Meet Aimee Bell | Piercer & Jewelry Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aimee Bell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aimee, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m a first generation Ecuadorian American from New York City. The city tends to be a highly competitive place and being a first-gen made that even more apparent. I was always pushed to do more and learn more in order to live a fulfilling life. In addition, living in one of the fashion capitals of the world exposed me to varying methods of adornment. This combination drove me to choose a life long career in piercing using high end, quality jewelry. The piercing industry is highly competitive and requires continuous learning in anatomy, updating techniques, and knowledge in jewelry. I love piercing because it is an alternative method of styling and can be done to look classic, chic, or literally alternative. Curating my clients’ ear piercing collection is one of my favorite aspects of my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Prior to piercing, I originally pursued a career in science. I graduated college and worked in a microbiology lab in New York. Regardless of my profession, I was always interested in body modification. After moving to Texas, my friends Ursula and Sasha furthered my passion for piercings and tattoos. I soon realized body modification could become my career. About a year and a half after moving, I acquired a piercing apprenticeship at a tattoo shop. My knowledge in biohazard safety and anatomy helped me excel in piercing. Even after my apprenticeship, I continue to learn from others and work towards improving the jewelry and environment that Dark Age Tattoo provides. Not all tattoo shops are willing to put in the effort to create a safe environment, and it is a problem I have experienced first-hand. I worked at two other tattoo shops that didn’t provide the safe conditions Dark Age does. I am glad I have the opportunity to continually grow the piercing side of this shop, and that the owners and shop manager are open to refining this experience. Piercing should always take place in a safe environment and be performed by someone knowledgable in anatomy and aware of their capabilities.

Piercing is stepping away from just standard steel jewelry – it is becoming a beautiful way to adorn and express yourself. Now ranging in both materials and stones, piercings can be elegant and reflect who you are as a person. I provide high end and safe jewelry for people who want to make a statement. My dynamic career experience, openness, and understanding of clients’ wants and visions set me apart from other piercers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I personally enjoy a couple of places in the DFW area. Immediately throughout a week I would take anyone I know visiting the area to places I enjoy in my work industry. Salvation Tattoo, Shaman Modifications, and Dark Age Tattoo Studio are my go to shops to experience quality service in the tattoo-piercing industry. Besides that some of my favorite food locales are Uchi, Spiral Diner, Joy Macarons, ChestNut Tree Bistro, The Cookshack, Lucky’s Hot Chicken, Oh K Dog, and WAYA Japanese Izakaya. I love the Carrollton area for Korean food and shopping. There is even a Spa Castle there which has all your self pampering essentials to create a relaxing time. HMart is also my favorite shopping center for asian groceries and snacks. I also enjoy the Holocron Store in Fort Worth, it’s a Star Wars theme store with awesome collectibles. From Holocron it’s an easy drive to other tourist locations like the Kimbell Art Museum and the Museum of Science and History. I love the diversity in the DFW area and that there are always new landscapes to experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my good friends Ursula Thomson, Sasha Ignarski, and Kelly Graff. Ursula is an excellent piercer and gave me the opportunity to learn more about piercing and jewelry. She continues to support me with feedback, connecting me with industry leaders, as well as general moral support. Sasha is a tattoo artist in Dallas and inspires me everyday to improve. She has grown in her art and has become my family away from home in Texas. Kelly, the shop manager at Dark Age Tattoo Studio, has helped me create the piercing experience I’ve always wanted to provide at the shop. Kelly has literally helped me become the piercer I am today. We work with only quality jewelry and want to provide a high end experience to our clients at Dark Age Tattoo Studio.

Website: http://aimeebell.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsaimeebell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsaimeebell