Kaleb, Body Piercer at Soul Survivors Winnipeg

My first job in the industry was actually working the front desk at Soul Survivors, right here in Winnipeg. It gave me an inside look at how a professional piercing studio runs day to day—watching artists work, learning the process, and seeing how much care goes into every service.

But if we’re talking about my very first piercing experience, that goes way back. I got my earlobes pierced by my Dad when I was 10 years old. I remember being more excited than nervous because I’d wanted it for awhile. My mom had a rule that I had to wait until I turned 10, and my dad—who was already deep in the tattoo and piercing world—was completely on board.

Growing up, piercing and body modification always felt like a normal part of life. It wasn’t strange or rebellious—it was just us. Even when I was little, Dad would call to check in before doing a body mod on himself, just to make sure I was okay with it. Looking back, that early exposure shaped how natural and meaningful this work has always felt to me.

Naturally, my dad was a huge influence. Growing up with a piercer for a father meant that this world was always part of my life—it wasn’t something I discovered later on; it was just there from the start. Watching him work and seeing how he connected with clients had a big impact on me.

Beyond that, I think what really shaped me was just being surrounded by so many talented people from a young age. I grew up around incredible tattooers and piercers—people like Blair and Azl—who showed me what it looked like to love what you do and to take pride in doing it well.

Those early experiences gave me a deep respect for the Winnipeg piercing community and for the kind of people who choose this work. The sense of connection, integrity, and artistry that I saw growing up is still what inspires me today.

As I’ve developed in my career, I’ve become more and more drawn to the intricate and uncommon piercings—the ones that challenge my technical skill and understanding of anatomy. I’ve had the opportunity to do a couple nasalangs, and I regularly work with microdermals and other surface piercings that require extra precision and care.

Those kinds of piercings keep me engaged because they ask for both creativity and technical awareness. It’s not just about placing jewelry—it’s about considering how the anatomy moves, how the piercing will heal, and how it can look most natural and aesthetic on the client.

I love that part of the work—the constant learning, the attention to detail, and the ability to offer people something unique within the Winnipeg piercing scene that not everyone is doing.

I wish more clients understood that as important as it is to see a professional piercer, the real key to success is what happens after the piercing. Aftercare is more than half the battle—it determines how well and how successfully your piercing will heal.

Even the most straightforward piercings, like earlobes or even cartilage piercings, require time and patience. You’re not signing up for something that’s fully healed in a couple of weeks—it’s often a six-month or longer process. The body knows how to heal, but it needs care and consistency to do it right.

It’s also important to remember that you can get pierced by the best piercer in the world, but if the aftercare isn’t followed properly, it can still cause issues. Healing takes partnership between the piercer and the client.

I always encourage my clients here in Winnipeg to reach out if they’re unsure about anything during the healing process. I’m more than happy to help troubleshoot or offer guidance through a message or check-in. That open communication often makes all the difference in ensuring a safe and beautiful result.

The Winnipeg piercing community is small, but that’s what makes it special. Even though the piercing world can sometimes feel a bit more independent or segmented than tattooing, there’s still a strong sense of connection between those of us who work here. It’s easy to form genuine, meaningful relationships with other Winnipeg piercers, even if there aren’t many of us.

I really value the shift toward a more collaborative mindset. My dad came from an era where the industry was a bit more isolated and exclusive, but I prefer a more open, cooperative approach. If a client needs something I’m not comfortable doing, I’m happy to recommend another piercer—like Andrea or Joe—because I know they’ll take great care of that person. And it goes both ways; I’ve had people referred to me as well by other piercing peers. That mutual support is what makes our small community thrive.

I also love that Winnipeg piercing clients still get piercings spontaneously—walk-ins are a big part of what keeps things lively. You meet so many interesting people that way, and it reminds you how diverse and open this city is. Lately, I’ve been making an effort to connect more directly with other piercers, whether that’s chatting at conventions, getting pierced at another studio, or just saying hello in person. Everyone I’ve met so far in the Winnipeg piercing community has been incredibly kind, and it feels good to be part of something so genuine.

The best comparison is getting a shot at the doctor — and honestly, most piercings are easier than that. The actual piercing part is over in a second or two.

Pain is different for everyone, and it depends on the area you’re getting pierced, but it’s usually a quick, sharp pinch and then it’s done. There’s nothing you need to do to “prepare” for the pain — that’s my job to manage. I’ll guide you through it, tell you what’s happening, and make it as smooth as possible.

There are also certain piercings that no reputable piercer should be doing — things that carry a high risk of tissue damage, migration, nerve involvement, or permanent complications. If a piercing falls into that category, I’ll always be upfront about it and explain why it isn’t safe.

My priority is offering services I’m fully trained in, that I can stand behind, and that will heal well for you. If there’s something I don’t offer.