Some of my very worst experiences were with APP registered purported professionals with "decades of experience" and large online portfolios (of fresh and posed piercings rather than natural and healed) and high numbers of positive reviews, and their apprentices. It should be that you go somewhere like that and pay their higher than average fees knowing you'll get the best experience you can, but it's a minefield out there. I've had some be so nice and accommodating and respectful beforehand but then when there's a problem with their poor work they become rude and argumentative and try to gaslight and blame the client for their own mistakes, and it's so sad that it happens so frequently and it's always the people who prattle on about acceptance and inclusivity on their social media that end up being the bitter and unstable monsters. There needs to be regulation and certification, testing for qualifications etc. Most apprentices I've seen were once very regular clients with far more piercings than is "reasonable," (to each their own ofc but I'm sure you know the type) who then became "friends" with the owner, and who wouldn't be your friend if they're singlehandedly paying your bills with their custom. It's like it's seen as a natural transition, and because there's so much history there, the apprentice isn't given the cold hard truth when their skills aren't good enough. The clients are the ones who suffer, from bad experiences, bad piercings, and then a really bad time trying to get anyone to acknowledge the issue let alone fix it, and that's assuming they're even competent enough to fix it as a lot of these owners, registered with the APP, teaching apprentices with back pats and gold stars really aren't competent at all. And you can't even speak out about it online because they just snap back with their sass and attitude and lies, and all their fans cheerlead and pile on like it's a popularity contest rather than a business and someone's body being harmed by a charlatan.

they've discussed this before in videos about how to get an apprenticeship/become a piercer and "5 Things to Know Before Becoming a Piercer". some points i remember are to attend the Fakir Intensives (which studios sometimes send their piercers to anyways), take BBP and first aid/CPR courses, and be a good, reliable, respectful client. lynn's also said their number one important thing to look for in an apprentice is that they're empathetic to how vulnerable clients have to be to get a piercing done.

Obviously its up to the mentors to discern these situations and it can be circumstantial, i also dont believe just anyone should have access to these opportunities. Professionalism is so important. Like your client for example. She did not respect your time. Respect of peoples time in this industry is crucial. If you cant respect others time its safe to assume these habits will carry over. Thats a reasonable assessment. But not every person with time management issues will be like that. Some will be an hour early just to not inconvenience anyone. I only wanted to bring a different perspective to be observed, because self discipline in these respects are important. The clients state, body and time are of upmost importance. Empathy and consideration go a long way in this profession. You can be perfectly ablebodied, neurotypical and lack both of these qualities. Does that mean that this person is more qualified than the socially anxious person that is occasionally late because they had gastric issues before work? Like i said. Mostly circumstantial. Edit: this industry currently also is more accessible to those willing to dish out the cash to get apprenticeships. So it makes it less accessible to people with great potential that cannot afford to go hungry/broke just for an opportunity. Which cuts into the issue with apprenticeships today

So I’d like to clarify- I definitely think there is a place for folks of all abilities in this industry! I struggle with mental health issues and physical disability myself. I think there are absolutely ways to accommodate in this industry. When we talk about training someone however, we need to pick the best candidate. It’s ok if you struggle with being scatterbrained and need timers or lists. But if you are consistently late to every appointment at the studio and forget essential documents this shows me not only do you have these struggles but you are not managing them well. As a mentor, I’m happy to help people figure out how to manage them as it applies to work. But you have to be managing them at least a little on your own- it’s not a mentors job to replace a mental health professional. The same can go for social anxiety. You can be a bit more reserved. But if you are expressing that you do NOT want to spend extra time with clients, hold space for clients who need more, spend more time on bedside manner. That’s not ok. Clients deserve someone who is going to be able to provide an emotionally supportive experience- someone who actually wants to be in the room with them. I think we can absolutely be inclusive of a range of abilities- but the client still has to be the person who comes first. And it takes a lot more then just knowledge and passion to make a great piercer.

@@Lynn_Loheide thanks for your stance and clairty on the matter Lynn! I appreciate your input into specific situations. i do like shining a light in your brain. I just hope you dont think that i think client's dont come first or that i am opposed in any way

Honestly I was scared no one would hire me over social anxiety. I'm glad it was cleared up in the comments. I struggle with BPD and I'm so scared they'll just deny me without giving me a chance. I work really hard and I'm more social than I used to. I know I'll be in my element instead of another part time retail job. And I'm always practicing different scenarios so I can be a good piercer and have great clients when I finally get my apprenticeship. I don't believe anyone's illness defines who they are.

Hi! I am an autistic body piercer who just graduated from my apprenticeship, and I’d like to also add into your point. I think Lynn’s point is credible in the specific job and what it entails. A lot of the time, if you’re socially anxious, you could lock up and not know how to react, or how to explain to a client that something might not be right. It’s happened to me until I had to find a way to troubleshoot it- or I couldn’t Pierce. There’s split second choices that have to be made. It is person to person, not generalized. I know a friend with anxiety who could run circles around me with customer service, or friends who do night cleaning to avoid interaction. You need to be able to be open in conversations and transparent, and have difficult talks that say “This isn’t doable, this isn’t right, etc”. I had a client almost pass out in my chair, and a man trying to sell pies was trying to solicit me at my piercing room door. If i let anxiety fill me, I’d be no use to my client or anyone. It was necessary for me to set aside my anxiety and lack of confrontational skills to tell him firmly I needed to tend to this, and he needed to go. Some people can, some people can’t. And both are ok as people! But sometimes not compatible with handling people in their weaker or vulnerable moments. You wouldn’t want an EMT or fire fighter to lock up or get anxious in a split second moment, we try to avoid it as well!