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Kikkio, Piercer/Tooth-Gems at Soul Survivors Winnipeg

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Kikkio – Winnipeg Piercer at Soul Survivors

Body adornment and tooth gems with intention and care

About Kikkio

Kikkio’s body modification journey began in 2007 and has evolved alongside her own personal growth ever since. What started as a love for adornment and self-expression has transformed into a deep passion for helping others feel more at home in their bodies — and more radiant in their skin.

After spending several years in Saskatoon, Kikkio recently made the move to Winnipeg to continue expanding her craft and connect with a wider community. She began her professional piercing journey in 2023 and is dedicated to learning, growing, and honoring the sacredness of this work with care and integrity.

As a skilled piercer and tooth gem artist in Winnipeg, Kikkio specializes in helix piercings, curated ear projects, and adding sparkle to smiles through professional tooth gem application. Her clients describe her energy as calm, intentional, and warm — the kind of presence that instantly puts you at ease. She’s passionate about creating a safe and inclusive space for every person she adorns, and she loves curating custom ear projects that celebrate each individual’s unique anatomy and personal style.

Deeply immersed in her own wellness and self-development journey, Kikkio approaches her craft as both an art and an act of empowerment. And if you know her, you know she’s never far from something that sparkles — her love for glitter and shine now extends to offering tooth gems, letting her clients add a little extra magic to their smiles.

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*This email is for existing appointments only. Please call the studio at
(204) 284-1173 for all general inquiries. Thank you.

Piercer Q&A with Kikkio

Q: What inspired you to become a piercer?

I grew up in a hotel that had a tattoo shop in the basement — my mom managed it — so I basically grew up around tattooers and piercers. I used to peek into the shop as a kid, watch everyone work, and then run away when they caught me looking.

I was also very much a product of the LA Ink era — I remember seeing Kat Von D and thinking she was the coolest person ever. In elementary school (don’t try this at home!), I started piercing myself — my septum and lip — and honestly, looking back now, the placement wasn’t bad!

From there it just kind of stuck. I was always known for having piercings, experimenting with looks, and loving body art. My mom was always stylish with her own hoops and piercings, so it just felt like a natural part of life for me. Becoming a piercer was less of a decision and more like something I grew into — it’s always been around me.

Q: What was your first experience or job in the piercing industry?

It’s kind of a funny story. I was going through a big life change and decided it was time to start fresh — new chapter, new energy. So I walked into a friend-of-a-friend’s shop one day and told myself, “I’m going to get my nose pierced, and she’s going to offer me an apprenticeship.”

My dad came with me, totally skeptical, and I just told him, “Watch.” Sure enough, I got my nose pierced, and before I even left the shop, Bailey offered me an apprenticeship. I still had 30 days before my move to Saskatoon, and the timing lined up perfectly.

Thirty days later, I packed up, moved, and started my apprenticeship — and honestly, I never stopped. It felt like one of those moments where everything just clicks.

Q: Do you have a favorite artist, mentor, or influence who shaped your work?

Definitely. My friend Piercings by Tea has been a huge influence. She’s one of those old-school piercers — also a nurse — who’s just fearless. She’s got these big, strong hands and such a confident way of working that watching her pierce feels almost effortless.

What’s wild is that I actually found her years before I ever became a piercer. She did my first set of microdermals and even my nipple piercings when I was younger — the only person I trusted to do them because I was so shy back then. Fast forward a few years, and she ended up working at Silverado when I started my apprenticeship. I got to learn directly from her, which was surreal. Someone I once looked up to became both a mentor and a close friend.

It’s one of those everything’s-connected stories that keeps showing up in my life. I’ve also had piercers I admired from afar on Instagram — the ones I thought, “I’ll know I’ve made it if they ever notice me.” And this past year, a few of them actually started liking my photos and following me, which was so cool and kind of full-circle in its own way.

Q: What do you love most about piercing?

Honestly, the connection with my clients. That’s what keeps me coming back more than anything. I love the actual piercing part — the precision, the focus, the flow — but it’s the human connection that makes it magic. For whatever reason, people tend to open up with me, and I love that. I think they can feel my empathy. I’ve had clients share the most beautiful, personal stories while we’re in session, and those moments of exchange feel really special.

