I’m beyond excited to share that I finally have my official certificate from the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) Conference that I attended this past June. Holding it in my hands brings back a flood of memories from what was one of the most transformative and meaningful weeks in my professional journey. This certificate isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a symbol of growth, community, and everything I’ve worked so hard for.
Attending my first APP Conference was made possible by the Shannon Larratt Memorial Scholarship, generously provided by Industrial Strength. I was honored to be selected by Caitlin McDiarmid, Kendra Jane Berndt, and Ryan Ouellette, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all three of them. Because of this scholarship, I was able to experience something that completely reshaped how I view my role as a piercer.
During the week, I proudly volunteered for the organization, working alongside some of the most dedicated and inspiring professionals in the industry—many of whom I now call friends. Volunteering brought me a sense of purpose and community that I didn’t even know I needed. To this day, I carry the camaraderie and joy from those moments with me. (Love you guys!)
I also took 14 intensive classes, diving into everything from aftercare protocols and sterilization standards to advanced piercing techniques. I had the privilege of learning from industry legends, including Elayne Angel and Luis Garcia, both of whom have had a lasting influence on my career. Their classes, along with sessions taught by so many other brilliant minds, reignited my passion for continuing education and professional development.
Since returning home, that fire hasn’t faded. In fact, attending APP Conference became the catalyst for my ongoing pursuit of knowledge. It was shortly after that I was given the opportunity to attend Fakir Intensives in San Francisco, another dream of mine that felt out of reach until this path opened up. The momentum from APP helped me find my footing, and I’ve been climbing ever since.
I’m so grateful to be where I am today—continuing to grow, learn, and offer the best I possibly can to my clients. Thank you to everyone who made this opportunity possible. You didn’t just give me a seat in a classroom—you gave me a renewed sense of purpose in my craft.