Good Life Body Piercing+Fine Jewelry has brought the art of body modification to a whole new level. We had a visit with our very own Cleveland Queen of Burlesque and sat down with owner and head piercing artist Jeremiah Currier.
OBF-When did you become passionate about body modification?
Jeremiah- I was given the opportunity to be an apprentice without a whole lot of desire for body piercing at the time other than a few of my own body piercing experiences. But I instantly fell in love with it. Instantaneously! I like to improve things, progress things, and give input anytime i can on just about any subject that needs help or could be improved upon. That affected me and my desire to pierce better, cleaner, and safer from day one. My most looked up to body modification industry idol and god is David Vidra, and I will never forget him saying, "The day you don't learn something new, quit!". Every piercing that I do is like data stored in my brain. Data that I will use to improve my next piercing, and the next, and so on.
OBF-What are your qualifications?
Jeremiah-I am the head piercer and owner of Good Life - Body Piercing + Fine Jewelry, "Akron's Own Body Piercing Specialists". I have been a professional body piercer for almost 12 years now. In June 2015, 10 of those 12 years will have been at my own professional studio here in Akron, Ohio. After my original apprenticeship much of a piercers best furthered education is through observing other piercers at other reputable studios. I would go and observe their aseptic technique, their bedside manner with clients who are often parents with young children, listen in on what they recommend for healing the piercing, and their sterilization processing.
Every year I attend The Association of Professional Piercers conference in Las Vegas. The APP is an incredible organization that I will hopefully be a proud member of in the near future. The conference is 5 days packed full of classes taught by some of the most experienced and knowledgable piercers around the world. Even the non credited roundtable discussions are some of the best learning experiences of the whole week. There is no piercing of any kind that takes place the entire week. Just good old fashioned nerdy piercer hangouts!
I have taken classes such as Wound Healing Dynamics and Blood Borne Pathogens taught by Cleveland's own David Vidra with Health Educators Inc.
Also, I took Surface to Surface Piercing and Genital Beading classes at the Hell City Tattoo Convention in Columbus, Ohio taught by body modification artist Steve Haworth.
Jeremiah- I was given the opportunity to be an apprentice without a whole lot of desire for body piercing at the time other than a few of my own body piercing experiences. But I instantly fell in love with it. Instantaneously! I like to improve things, progress things, and give input anytime i can on just about any subject that needs help or could be improved upon. That affected me and my desire to pierce better, cleaner, and safer from day one. My most looked up to body modification industry idol and god is David Vidra, and I will never forget him saying, "The day you don't learn something new, quit!". Every piercing that I do is like data stored in my brain. Data that I will use to improve my next piercing, and the next, and so on.
OBF-What are your qualifications?
Jeremiah-I am the head piercer and owner of Good Life - Body Piercing + Fine Jewelry, "Akron's Own Body Piercing Specialists". I have been a professional body piercer for almost 12 years now. In June 2015, 10 of those 12 years will have been at my own professional studio here in Akron, Ohio. After my original apprenticeship much of a piercers best furthered education is through observing other piercers at other reputable studios. I would go and observe their aseptic technique, their bedside manner with clients who are often parents with young children, listen in on what they recommend for healing the piercing, and their sterilization processing.
Every year I attend The Association of Professional Piercers conference in Las Vegas. The APP is an incredible organization that I will hopefully be a proud member of in the near future. The conference is 5 days packed full of classes taught by some of the most experienced and knowledgable piercers around the world. Even the non credited roundtable discussions are some of the best learning experiences of the whole week. There is no piercing of any kind that takes place the entire week. Just good old fashioned nerdy piercer hangouts!
I have taken classes such as Wound Healing Dynamics and Blood Borne Pathogens taught by Cleveland's own David Vidra with Health Educators Inc.
Also, I took Surface to Surface Piercing and Genital Beading classes at the Hell City Tattoo Convention in Columbus, Ohio taught by body modification artist Steve Haworth.
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OBF-How and When did you decide to take the plunge into business ownership?
Jeremiah- I have an old acquaintance to thank for that. I was just someone in their very early 20's who was asked to be someones business partner for a tattoo and piercing studio. Yet another thing that I ' know that I had a passion for, entrepreneurship. My first business plan and pitch to my dad was, "I only have to do this many piercings a day to pay for all of the shops supplies, utilities and rent. If I do this many piercings a day I can support myself, keep a roof over my head and eat three square meals a day. What do you say? Can I borrow some money?". My dad will never understand how many huge opportunities that he has given me in this lifetime, and even if he did understand he probably wouldn't accept the credit that is due.
OBF-How do you think your business does it better then others?