It’s also where I think my background shows — I’m careful, I’m meticulous, and I take my time to make sure everything is done right. My mentor, Tea, always told me, “Trust your mark,” and that’s something that’s really stayed with me. I take a lot of pride in my precision, and I think my clients can feel that too — the balance between skill and spirit.

At the end of the day, piercing for me isn’t just about the jewelry — it’s about helping people feel seen, confident, and connected.

Q: What drew you to Tooth Gems?

Honestly? I’m pretty extra. ✨

It started because I wanted to learn how to apply them on myself — I love anything that sparkles, so it just made sense. But once I started doing them on other people, I realized it’s another layer of what I already love about piercing: adorning people in ways that make them feel amazing.

Tooth gems are such a fun way to express personality. Your teeth don’t have to be “perfect” — sometimes it’s the little quirks that make them even cuter. Like, instead of hiding something you’re insecure about, you can literally put a gem on it and turn it into a flex.

And honestly, for people like me who’ve maxed out on face piercings, it’s just the next evolution. A little extra sparkle never hurt anyone.

Q: What’s meaningful to you about being part of Winnipeg’s piercing community?

Honestly, coming to Winnipeg just made sense. Back in Saskatchewan, I felt like I’d hit a ceiling — I loved my time there, but I knew there was more I wanted to learn and explore. The body modification scene here is on another level. You see advanced work everywhere — blackwork, facial piercings, full curation projects — it’s such a creative environment.

I came here because I wanted to grow and develop my career, and Winnipeg has such a welcoming and tight-knit piercing community. It feels like a place where I can not only continue learning but also contribute everything I’ve developed so far.

It’s exciting to be surrounded by people who push boundaries and love the craft as much as I do. I’m just grateful to be part of it — and to keep building more connections in a city that really celebrates body modification.

Kikkio’s Work

Helix Piercings – Specialized cartilage piercing expertise
Tooth Gem Application – Adding sparkle and shine to smiles
Curated Ear Projects – Custom ear piercing designs
Body Piercing – Professional placement with intention
Inclusive Adornment – Safe space for all clients
Custom Jewelry Selection – Celebrating individual style
Wellness-Centered Approach – Empowering body modification
Cartilage Piercings – Expert technique and placement

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I care for my tooth gem?

Proper aftercare will help your gem stay secure and sparkle as long as possible. Here’s what to do:
For the first 1–2 hours:

No food or drinks. (I always recommend waiting the full 2 hours.)
If you must drink something, use a straw.

For the first 12 hours:

Avoid hard foods
Avoid alcohol
Avoid brushing aggressively over the gem

Ongoing care:

Always brush lightly around the gem — never scrub directly on top of it
Do not pick at or play with your gem
Maintain regular dental hygiene (gentle brushing and flossing are totally fine)

With proper care, your gem can last anywhere from several months to a year or more, depending on placement and daily habits.

Q: How are tooth gems applied?

Tooth gems are applied using a safe, painless cosmetic process similar to how orthodontic brackets are bonded to the teeth.
Here’s how it works:

1. Preparation:
The tooth is gently cleaned and conditioned with a dental etchant so the adhesive can bond properly.

2. Bonding:
A small amount of dental-grade composite adhesive is applied to the tooth.

3. Placement:
The gem is positioned on top of the adhesive with precision.

4. Curing:
A LED curing light is used to harden the adhesive, locking the gem securely in place.

There’s no drilling, no needles, no pain, and no damage to the tooth when the gem is professionally applied and removed.

Until Your Next Visit

Thanks for taking the time to learn about my approach to piercing and adornment. I believe body modification is sacred work — a chance to help you feel more aligned with who you are and more radiant in your own skin. Whether you’re here for a helix piercing, a curated ear project, or a sparkly tooth gem, I’m honored to be part of your journey.

Looking forward to adorning you! — Kikkio

Book with Kikkio Ready to add some sparkle or create your dream ear curation? Book a consultation with Kikkio to explore piercing and tooth gem options.

To Book An Appointment, Call (204) 284-1173!