•How long have you been piercing & tattooing?: I was hired into the industry on Sept. 11, 2001 (Yes "that" Sept. 11). I began my career exclusively as a piercer and continued solely as a piercer until 2005 when I decided to follow my father's footsteps and become a 2nd generation tattooer. I've maintained a dual license ever since.

•What’s your favorite type of piercing & tattoo to do?: I started out learning American traditional tattoos and had a very classic apprenticeship under 2 other 2nd gen tattooers so I will always hold a special place in my heart for American traditional. In staying true to my old lady roots, I love a good old school piercing! Eyebrows, navels, nipples, and nostrils were so popular when I was starting out and they will always remind me of my beginning.

•What’s something you wish more clients knew?: Studio safety is not to be taken for granted! Don't put blind faith into the safety and protocols of any studio. Look for studios and staff members that go above and beyond what is required of them to hold a license. Your body deserves more than the bare minimum!

•What do you love most about your job?: The answer to this has evolved so much during the 25+ years I've been in this industry. I think at this point the culmination would be that I love what drove this craft to become what it is today. I love the history and the people who were strong and driven enough to be the pioneers during a time when it was unaccepted.

•How did you get started in the industry?: My dad was a tattooer while I was growing up in the 80's. I was always an artist but I didn't see myself fitting in to that culture at the time. I was nerdy and awkward and I thought tattooing was too cool for me. I found my people at a piercing only studio. I can't explain the hold that studio and it's piercers had on me. It likely saved my life. I conformed my life to become the best piercer I could be, taking classes, traveling, and meeting my heroes. It wasn't until finding other tattoo nerds that I accepted that tattooing would always be in my blood.

•Cat, dog, or cryptid?: DOGS! Forever and ever.

•if you could have any superpower what would it be?: A warg! (From Game of Thrones, not Lord of the Rings) A person who can share consciousness with animals.

•What's your comfort movie/show?: Anything from the 90 day universe, old cartoons/muppets, true crime, rewatching the Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, or Mad Men for the millionth time...all depends on the need of comfort.

•What’s your favorite smell?: Teas and Trees. 

•What's the dumbest thing that makes you laugh every time?: The ridiculous noises my dogs make when they wrestle! That and when people get hurt.