Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the Modern Genital Piercing Seminar taught by none other than Luis Garcia. The seminar was hosted at Black Lotus Tattoo Gallery in Hanover, Maryland—a stunning studio that continues to be a hub for education and community. This marks my third time attending a seminar at Black Lotus, and I want to thank Matt Buonantuono and the entire team for their hospitality and dedication to fostering growth within the piercing industry.
As always, Luis delivered an exceptional seminar packed with insight, technical nuance, and practical guidance. His teaching style makes even the most complex topics digestible, and I always leave his seminars feeling recharged and ready to implement what I’ve learned. This one was no exception.
Beyond the classroom, one of the highlights of the day was reconnecting with other piercers I’ve met at past events—it’s always inspiring to see familiar faces who are just as committed to continuing education. I also got to meet a few new piercers for the first time, and those fresh connections were equally energizing. We talked shop, shared experiences, swapped stories about technique, jewelry choices, and even social media strategies. The conversations were as valuable as the seminar itself.
Opportunities like these remind me why I invest in continuing education. They’re not just about improving technical skills—they’re about strengthening our industry as a whole. I’m always learning, always growing, and always looking for ways to provide the best possible service to my clients.
And now, the countdown begins… five more weeks until the big one: APP Conference. I can’t wait to keep the momentum going.
—Paul
APP Member | IPRICKU | Staten Island