Meet Desi McAfee | Body Piercer & Tooth Gem Technician

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

Hi Desi, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic /creative career because it allows me to express my passion and individuality in a tangible way. Creativity fuels me and I believe that art and creativity have the ability to inspire and touch people on a deep emotional level. Pursuing a career in the artistic realm allows me to share my unique perspective and connect with others through my work. It brings me great joy to bring beauty and creativity into the world and it allows me to tap into my true passions and interests.

Whether it’s curating piercings or creating a concept for tooth gem designs , I experience a sense of excitement. Seeing the immediate impact of my work on others when someone gets a piercing or tooth gem and leaves with a big smile on their face is so gratifying. Knowing that i brought them happiness is an amazing feeling.

Additionally, the creative nature of my chosen career path allows me to constantly challenge myself and push the boundaries of what’s possible. It encourages me to think outside the box, innovate, and explore new avenues. This process of learning and evolving keeps me motivated and excited about my work which is something that I was lacking. Prior to me choosing to take this path, I was nursing for 12 years. During the peak of the pandemic I was beginning to feel so boxed in, it felt like my soul was being sucked out of me , I ended that career in the transplant department . This was definitely the change and breath of fresh air that I needed.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am most proud of building a reputation for high-quality work and customer service , making my clients feel comfortable in my studio and creating unique designs that bring them excitement! Starting my own path in the piercing and tooth gem industry required determination, and honing my skills through practice. I encountered hurdles such as establishing a client base, and I’ve embraced the power of online platforms and social media marketing to showcase my work and connect with a broader audience. One of the aspects that makes my work so enjoyable is the opportunity to meet new people. Each day I get to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds , my work often involves traveling and attending pop ups and conventions which adds an extra layer of fun to it all. I have genuine happiness and enthusiasm for coming to work every day which allows me to create memorable experiences for my clients.What I want people to know about my brand and story is that I am dedicated to providing exceptional service. Each piercing and tooth gem application is approached with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to industry best practices. I aim to create a fun, welcoming and comfortable environment for my clients, fostering trust and long-term relationships. It’s a true honor to be able to pursue my passion, and creativity in the world of piercings and tooth gems.

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 would recommend visiting a local record store, Spinster in Bishop Arts is a good one to immerse yours in the nostalgic charm of digging through vinyl records. Or a dive bar with good music, and good crowd is Double Wide . You could spend hours discovering unique vintage items, and hidden gems at lula B’s or Dolly Python. And of course stop by the tattoo shops in Deep Ellum , Heart in Hand Gallery and Elm Street Tattoo !!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to a few individuals who Without their inspiration, opportunities, and support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I would like to extend my appreciation to my good friend Audra & Oliver for believing I could do this! Oliver Peck, provided me with the greatest opportunity to work in one of his shops and even got me my piercing apprenticeship. And a big thanks to my spouse & family for offering support, encouragement and confidence to pursue my dreams and overcome challenges along the way.

Website: Desiduzit.com

Instagram: Desi_duz_it