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At A Glance
Author	Sarah
Contact	Sarah@bme.anon
When	It just happened
Artist	Eric Houchin
Studio	717.490.1858
Location	Lancaster, PA

Until three days ago, I had a lack of respect for body piercers. This is due to the fact that I have had my nipples pierced twice, and both times were horrible experiences. The first time I decided to get pierced, I was young and na?ve and went to a "scratcher" (someone who tattoos and pierces out of his or her basement). I thought that just because he had a certificate on his wall he knew what he was doing. I was wrong. At the time I didn't realize that certificates can be attained rather easily on the internet. Nevertheless, I allowed this guy to shove a needle through my nipple anyway. I should have known something was wrong when he never even marked me. He basically just shoved the needle through haphazardly. The first one made it all the way through (although it was one of the worst pains I have ever felt), and then the second one got stuck. Somehow, the needle made it half way through the nipple and would not go anymore. So after a few painful tries, the needle went all the way through and I was pierced. When I got home and gave my new piercings a closer look, I realized how uneven they were. They looked horrible. Consequently, I decided to take them out and try again after they healed.

After a few months passed I went to local shop in Baltimore to get pierced again. This time the owner of the shop assured me that all would go well because he personally was going to pierce me. This made me feel a little better and we proceeded to go into the piercing room. I took off my shirt (which is nerve racking anyway) and the owner begins to make rather unprofessional comments. I was nervous as it was, and to have some 50 year old guy telling me how nice my chest is and how much he'd like to take me out didn't make my experience any better. However, I went through with the piercing anyway. This time also hurt, although he made it all the way through both nipples in one try. In spite of this, the man was too busy hitting on me to discuss after care or answer any questions. A few months later, I noticed bubbles forming on both sides of my nipples, and they began to hurt at the slightest touch. It also seemed like the barbells were forcing their way out of the nipple itself. I called the shop where I got them done and they offered no advice whatsoever other than "take them out." They never even offered to look at them for me. So I took them out, and decided I'd never get pierced again.

A year later, I was browsing on the internet and found Eric Houchin (Hollywood Piercer). I emailed him and told him of my prior two experiences. He emailed me back with what seemed like genuine concern, and gave me his shop number to answer any questions I had. He explained to me why he thought the barbell pushed itself out (I was pierced too shallow) and told me if I came to his shop he'd look at it. I was a bit apprehensive due to my prior experiences, but Eric made me feel comfortable, and answered all my questions and concerns carefully. I felt confident enough in him to drive an hour and a half to Wade's Tattoo and Body Piercing, in Lancaster, PA.

When I arrived my nerves were getting the best of me. I was instantly put at ease when I walked in and saw how clean the shop was and how friendly Eric and Wade were. Eric gave me a few minutes to calm myself and prepare for the piercing. When I finally got the nerve to go into the piercing room, Eric once again assured me that everything would be alright. He made sure to wash his hands in front of me (which the previous piercers did not do) and allowed me to see the needle in packaging so I knew it was sterile. He also set everything up in front of me and explained what everything would be used for. When it came time to pierce, he was extremely professional as well. I have scoliosis, which make my breasts uneven and a bit more complicated to pierce. Eric marked me several times in order to assure that the piercings would be perfectly even. He also marked farther back so they would not push themselves out. He then explained the whole piercing process step by step before the piercing took place (which again, the previous piercers did not do). He reiterated each step as we doing it as well. Finally, the piercing took place and it was considerably less pain then the other two times.

After he was done, Eric asked me exactly how I was feeling, to make sure I wasn't feeling nauseous or sweaty (which the other piercers also did not do). He then carefully explained the after care procedure. He gave me a pamphlet with the after care procedures on it as well as piercing solution. Once again he gave me the shop number and told me to call with any questions I may have.

I can honestly say that I left with the up most respect for Eric Houchin, and a new found respect for piercers in general. My piercings have barely hurt the past couple days (they hurt quite a bit for a week or so after the first two times) and I have been following Eric's instructions to a tee. He has showed me that there are professional, precise, caring piercers out there, and if I ever decide to get pierced again I will be making another hour and a half drive to be pierced by Eric Houchin (Hollywood Piercer).