We recently connected with STabitha and have shared our conversation below.
STabitha, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Sometimes you have to find that “Fake It Til You MaKe It” energy. That is what it is, energy. I am not faking that I know how to do the job, but the confidences that says I am AWESOME at what I do and bring to the table. I know that when I show up to those networking events with my colored faux hawk, facial piercings, stretched lobes and chest/neck, they may not at first view as professional but I wear my embellishments well and I speak with knowledge about my industry. I show them to see past my decorated meatsuit, and gaze upon my ambition!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I spend most of my days Stabbing people in the face! haha. The ask and sign for it. I am a Professional Body Piercer since 2009. When I moved to Arizona from Ohio in 2013, I started to work in a brand that would be easy to remember for the work of mouth marketing. It was around 2017 when the StabbyTabby logo came together. I was chatting with a friend about what I was envisioning for my logo and a few days later, they emailed me a rough copy.
From there I was able to really get myself out there on social media and then StabbyTabbyTime had become a whole mood when you come in for your self care body piercing!
Around 2019, I joined the world of Fine Body Jewelry! So many sparkles to match anyone aesthetics. I”ve been building my website with jewelry so my clients can purchase online.
This past year I have been branching out to Piercing Pop-Ups for the local community events. These have been a great way for me to meet new people and bring them to the shop.
ThinK Big, Start Small- Michael Franti
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First and I would say most important is Bedside Manner. I was a CNA, and taking care of people in my early life has made it easy for me to comfort my clients while going through their Piercing experience.
A great skill I never knew I had was my love for things that sparkle!! I have been in love with jewelry since I was a little girl and could look at the JC penny’s catalog for my Christmas list. I already knew words like Marquise Cut and Swarovski diamond were. My very 1st job was sales, so between those 2, that has been very helpful with the Fine Jewelry coming into the Piercing world. When my clients come into the studio, I am looking at their aesthetic, so I can show them pieces that they would love to have to enhance their style!
So when trying to decide what to do with your like, What are you already good at? What do you already love to spend your time doing? That’s how you have a career that you love and never get tired of doing.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Last summer I moved my business from Phoenix AZ to Mexico NY. With the changes from COVID, My family needed some place new to grow and evolve. This means I have to start from scratch with my clients. It has been about a year now and my biggest challenge has been Social Media! Trying to change everything to a different state and the internet thinking you are a bot and shutting you of your accounts is very frustrating. It was hard not to think that moving was a mistake. When I see my family much happier in our new environment, I know that my business will follow as long as I keep my head up and rock out my days doing what I do!
I have been so grateful for my clients who following my social media accounts and spread the news that I am in town!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stabbytabbytime.com
- Instagram: @stabbytabbytime_bodypiercing
- Facebook: Stabbytabbytime Body Piercing
- Linkedin: Stabitha Sidel
- Yelp: StabbyTabby Body Piercing
Image Credits
TabbyShots
