Question 1

What Sterilization Practices Do You Use?

Accepted Answer

Our Studio is Proud to Use Sterilization Technology Including:SciCan Statim 5000 Series G4 Cassette Autoclave and;Ritter M9 S Series UltraClave All of our sterilizers are spore tested once a month using SporeAlert technology, assured to keep our clientele and practitioners safe. Any positive test results are immediately sent to us, by phone and email, to ensure the quickest possible interruption of possible contamination, and therefore, the safest practices for you."Biological indicators, or spore tests, are the most accepted means of monitoring sterilization because they assess the sterilization process directly by killing known highly resistant microorganisms (Geobacillus or Bacillus species). Mechanical and chemical indicators alone do not guarantee sterilization." - Center for Disease Control and PreventionWhile mechanical indicators alone do not guarantee sterilization, we do put a Class 5 Chemical Steam Integrator into each sterilization cycle that is run. Here is an example of how your integrator should look prior to having your jewelry inserted into a fresh piercing:This shows that the autoclave has met the conditions for sterilization, and has been run at the appropriate temperature, time, and achieved the proper pressure, to kill all possible biological material on any jewelry or instruments used. You are always welcome to request to see your mechanical indicator.We also keep our knowledge of cross-contamination and aseptic standards up to date with yearly continued education courses. Our piercer has taken courses including but not limited to: (yearly) Basic Blood Borne Pathogen training, (yearly) First Aid for Healthcare Practitioners Basic Life Support Training with CPR/AED training, Virology & Immunology: SARS-CoV-2 and Beyond Covid Precautions training. Our Piercer has also guested at many reputable APP studios across North America over the last 10 years, and has taken into consideration and implemented the most up to date practices available when it comes to their aseptic and sterilization techniques.We use medical grade equipment and disinfectants for tool reprocessing and surface decontamination including:Ultrasonic with a low-foam enzymatic cleaner (ratio of 4–8 ml per liter of water)Hospital grade disinfectants (including 1 minute kill time broad spectrum intermediate level disinfectant) in between clients, on every surface that has been used.We will always use Universal Standard Precautions when there is a possibility of working with bodily fluids. This means that we treat all clientele the same, regardless of any known or unknown risk of blood borne pathogens status. There are many people who have a blood borne pathogen, without knowing it; and use of these procedures on every clientele keeps you and our practitioners safe.Universal Standard Precautions Include:Hand washing: Before and after every procedure involving blood, our Practitioners wash their hands with an anti-microbial soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds and dry with a single use paper towel; or use 70% isopropyl gel rub before and after we touch any person.Wear and Change Appropriate PPE: We change our gloves a minimum of 3 times per sterile procedure, to ensure to lessen the risk of any possible cross-contamination of your fresh piercing. To ensure the most clean work flow, we also use Sterile Gloves during any piercing procedures.Clean Skin with Appropriate Aseptic Technique: 
We ensure to prep your skin a minimum of two times during a piercing procedure. Once for surface contaminants with 70% isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt and debris; and a second time after marking your piercing, with a broad-spectrum anti-septic skin cleanser like iodine and allow to dry for the appropriate amount of time.Sterilize & Insert Jewelry Appropriately - We will only ever use sterilized jewelry in a fresh piercing, and never use jewelry that is not APP Compliant, or that has been in someone else's body. This lessens the risk of any Blood Borne Pathogen transmission.Safe Sharps: We never recap or re-use needles. Once we use a needle, they go directly into a biohazard bin for safe transport to an offsite sharps disposal unit.Clean After Every Client: Regardless of who they are to you, (say, if you come in with your sister or your partner) we clean every used surface with a 1 minute Broad Spectrum Disinfectant and wait for the appropriate kill time (1 minute) before starting another procedure. You can rest assured you are in good (very clean) hands with us! 🥰

Question 2

Can I Bring my Infant or Small Children with Me to my Appointment?

Accepted Answer

We understand that you may have other obligations like looking after small children or infants. For the safety of you, the Piercer, and everyone in the studio, we ask that if you are bringing small children or infants to your appointment, that you bring a designated "Supervisory" Adult. Someone who is able to maintain a close eye on the wee ones during the appointment, so the Piercer and the person being pierced have uninterrupted time to discuss piercing business. We request that young children, unless they are being pierced, remain outside of the piercing room in the lobby during the appointment. This is to ensure the safety of not only them, but the safety of those who are being pierced and the person performing the piercing. The Piercer needs to be able to focus on performing the piercing, maintain aseptic procedures, keep control of the Piercing Room, discuss aftercare, and ensure that the client is handling the piercing well. All of this is difficult to do when there are interruptions or safety concerns. Folks who bring small, unsupervised minors who are unable to comply with safety regulations may be asked to reschedule to another time. This is nothing against you or your kiddos; this is for the safety of them, you, and everyone involved.

Question 3

I Had a Few Drinks Before my Appointment.... Now What?

Accepted Answer

Due to legal, ethical, and insurance policies, we are unable to pierce or tattoo you if you are under the influence of any mind altering substance. This includes any intoxicants like alcohol, weed, mushrooms, LSD, heavy prescription medication, or anything that may cause you to not be sober at the time of the procedure. We need to ensure that the person being pierced or tattooed is of sound mind, understands the ramifications of receiving services, is able to sit appropriately for the procedure, and is able to properly care for their body modification. As well, intoxicants can have a negative effect on those receiving services like vasovagal syncope episodes (passing out), heavy bleeding, non-epileptic seizures, and more. We want to ensure you are in a "safe space" to receive services. Anyone who is under the influence, or suspect of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, will be asked to reschedule their appointment to a later date. This is not out of judgement, but to ensure the safety of you, and everyone involved. If you are needing support, we have a community resource board and would be happy to refer you to any of our wonderful community supports.

Question 4

What is Your Late Policy?

Accepted Answer

Our Studio has a 10 minute grace period. We kindly ask that if you are running late to your appointment that you let us know as soon as possible. As we book up quickly, we may have to ask that you reschedule your appointment, so your time does not run into the next booked service, if you are more than 10 minutes late to your appointment. We do not want to rush services, and those who are getting services after you deserve as much time as you do. If we are unable to perform your service in the allotted time, we will express that, and try to reschedule to a time that is most convenient for you. Thank you for your understanding.

Question 5

Is my Tattoo Deposit Refundable?

Accepted Answer

Once you put a tattoo deposit down, this money will be used towards the final cost of your tattoo. Tattoo deposits are non-refundable, and will be forfeited if: You no-call, no-show your appointment or;Cancel or reschedule your appointment within a 24 hour period Make major changes to your tattoo idea within a 48 hour period

This because the slot for tattooing could have been used by someone else, and it may be difficult to fill. 
If you would like to re-book your appointment, you will be asked to put another non-refundable deposit down towards the appointment slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Sterilization Practices Do You Use?

Can I Bring my Infant or Small Children with Me to my Appointment?

I Had a Few Drinks Before my Appointment.... Now What?

What is Your Late Policy?

Is my Tattoo Deposit Refundable?