Jeremiah-Motivation! I am motivated to provide the safest, cleanest, and least painful piercing that is humanly possible. Currently that is exactly what I am doing, but tomorrow myself or someone else is going to improve on one of those things, and the rest of us piercers will have to adapt. We also stick up for what is right! We are here to help all people through a journey of self expression. We are not here to judge anyone. We only want to be of assistance during this incredible PERSONAL life experience. Lastly, and certainly not the least, we educate our clients very well on how and why their piercings need to heal a certain way. We are constantly battling false information and mistruths about body piercing.
OBF-Your jewelry selection is quite unique tell us about it?
Jeremiah-Two part answer. Part #1 - Its quite simple actually. We only pierce with the highest quality jewelry that is available on planet earth. Also, we have options stacked on top of options from only the best jewelry makers like Industrial Strength, Neo-Metal, Body Vision Los Angeles, LeRoi, Body Circles, and Anatometal. We could do 200 nose piercings without any of them looking the same. We can pierce with white and yellow gold which is always solid 14k or 18k and guaranteed to be nickel free. Rose gold is also an option, but only for healed piercings. And all of our stainless steel and titanium jewelry is ASTM certified, implant grade, internally threaded, and hand polished to a mirror finish. That seems like a lot of piercer mumbo jumbo, but until everyone is piercing with quality jewelry you may need to make sure that this is what you are getting before getting pierced. Part #2 - Pardon my french, but "surgical stainless steel" is shit. I'm mostly referring to the costume jewelry at the mall that commonly gets called "body piercing jewelry". QVC and whoever the hell else made a lot of us think that grouping of words mean quality, but that is not the case. Most "body jewelry" is in fact costume jewelry and is only meant to be worn in fully healed piercings for short periods of time. Get your name, birthdate, social security number, and these words tattooed on you so you don't forget... "ASTM CERTIFIED IMPLANT GRADE. INTERNALLY THREADED. HAND POLISHED TO A MIRROR FINISH."
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OBF-What drives you to give your best work to each client?
Jeremiah-Simple and honest answer. Reputation! If you call my shop and one of our staff tells you that nose piercing are 50 dollars and up, but your friend is telling you that you can get any piercing at this other piercing chain for 15 dollars with this coupon, that person will probably not be coming our way unless they remember that they've heard really really good things about that guy or gal that pierces at Good Life.
OBF-What are the 3 top piercings in your opinion to get ?
Jeremiah- #1 - Nipples! Nipples are pretty pointless. No one seems to breast feed anymore, especially guys ;) So get em pierced and have some fun with them. #2 - Septum! Oh my, the options are endless. Septum clickers from Body Vision Los Angeles are hotter than Jordans right now. #3 - Earlobes! This is a piercing that doesn't get much respect, and for someone reason a lot of people still disrespect this piercing enough that they might think that getting it done for "free" at the mall by a non-professional still sounds like a good idea. Earlobes have just as many options for jewelry and the procedure for getting them done is with just as much care, cleanliness, and precision as any other piercing that we do.
OBF- Do you think body modification has become more accepted
in this day and age? and Why?
Jeremiah- I am a bit jaded since I don't get to spend much time with people who can not get certain piercings, usually facial, because of their jobs. Unfortunately, my honest answer is that this world still currently has quite a few people in it who think that there is something wrong with body modification or self-expression through body piercing. A lot of these people also own businesses that are so concerned about their profits and their conservative customers, so much so that they are willing to force upon rules and limitations on body piercings and other forms of self expression. You can't be yourself all the time, everywhere just yet. YET!
Jeremiah-Simple and honest answer. Reputation! If you call my shop and one of our staff tells you that nose piercing are 50 dollars and up, but your friend is telling you that you can get any piercing at this other piercing chain for 15 dollars with this coupon, that person will probably not be coming our way unless they remember that they've heard really really good things about that guy or gal that pierces at Good Life.
OBF-What are the 3 top piercings in your opinion to get ?
Jeremiah- #1 - Nipples! Nipples are pretty pointless. No one seems to breast feed anymore, especially guys ;) So get em pierced and have some fun with them. #2 - Septum! Oh my, the options are endless. Septum clickers from Body Vision Los Angeles are hotter than Jordans right now. #3 - Earlobes! This is a piercing that doesn't get much respect, and for someone reason a lot of people still disrespect this piercing enough that they might think that getting it done for "free" at the mall by a non-professional still sounds like a good idea. Earlobes have just as many options for jewelry and the procedure for getting them done is with just as much care, cleanliness, and precision as any other piercing that we do.
OBF- Do you think body modification has become more accepted
in this day and age? and Why?
Jeremiah- I am a bit jaded since I don't get to spend much time with people who can not get certain piercings, usually facial, because of their jobs. Unfortunately, my honest answer is that this world still currently has quite a few people in it who think that there is something wrong with body modification or self-expression through body piercing. A lot of these people also own businesses that are so concerned about their profits and their conservative customers, so much so that they are willing to force upon rules and limitations on body piercings and other forms of self expression. You can't be yourself all the time, everywhere just yet. YET!
