by Indianapolis, IN – A teenage tattoo artist from Indiana recently revealed a troubling experience from her early career, highlighting the crucial importance of workplace safety, proper training, and honesty with clients in body piercing practices.
The artist, known as Madam Mods, shared a viral video recounting an intense and uncomfortable genital piercing appointment that she was forced to handle alone without adequate preparation or supervision.
This incident has sparked broader conversations about the risks of unregulated body piercings and the ethical responsibilities of piercers to prioritize client safety.
The Unprepared Shift Turned Uncomfortable Challenge
Madam Mods, then aged 16 or 17, was covering a shift at her aunt and uncle’s family tattoo shop when she was approached by a client requesting a genital piercing. With her mentor absent and no prior experience with this type of piercing, she was left to rely on limited online resources like YouTube and Google to guide her through the procedure.
Key points from the experience include:
- Lack of formal training or adult supervision during the piercing.
- Inadequate understanding of anatomy and safe piercing technique.
- A much older boyfriend accompanying the client, who made inappropriate, harassing comments throughout the appointment.
Madam Mods explained, “He starts making comments about how this might be the hottest thing that he’s ever seen in his life… The whole time this poor girl is looking up at me like, ‘Sorry.’”
A Lasting Impact and a Lesson on Piercing Safety
Despite the harassment and lack of preparation, Madam Mods completed the piercing—albeit using the wrong needle and jewelry. Weeks later, the client returned solo to replace the jewelry and apologized for the uncomfortable circumstances during her boyfriend’s presence.
Reflecting on these early experiences, Madam Mods has since ceased offering such piercings, emphasizing the value of proper training and transparency. She urges piercers to be upfront with clients, especially if it’s their first time performing a particular procedure, and advocates for not charging for a service when it’s a learning experience.
“If this is your first time doing any type of piercing. For the love of God, don’t charge those people,” she warned.
The Health Risks Behind Genital Piercings
Genital piercings carry significant health risks beyond typical body modifications. Healthline and studies like one from Loyola University Health System highlight potential complications:
- Pain during activities and long healing times, sometimes up to a year.
- Risks of bacterial infections, abscesses, and serious bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis B and C.
- Piercings complicate childbirth and require removal prior to certain medical procedures like MRI or emergency surgery.
- High risk for those with diabetes, allergies, skin disorders, or compromised immune systems.
- Lack of regulation in many states increases dangers from improper hygiene and sterilization.
Experts stress the importance of proper aftercare and prompt medical consultation if complications arise. More details can be found at BroBible’s coverage of Madam Mods’ story.
Community Response and Calls for Accountability
The video and story have generated mixed reactions online. Many commenters praised Madam Mods for her honesty about the mistakes made, building trust through transparency. Others criticized the family shop’s management for putting a minor in such a vulnerable position.
- “Honestly the fact that you’re being honest abt your mistakes makes me wanna get a piercing done by you so bad,” one commenter wrote.
- “I can’t believe you went ahead with it. Why wouldn’t you just say you’ll have to make an appointment for that?” another questioned.
- Several pointed fingers at the aunt and uncle for inadequate mentorship and oversight.
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Madam Mods’ experience serves as a potent reminder that thorough training, ethical transparency, and client safety must always come first in body modification industries.
What Can Piercers and Clients Learn?
- Ensure proper apprenticeship and hands-on training before performing complex piercings.
- Never practice new procedures on clients without full disclosure and consent.
- Understand and communicate the health risks involved with intimate piercings.
- Be vigilant about inappropriate behavior in the workspace and prioritize a safe environment.
- Clients should seek experienced professionals and not hesitate to question or postpone procedures if uncomfortable.
With stories like Madam Mods’ gaining attention, the body piercing community can push toward safer, more responsible practices.
What do you think about this cautionary piercing story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
