With a dream of owning a tattoo studio, a friend of mine approached me with an opportunity to join him in this venture.  This opened the right doors and he helped arrange a piercing apprenticeship for me.  A local piercer at the time was wishing to leave the industry for personal reasons and decided to pass on her knowledge. 

With my apprenticeship being cut short, I was left in a position to look elsewhere for the answers I needed to continue my career as a piercer.  BMEzine.com soon became my main resource absorbing as much information as possible.  After I cross referenced everything I learned through my apprenticeship with the experienced piercers I met online, I then realized I had to retrain myself to meet the standards of those in the industry I looked up too. 

With the encouragement and support of my friends and family, I decided to continue pursuing what I love to do.  I wanted to exceed in piercing and business alike.  This vision has led to the position I am in today.  I continue to dedicate myself to the industry and work close with our local health board officials to ensure our industry continues to grow in a safe manner.  Here at Thrive Studios you will be pierced under strict hygienic, clean and sterile conditions. I will guide you through your experience making it very comfortable and continue the support throughout the healing stages of your piercing or scarification project.

Tom Brazda's willingness to create new and innovative ways to keep the industry progressing has inspired me to continue learning.  Also with Tom located close to my hometown, it was easy to visit him for even further guidance.

I began piercing in 2001.  My first business venture was "Twisted Body Art" in Hespeler, Cambridge.  Although it was short lived we moved to Preston with a new business name "Eternal Body Art."  Staying strong for three years in Preston brought even bigger dreams and ambitions.  I developed a new vision and I followed my dreams once again.  Thrive Studios was introduced to Cambridge in October 2005.  With a solid staff and a very comfortable atmosphere I believe we have created the experience most people are looking for.

I believe my passion for piercing shows through with each piece of my work. From the basic navel or eyebrow, to the more complex surface piercings or ear projects I feel rewarded by the feeling that is experienced by my clients.  I enjoy helping them in their transition during these modifications.  Each client has their own personal reasons for getting this work done and I will take my time to ensure that each client receives the experience they deserve.  Even if you have been pierced elsewhere I will gladly help you with any questions or concerns you may have.   

I am constantly continuing my education within the body modification industry. Each year I attend the week long APP conference in Las Vegas. At this conference we have an opportunity to partake in many different classes specifically dedicated to the piercing industry. Some yearly classes I've attended are bloodborne pathogens, first aid, infection control, anatomy, piercing techniques, studio set up and inspection just to name a few.

One of my specialties would be making each client feel comfortable during the whole procedure.  I maintain an excellent rapport which is long lasting even after they leave our studio.  I will also put the safety of my clients first.  It is very important to me that you are 100% satisfied with your visit and all your questions are answered before you leave our studio. 

My main challenge has been dealing with the business side of the industry.  I've moved locations four times now and have recently dissolved a partnership.  All these challenges have led me to recently open my own studio with a very comfortable working environment. 

Owning a studio brings the stress levels that can usually overtake many new businesses.  Overcoming stressful situations and running a smoothly run studio brings the feeling of accomplishment and pride.  I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

Scarification may not be new but the level of skill that is surfacing from artists throughout the world is outstanding.  To name a few artists really pushing the boundaries of scarification are Wayde Dunn, Dave Gillstrap and Ryan Ouellette.  I've had the pleasure of working with these artists in the past and really admire their style.  Check out my scarification portfolio and stop by for a consultation if this art form interests you. 

Scarification has been practiced for thousands of years mostly within tribes symbolizing rites of passage and ceremonies.  As one of the oldest forms of body modification, it hasn't been until lately that the western civilization has seen this art form practiced more on a regular basis.  Although it is not as common as tattooing, it is definitely becoming more aware to the public eye.  

Many people are familiar with the term branding and automatically assume this is the only method of scarification.  This is not so.  Cutting is slowly becoming more popular as more intricate designs can be cut into your body for the purpose of leaving a scar.  Cutting is the form of scarification in which I specialize in.

Scarification has quickly become a new passion of mine.  Although I was fascinated with many cutting artists in the early stages of my piercing career, I waited until I absorbed as much knowledge as possible before I agreed to do my first cutting.  When I became intrigued by scarification I really noticed Blair and Lukas Zpira's art.  Both these artists were making beautiful scars.  I remember always comparing my earlier cuttings with their portfolios to encourage me with improving my skills.   

Since I started cutting in 2003 I've been lucky to work along side some of the best scarification artists in the world.  Scar Wars is the first convention of its kind dedicated solely to the art of scarification and brought many of us artists together to share ideas and techniques.  Check out Wayde Dunn, Dave Gillstrap and Ryan Ouellette (links above) just to name a few artists really pushing the boundaries of scarification.   

I've also traveled doing guest spots and scarification around North America.  Some travels have brought me to Quebec City, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Montreal.  I love taking my passion on the road.  Some future tour goals would be Japan, Australia, Europe and Brazil.     

This form of scarification is solely for people who enjoy the look of scars.  Others may love the feeling of a healed scar.  Just like many people get tattoos and piercings to decorate their bodies, the same is true with scarification.  Some people prefer the look of scars vs. ink or jewellery.  This is no way related to self cutters who harm themselves.  

Some clients have existing scars which remind them of terrible times in their lives, such as car accidents, self cuttings, work related injuries etc.  I can usually sit down with a client and discuss a way to turn their negative scars into a positive piece of art.  By creating a new scar this is usually a turning point in their lives.  Many people have their own personal reasons for getting body modifications and I believe that everyone I've worked with has left our studio changed for the better in some way.  

Yes I guess you can say it hurts but it is not unbearable.  Everyone has a different pain threshold so what may hurt one person may not hurt the other.  Most people often have described cutting as similar as to getting a tattoo.

I will walk you through the whole experience during our consultation.  It's usually the thought of getting "cut" is what freaks us out.  I will ease your fears within the first few minutes of your appointment.  I haven't had anyone quit during an appointment yet.    

Scarification may not be for everyone and should be done by a qualified and professional practitioner.  Cutting yourself is dangerous and will usually result in a poorly done scar that could haunt you for the rest of your life.  Be sure you know what you're getting into prior to getting any serious body modifications done.  

Call me for a scarification consultation if you wish to learn even more.  I'd be happy to help you design your perfect scar.    

As this industry is highly unregulated it is important to do your own research prior to getting pierced or tattooed.  Body modification is becoming more popular each day and unfortunately there are many people trying to cash in on this industry at your expense.  Don't shop by price, shop by quality.  If you're not comfortable or they can't answer all your questions in anyway, walk away.  It's your body, it's your decision.  Be safe and you'll have a memorable experience along with a new piece of art to last you a lifetime. 

If you have any further questions I'm available anytime to help.  I'm also willing to take you on a personal tour of our studio to help you learn what to look for prior to getting a piercing or tattoo.  Please call to arrange for a guided tour anytime.