Tattoos and body piercings are two of the most popular forms of body modification—a way for individuals to express their identity, beliefs, and aesthetic preferences by adorning their bodies with unique designs and symbols. With that said, it’s worth noting that many tattoo studios offer body piercing services. This leads to cross-promotion and diversified revenue streams for businesses operating in both sectors.
Ricky Fung, a serial entrepreneur in the body modification industry, offers a unique perspective on the historical coupling of tattoos and body piercings. He suggests that while the industries have traditionally been linked due to labor efficiency and perceived client synergy, the reality is far more complex.
According to Fung, many piercers moonlight as tattoo studio managers, allowing studio owners to maximize their workforce without incurring additional expenses. However, this hinders the full potential of both crafts. It’s inevitable for practitioners who divide their time between multiple roles to lose dedicated focus. This leads to them losing motivation and perhaps even rusting their skills.
To illustrate his point, the forward-thinking entrepreneur highlights the differences between the tattoo and body piercing studios. The former operates as a service-based business, focusing on client consultations and tattooing sessions. Meanwhile, the latter involves both service provision and retail operations. This means piercing studios must manage extensive jewelry inventories, navigate supply chains, and maintain retail storefronts and merchandise.
Fung states that given the retail aspect of body piercing, which requires inventory management and merchandising skills, it might not align with the expertise or interests of tattoo studio owners. Neglecting these aspects can lead to financial losses and operational inefficiencies, impacting the viability of the piercing business within a studio setting. Adding to the issue is that many piercers may face challenges in maintaining job satisfaction and professional development while juggling tasks unrelated to their craft.
Despite these issues in the broader piercing industry, the body piercing jewelry market has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Its size reached $59.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2023 to 2030.
Sharing his perspective on the current landscape, Fung notes a shift toward standalone piercing businesses focusing exclusively on piercing services. This trend shows that piercing is no longer a complementary service within tattoo studios, as more piercers dedicate more time and resources to their passion.
Fung also recognizes the gap between the two industries and client preferences. He observes that while some clients may feel comfortable in a tattoo studio environment, others, such as mothers with young children, may prefer a more specialized setting for body piercing services. Known for his impressive ability to seize opportunities in both emerging and developing markets, Fung established Pierced.
Pierced is a concept store that provides fine jewelry in solid 14K gold and titanium for all ear, face, and body piercing needs. The establishment boasts a sterile, comfortable piercing environment staffed by educated jewelry professionals and experienced piercers who prioritize client satisfaction and safety.
“The rationale behind Pierced is to provide a space where the piercer can shine as the star, the main attraction. We aim to build an aesthetic that’s much more welcoming to the majority of our demographic, which includes moms and their daughters. We want to create a welcoming environment—something a little more feminine, whimsical, and less aggressive,” Fung supplies.
Pierced departs from the traditional approach of focusing on cost-saving measures and instead employs a standalone business model to fulfill its mission of creating a highly customized experience for both the technician and the client. “Staying true to our mission of building an inclusive environment that prioritizes piercers means our clients also win,” the visionary adds.
The founder shares that he and his team encountered supply chain issues upon launching Pierced because of the gatekeeping of the big players in the market. Limited supplier options led to monopolies, which restricted creativity and competition. Fung highlights a crucial point: when suppliers hold a monopoly, they lack the incentive to innovate. The result is a stagnant market. Regional players can’t gain exposure without competition, leaving consumers with limited options.
When navigating the challenges within this niche market, Fung recounts incorporating the approach he used with Chronic Ink, the renowned tattoo studio he owns. He allowed Pierced to have its own time and space to grow, all while advocating for competition and innovation to increase consumer choice. Fung seeks to revolutionize the industry by offering piercers and consumers an extensive selection of jewelry options through Pierced.
Fung also co-founded Junipurr, a body jewelry company that is in line with this mission. Now fully owned by his wife, the brand remains committed to delivering quality gold and titanium jewelry to good piercers.
The innovative entrepreneur looks forward to executing the exciting growth plans he has for Pierced, aiming to expand its presence within several new markets. Fung also intends to continue supporting the body piercing industry by offering apprenticeship opportunities and advocating for it to become a standalone entity, decoupled from the tattoo industry.
Published by: Martin De Juan
