For this month’s segment of inside the head of a piercer, we are featuring Julie Ann West. Julie West is currently the Head Piercer at Madd Monkey Tattoo Studio, located in Freeport, Texas. She is 37 years young and married to the Love of Her Life. They reside in Freeport, Texas with 2 beautiful daughters and 4 German Shepherds! Her hobbies include: skating (retired roller derby), going to the beach weekly, crabbing, and spending as much time with her family as possible.
She loves ALL THINGS NERDY: 80’s flicks, everything Tarantino & Mel Brooks, Graphic Novels; my current GN is The Gunslinger by SK, Any and All Horror/Gory, Tattoos & Piercings naturally, Suspension Hanging/Gliding, Custom Vehicles, Grillz, Sweet Music with a Dope beat, Star Wars basically anything Galactic, DC, Marvel, the list is never-ending…
Interview with Piercer Julie West: Migraine Piercings
1. When did you love for piercings and tattoos start?
My love for piercings & tattoos stemmed from National Geographic Magazines when I was 3 years old. I remember thinking about how Beautiful and Unique the Tribal people were.
2. Where did you learn how to be a professional piercer?
I learned how to pierce, here at our current shop, Madd Monkey. Apprenticed by my Husband Mr. Matthew West and the Shop Owner Mr. Robert Garcia.
3. What is your favorite piercing?
My current Favorite Piercing is the Double Nose Piercing.
4. What is your favorite tattoo?
My favorite tattoo on myself is my Anatomically correct Hearts pinned and stitched together on my Sternum.
5. When and why did you start specializing in migraine piercings?
I began specializing in Migraine Piercings in August 2015, due to so many clients having consistent pain. I learned Pressure Point Therapy in college. A fellow student fainted and our Professor revived her utilizing pressure point therapy. He then gave us the most valuable 30 min bonus education on Migraine Pressure Points.
6. How do migraine piercings work?
I prefer my Clients to come in while they are in pain. I utilize pressure point therapy to pinpoint where their migraine is; frontal lobe, temporal, back of neck, etc. Then I apply pressure to ensure the piercing will provide complete relief. I suggest a single migraine piercing at a time.
7. What are the best migraine pressure piercings?
So far the best Migraine piercing is the Tragus. I’m able to apply pressure throughout the entire head & neck with this particular piercing.
8. What is your goal for 2016?
My goal for 2016 is to become more efficient and educated as a Piercer. I’m very excited about some custom piercings in the future. Also, currently testing my grit to see if I can become a Tattooist this year.
Thank you, Julie, for your valuable insights. Follow Julie her on Instagram and Facebook. If you have any questions on Migraine Pressure Relief Piercing for Julie (or Matthew) then please leave them in the comments!
Hello! My name is Emily and I obsessed with piercings (and tattoos) since I was a little girl of 6 years old. I was fortunate enough to make my passion my work after meeting my amazing husband Jeffrey who owned his own tattoo shop. I just recently finished my internships at some of America’s most famous piercing shops and a dream to start something together was born. After falling in love with each other (and each other’s piercings and tattoos) we decided to expand his tattoo shop and I got to manage my own piercing shop in the same space! I’ve never been so happy being able to share my love for piercings through my shop and this blog I started back in 2013. We love to share models and inspiration, so feel free to email me your suggestions, pictures or if you just want to say hi!