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OBF-what is the best part about your clients?
Jeremiah- Their genuine words and or shrieks of excitement when they get to see their new pretties for the first time in the mirror. I don't need thank you's, and you'd be surprised how many people look into a mirror, smile from ear to ear, and then walk out of the piercing room without even looking back and saying thank you. But really I don't need that.
I just want to do something that they love so much. If they love it, then they will genuinely
want to take good care of it.
OBF-What do you advise people that are first times to body modification ?
Jeremiah- Your self expression might be the key to your happiness, and your happiness is so important to achieving your full potential in this life. Most importantly do whatever is right for you. When people start telling you that you are wrong, or "thats too much", or tell you that you are going to have to take that piercing out in order to get this job, consider this... How important is that piercing to you? Important enough to open up your own business that is a direct competitor of this person who is trying to limit your potential, your happiness, and your self expression? Enough to fuel you to create more opportunities for yourself and others that think like you? Don't just bow down to others bullshit rules if you don't believe in them. Stick up for yourself. Prove them wrong. Change the world.
OBF-How do you feel about your business now vs when you first open?
Jeremiah- When I first opened I really only think that I was a "professional piercer" because I said so and because the Akron Health Department agreed with me for whatever reason. In all honesty, I would not have let me open up a shop with as little experience as I had. I was safe, clean, precise, and friendly but definitely not experienced enough. I too started out piercing with basic "costume body jewelry". Now we are simply the best around. I know it, and our clients know it. And I don't need an award from The Akron Beacon Journal to prove that. Although it would be nice if "Body Piercing" could get some respect and have its own category in the voting process. Just sayin ;) Body piercing isn't just some extra novelty item in the back room at a tattoo shop anymore.
Jeremiah- Their genuine words and or shrieks of excitement when they get to see their new pretties for the first time in the mirror. I don't need thank you's, and you'd be surprised how many people look into a mirror, smile from ear to ear, and then walk out of the piercing room without even looking back and saying thank you. But really I don't need that.
I just want to do something that they love so much. If they love it, then they will genuinely
want to take good care of it.
OBF-What do you advise people that are first times to body modification ?
Jeremiah- Your self expression might be the key to your happiness, and your happiness is so important to achieving your full potential in this life. Most importantly do whatever is right for you. When people start telling you that you are wrong, or "thats too much", or tell you that you are going to have to take that piercing out in order to get this job, consider this... How important is that piercing to you? Important enough to open up your own business that is a direct competitor of this person who is trying to limit your potential, your happiness, and your self expression? Enough to fuel you to create more opportunities for yourself and others that think like you? Don't just bow down to others bullshit rules if you don't believe in them. Stick up for yourself. Prove them wrong. Change the world.
OBF-How do you feel about your business now vs when you first open?
Jeremiah- When I first opened I really only think that I was a "professional piercer" because I said so and because the Akron Health Department agreed with me for whatever reason. In all honesty, I would not have let me open up a shop with as little experience as I had. I was safe, clean, precise, and friendly but definitely not experienced enough. I too started out piercing with basic "costume body jewelry". Now we are simply the best around. I know it, and our clients know it. And I don't need an award from The Akron Beacon Journal to prove that. Although it would be nice if "Body Piercing" could get some respect and have its own category in the voting process. Just sayin ;) Body piercing isn't just some extra novelty item in the back room at a tattoo shop anymore.
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OBF-Tell us about the highland neighborhood, How do you like it?
Jeremiah- Only I, as far as I know, call it Lil' Frisco. It has a reputation for being the artsy/gay neighborhood of Akron. And it is! It very proudly is! My appreciation for my second favorite city, Akron, grew even greater after I visited my first favorite city, San Francisco. The heart of it all is Angel Falls Coffee Co. Family style sit down ice cream feast at Mary Coyles. The best hummus grape leaves ever at Aladdins. Best/worst drum circles at Market Path Fair Trade Store. Punk night at Annabells Lounge. Pizza straight to the face at Capris. Square records and Revival clothing where you can score extra bonus hipster points. Mike the Barber at The Highland Barber. Drugs galore at the Highland Pharmacy. Square Bar, top 200 Gay Bars in the entire world by Out Magazine. Better and bigger than your local cheese sandwich factory, we've got Mr. Zubs. Hair salons. Dance lessons for all ages. Music lessons for all ages. Art festivals. Farmers markets. Incredible chinese food as long as you can put up with shit customer service. Shiny new Jordans and Lebrons over at Next. And we have secret/free/outdoor library. Come and find it!!!!
OBF-What does good life mean to you ?
