We recently had the chance to connect with Remy Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Remy, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My current thing that brings me joy outside of work is the One Piece TCG. I started playing a couple years ago when the game released; and enjoy traveling for tourneys. I’ve built a great community where I live of people I play with, so that helps a lot. We get together at least once a week and play at a local game store. It’s pirates, strategy, and anime! Also my cat brings me joy…
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My names Remy Smith, I’m 6’1 and some change, have blue eyes, and like long walks on the beach.
On a serious note, I’m a Body piercer residing in the panhandle of Florida. I’ve been piercing for 19 years, specializing in ear curations and abnormal anatomy. I live in Tallahassee which is great for my line of work as we get new students every year at the multiple colleges and trade schools. It also allows me to meet people from all walks of life, and make their visions of themselves a reality. I’m a product of my youth, so I pull inspiration from 80’s pop culture. I just have a bougier take using gold chains, and not going as extreme as the punk movement in the 80’s, lol.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Someone who was free of obligation, free of the pain of loss. Someone who had only love for the world, only to learn that hate ruled in the hearts of others. Someone who was used, and then cast aside like trash. I was someone with dreams and aspirations, only to be told I’d never amount to anything. I’m someone the world threw away, that refused to believe what the world thought.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In multiple ways career and life. Career wise I’ve almost quit a couple times. Once early on because of betrayal. Second time slow season was just getting to me. Finding out that my job changes people’s perspective on themselves heavily influenced my staying a piercing. Nothing beats the feeling of the client crying because you healed something inside them. People just want to be seen a certain way, it’s my job to help them with that.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
You have to be part of the club to be good. In the my industry there is an organization that’s called the app ( association of professional piercers) that’s essentially a frat/sorority. They have guidelines to follow which are honestly great for anyone in the industry. The thing is; you don’t have to join the club to abide by the rules. Being a member of the app doesn’t automatically mean you’ve made it. Years of experience and your own eye for it will make you stand out in the crowd.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My impact on people. Making them feel like they’re truly being seen by the world how they want because of my work. I’m fortunate enough to work in an industry where we help people become who they want to. Nothing beats the feeling you get when you heal a childhood trauma because someone was teased about something that was beyond their control. I’ve had thousands of clients in my time and only a few people I’d consider friends because of my job
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @piercingsbyremy
- Facebook: @piercingsbyremy
- Other: TikTok @piercingsbyremy
Image Credits
Headshot: Nic Cornelius
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