Today we’d like to introduce you to Breanna Bethea.
Hi Breanna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I didn’t plan on becoming a piercer at all. I was working in mortgages and lending, and while it was stable, it just wasn’t me. I’ve always been a creative person, and sitting behind a desk all day started to feel really repetitive and uninspiring. I needed something that felt a little more… alive.
I ended up starting a piercing apprenticeship just for fun, with no real expectations. It was supposed to be something on the side, but once I got into it, I fell in love with the creativity and connection that came with it.
When I moved to Houston, I knew I wanted a real change, so I applied to pierce full-time at [Mejuri](https://mejuri.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com). That experience helped shape me so much. I quickly grew into a leadership role, helped train other piercers, and even got the opportunity to be part of opening their flagship store in Canada.
Everything really shifted when a friend invited me to do my first pop-up in Houston. I didn’t even have my own jewelry at the time, but she pushed me to figure it out. I sourced pieces online, trusted myself, and just went for it. That one event turned into so much more. It did so well that my inbox started filling up with more opportunities, and I realized I had something real on my hands.
Eventually, I made the decision to leave my full-time job and fully bet on myself. I opened my own studio to keep up with demand, and that’s how Bre Stings really came to life.
These days, I do fewer pop-ups, but I still love collaborating with other women-owned businesses and traveling to Austin for fun boutique events. I’m also looking forward to growing my team and taking on apprentices in the future.
More than anything, I love what this career has given me. It’s not just about piercings, it’s about helping people feel like themselves, creating something personal, and being part of a community that celebrates individuality. I put my heart into every curation, and I’m really excited for what’s next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been finding a real work life balance. Being your own boss comes with so much freedom, but it also means you’re responsible for everything. You’re the artist, the scheduler, the marketer, the customer service rep, all of it.
There was also a learning curve when it came to the business side. Figuring out things like liability, legal requirements, taxes and how to run everything properly behind the scenes was something I had to pick up quickly. On top of that, staying consistent with communication, especially on social media, can feel like a full-time job on its own.
Honestly, one of the biggest turning points for me was getting the right support. Having my assistant, Julie Anne Cordero, has made such a difference. She’s truly my right hand and has helped me stay organized, keep things running smoothly, and actually grow the business in a sustainable way. I genuinely couldn’t have done it without her.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a luxury piercing artist and the founder of Bre Stings, where I specialize in curated ear styling using high-quality 14k gold jewelry. My work is really about creating a personalized experience for each client. No two ears are the same, and I love designing pieces that feel unique to the person wearing them.
I’m especially known for the environment I’ve created. It’s very different from a traditional piercing or tattoo shop. My space is intentional, elevated, and welcoming, with a focus on making women and queer clients feel comfortable, seen, and taken care of. It’s just as much about the experience as it is about the final look.
What I’m most proud of is building something that feels authentic to me and reflects the kind of space I wish existed when I first started getting pierced. I’ve been able to grow a business that not only supports me, but also creates community and opens the door for collaboration with other women-owned businesses.
What sets me apart is the level of care and detail I put into every curation. I’m not just placing jewelry, I’m styling, balancing, and really thinking through how each piece flows together. I also take a lot of pride in educating my clients so they feel confident in their choices and their healing process. It’s a very personal service, and I treat it that way every time.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to stay grounded in yourself. The piercing community can be strict, and while there are important standards that absolutely need to be respected, it can also feel discouraging when you’re just starting out. It’s evolving though, and there’s space for new voices and new approaches. Don’t let naysayers stop you. Focus on becoming the best at what you do.
If you’re specifically interested in piercing, take your training seriously. Find a reputable mentor, learn proper safety and sterilization protocols, and really understand the responsibility that comes with the work. This isn’t something to rush or cut corners on. You’re working with people’s bodies, and that deserves care, knowledge, and respect.
I also always tell people to invest in quality from the beginning. It might feel like a bigger upfront cost, but it will save you in the long run and elevate your work immediately.
And don’t forget to bring your own style into it. There are piercing shops everywhere, but what makes people come back is you. Your eye, your energy, your perspective. Let that shine through in your work and your space.
For anyone thinking about making a change, whether it’s piercing or something completely different, go for it. Life is short, but it’s also long enough to reinvent yourself. It’s never too late to pivot and build something that actually feels aligned with who you are.
Pricing:
- piercing fee $35
- 14k jewelry $88+
- titanium jewelry $60+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brestings.com
- Instagram: @bre.stings
- Other: TikTok @bre.stings