Jeremiah- It means quality and care. We are here to help you through your entire piercing experience and healing process. We're available to assist in any way from start to finish.
OBF-Your employees seem quite happy and content what drives that friendly atmosphere?
Jeremiah- Our clients help with that a lot. We all really care deeply about each client getting the kind of piercing experience that they want/need. Its a challenge with each person who walks in the door, and to work at Good Life you have to be up for the challenge. Its hard to explain, but when the clock strikes 12, and we're about to open, what we all have in common is the excitement that will come with todays clients. We all like people. It's pretty incredible that whoever is working at Good Life today will get to meet 10-200 new people. All of us Good Lifers are very different people that may have never crossed paths if it weren't for our jobs here, but it turns out that a passion for body piercing, body jewelry, cleanliness, and people is definitely enough to form new friendships.
Jeremiah- Only I, as far as I know, call it Lil' Frisco. It has a reputation for being the artsy/gay neighborhood of Akron. And it is! It very proudly is! My appreciation for my second favorite city, Akron, grew even greater after I visited my first favorite city, San Francisco. The heart of it all is Angel Falls Coffee Co. Family style sit down ice cream feast at Mary Coyles. The best hummus grape leaves ever at Aladdins. Best/worst drum circles at Market Path Fair Trade Store. Punk night at Annabells Lounge. Pizza straight to the face at Capris. Square records and Revival clothing where you can score extra bonus hipster points. Mike the Barber at The Highland Barber. Drugs galore at the Highland Pharmacy. Square Bar, top 200 Gay Bars in the entire world by Out Magazine. Better and bigger than your local cheese sandwich factory, we've got Mr. Zubs. Hair salons. Dance lessons for all ages. Music lessons for all ages. Art festivals. Farmers markets. Incredible chinese food as long as you can put up with shit customer service. Shiny new Jordans and Lebrons over at Next. And we have secret/free/outdoor library. Come and find it!!!!
OBF-What does good life mean to you ?
Jeremiah- It means quality and care. We are here to help you through your entire piercing experience and healing process. We're available to assist in any way from start to finish.
OBF-Your employees seem quite happy and content what drives that friendly atmosphere?
Jeremiah- Our clients help with that a lot. We all really care deeply about each client getting the kind of piercing experience that they want/need. Its a challenge with each person who walks in the door, and to work at Good Life you have to be up for the challenge. Its hard to explain, but when the clock strikes 12, and we're about to open, what we all have in common is the excitement that will come with todays clients. We all like people. It's pretty incredible that whoever is working at Good Life today will get to meet 10-200 new people. All of us Good Lifers are very different people that may have never crossed paths if it weren't for our jobs here, but it turns out that a passion for body piercing, body jewelry, cleanliness, and people is definitely enough to form new friendships.
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*Bella was pierced with a BVLA Gold bezel and bead cluster 14k gold nickel free*
Plan Your Appointment!
12-9 Monday - Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
Appointments are recommended, walk-ins are welcome.
Most questions deserve a short phone call.
It's hard to reply to "how much for a belly piercing?" in a short comment on Instagram or Facebook when theirs so many options for jewelry and so many other questions that will probably follow. Sometimes our thumbs get tired of tapping and swiping our phones, but well never get sick of talking your ear off with our nerdy piercing information. But feel free to contact us in whatever manner fits you and your possibly discreet needs. E-mail and phone of course. And feel free to follow us and or contact us on Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram and Twitter so we can brain wash you with all of our sparkly pretty things :)
330.374.0100
@goodlifeakron - Instagram
facebook.com/goodlifeakron
@goodlifeakron - Twitter
goodlifeakron.tumblr.com
www.goodlifeakron.com
Images by Perkoski Photography
Model - Bella Sin - Cleveland's Burlesque Queen.
Piercer- Jeremiah Currier
Plan Your Appointment!
12-9 Monday - Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
Appointments are recommended, walk-ins are welcome.
Most questions deserve a short phone call.
It's hard to reply to "how much for a belly piercing?" in a short comment on Instagram or Facebook when theirs so many options for jewelry and so many other questions that will probably follow. Sometimes our thumbs get tired of tapping and swiping our phones, but well never get sick of talking your ear off with our nerdy piercing information. But feel free to contact us in whatever manner fits you and your possibly discreet needs. E-mail and phone of course. And feel free to follow us and or contact us on Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram and Twitter so we can brain wash you with all of our sparkly pretty things :)
330.374.0100
@goodlifeakron - Instagram
facebook.com/goodlifeakron
@goodlifeakron - Twitter
goodlifeakron.tumblr.com
www.goodlifeakron.com
Images by Perkoski Photography
Model - Bella Sin - Cleveland's Burlesque Queen.
Piercer- Jeremiah Currier
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