercing Seminar hosted by Fakir Intensives—an experience that has profoundly impacted me both professionally and personally. For five immersive days, I trained under and alongside some of the most respected names in the industry, including Fakir Musafar, Ken Coyote, Ian Bishop, Jef Saunders, Cody Vaughn, Tod Almighty, William Grindatti, and Jori Zan. The opportunity to learn directly from these legends was nothing short of life-changing.
This seminar wasn’t just about technique—though there was plenty of that. I learned new approaches to common piercings, refined my understanding of anatomy, and picked up nuances in freehand methods and client care that can only come from seasoned hands. But what truly set this seminar apart was the integration of spirituality, energy work, and the historical roots of modern body piercing.
As many of my long-time clients know, my journey as a piercer started under the guidance of Ericca Colton, a brilliant piercer and dear friend. Sadly, after just over a year of my apprenticeship with her, Ericca passed away. Her loss left a mark on me that words never quite seemed to express—until this seminar.
At Fakir Intensives, I was introduced to the spiritual framework that has always quietly pulsed beneath the surface of our industry—energy sensitivity, ritual, shamanism, and intention in piercing. Fakir Musafar was one of the earliest modern practitioners to frame body modification as a sacred and spiritual act. To learn directly from him and others carrying his teachings was humbling and deeply affirming.
Through these teachings, I was finally able to connect the dots between my technical craft and the emotional and spiritual space I hold for my clients. I began to understand what I had been doing intuitively for years—and how to refine and strengthen it. In those moments of learning and reflection, I found a way to honor Ericca’s memory and presence in my work. She is, and always has been, a part of every piercing I perform.
Moving forward, clients may notice subtle shifts in how I approach each session—a greater emphasis on calm, intention, and presence before the piercing even begins. I’ve always believed in the power of piercing as a tool for transformation, reclamation, and healing. Now, I feel better equipped than ever to guide my clients through those experiences with respect, mindfulness, and reverence.
I left Fakir Intensives with not just new skills, but a deeper sense of connection to the roots of our industry and the people who have shaped it. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this experience and to carry these lessons back to my studio. This was more than a seminar—it was a rite of passage, a journey, and a reminder of why I do what I do.
Thank you to the mentors, peers, and everyone who helped make this experience possible. And thank you to my clients—past, present, and future—for trusting me with your bodies and your stories. You inspire me to keep growing, learning, and offering more than just piercings—but experiences that are personal, meaningful, and lasting.