ABOUT THE OWNER
A real human owns this business 💕
My Humble Journey: The Story Behind Jade Alexandra Piercing
Hi, I’m Jade - the piercer and proud owner of Jade Alexandra Piercing. This is the story of my journey, one built on perseverance, passion, and a deep love for my craft.
How It All Began
My career in the industry started back in 2010, when I was given an opportunity that, to this day, I remain incredibly grateful for. I began an apprenticeship with Lee from LLCooltatts, initially training as a tattoo artist. I had always been artistic and creative, and tattooing seemed like a natural path for me. But as life unfolded, I didn’t end up becoming a tattooist - yet this was still my first step into the world I now love so much.
At the time, I was young, without family support, and struggling financially while trying to make it on my own. Apprenticeships back then were unpaid, and as much as I was passionate about learning, I needed a way to support myself. That’s when I turned my focus towards body piercing - a skill that could not only sustain me but allow me to express my artistry in a different way.
I was fortunate to receive support from Bert Moutter, a local support worker from the charity DISC. With his help, I applied for a grant from BUTTLE UK, allowing me to enrol in a body piercing course. I share this part of my journey because I will never forget where I started and the people who helped me along the way. Charities like these, and the individuals behind them, truly change lives.
A Hard Lesson in What Not to Do
In 2011, I completed a four-day “above-the-waist” piercing course. I use quotation marks because, in hindsight, it was far from what I now know proper piercing education should be. The first piercing I ever did was a tongue piercing, and I was terrified. No real training, no proper guidance - just a mark and the instruction to “go for it.” That was it.
I was naïve, and my knowledge was brand new.
Equipped with a so-called “piercing kit,” I had been led to believe that I was ready to begin my career. In reality, I had been misled. What I learned in that course was outdated, incomplete, and completely insufficient. I had to teach myself everything - properly - from scratch.
Looking back, I now understand that piercing courses like these are a money-making scheme, giving out certificates that are meaningless and sending undertrained piercers out into the world without the knowledge needed to practise safely. It is irresponsible, unethical, and dangerous - for both the piercer and the client.
This is why I now advocate strongly for proper training through a real apprenticeship with a reputable mentor. Piercing is not just about “poking a hole and putting in jewellery.” It is a serious practice that involves skin penetration, sterilisation, cross-contamination prevention, and an in-depth understanding of wound care. The fact that the industry remains unregulated means that many people are operating without the proper knowledge, which is why I always encourage clients to do their research before choosing a piercer.
Growing, Learning, and Evolving
From 2014 to 2017, I worked in a busy city centre studio, and it was during this time that I truly began to understand what was lacking in the industry - and what needed to change.
I became increasingly aware of:
The importance of jewellery materials (not all jewellery is safe!)
The quality of surface polish and how it affects healing
Proper wound care, healing stages, and potential complications
The critical role of aseptic techniques in piercing procedures
This was also when I attended my first United Kingdom Association of Professional Piercers (UKAPP) Educational Seminars. It was a game-changer for me. I saw what was possible, and I knew I had to do better.
However, I also realised that working under someone else meant I was limited in how much I could evolve. Not everyone shares the same values when it comes to growth, education, and integrity. For some, “if it works, why change it?” But that’s not how I see things.
If I have the knowledge to do better, why wouldn’t I?
If I can provide safer, higher-quality services, why wouldn’t I make those changes?
If I truly care about my clients’ health and safety, why would I settle for anything less than the best?
It became clear that to continue growing, I had to take a leap of faith.
Taking the Leap - Jade Alexandra Piercing Is Born
I asked myself a very simple but important question:
“Do you believe in yourself?”
The answer was yes.
So, I left my job, determined to build a business that put integrity before profit, ethics before convenience, and client safety above all else.
I won’t lie - it was terrifying. At the time I was in my early 20's and I had just lost both of my parents, I had no savings, and I had no financial safety net. But I had self-belief, and that was enough.
I remember the moment my first order of high-quality jewellery arrived. It was flawless, hand-polished to a mirror finish - a stark contrast to the subpar materials I had been restricted to in the past. This was the standard I wanted to uphold, and there was no turning back.
I spent years learning, saving, and investing in both myself and my business. It wasn’t always easy, but I was evolving - not just as a piercer, but as a person. Integrity is the most valuable investment we can make.
Finding My Home at Buzzin Guns
In 2019, after searching for the perfect space, I met Sue and Chris, the owners of Buzzin Guns. They weren’t just studio owners—they were people who shared my values and commitment to growth. I am so grateful to be a part of such an incredible studio, where I can run my business with absolute dedication to quality, safety, and client care.
Beyond Piercing
Outside of work, I am a lifelong learner. I love reading, gardening, and spending time in nature. There’s nothing quite like a peaceful morning with a cup of tea, listening to the birds before starting the day.
I also occasionally breed and show long-haired Miniature Dachshunds, who bring endless joy to my life. And, of course, I’m incredibly blessed to have a wonderful partner who supports me every step of the way.
With Gratitude
I am endlessly grateful - for the lessons, the struggles, the victories, and most of all, for every single client who has put their trust in me.
This business isn’t just something I’ve built - it’s something that has shaped me into the person I am today.
So, thank you. Thank you for being a part of my journey and for allowing me to be a part of yours, even if just for a moment.
With love and eternal gratitude,
Jade x
(She/Her/They/Them)