ANKH Piercing has been the island’s only dedicated piercing studio for almost a decade. Taking a chance on a business model that many said wouldn’t work, Caroline left the safety net of working alongside a tattoo studio and opened her own space, where she could fully immerse herself in the art of professional body piercing and create a comfortable environment for personal expression.
Recently, Caroline made the move from her old studio to a new location on Hope Street. Fittingly, the building is where her piercing journey began – at Skin Deep Tattoo Studio – bringing things full circle. We caught up with her to hear about her journey so far, and what she’s learned from embracing her craft over the past ten years.
How long have you been a piercer?
I’ve been piercing in Jersey for nearly ten years, and my commitment to my craft is reflected in my dedication to continuous education. I regularly attend multiple industry conferences, allowing me to stay current with the latest advancements in aseptic technique, jewellery standards, troubleshooting protocols and advanced techniques. This ongoing professional development ensures that every client receives a service that aligns with the highest safety standards in the industry.
What sparked your interest in this career path?
I have had a lifelong fascination with individuality and self-expression. Piercing is an art form that goes beyond adornment – it’s about enhancing confidence and helping clients feel incredible in their own skin. The history of piercing and self-expression through this art form is centuries old, and I am honoured to be a small part of it.
What services do you offer?
We specialise in professional body piercing, only using materials that meet or exceed industry safety standards for initial piercings. This includes implant-grade titanium – which is hand-polished to a mirror finish, to minimise surface porosity and bacterial adhesion – as well as a curate selection of solid 14kt and 18kt gold. We proudly offer the largest collection of APP-verified jewellery in the Channel Islands, from leading brands such as Junipurr, Industrial Strength and BVLA.
We offer above the belt piercings – however in the last couple of years decided to drop oral and septum piercings. I felt this was the right decision – I felt my skills, focus and passion were better suited to create ear styling, individual ear piercing, nostrils, navels and nipple piercings.
Overall, our commitment to safety is absolute. Every procedure, from a new piercing to jewellery changes, is performed using sterile, single-use equipment and aseptic technique to prevent cross-contamination.
What’s your most memorable industry moment?
The moment that has always stayed with me was my first time attending a piercing conference in 2017. After meeting a fellow piercer at a Manchester tattoo convention, he took me under his very knowledgeable wing and invited me to attend that year’s UKAPP conference.
Initially, I felt intimidated, but upon entering the venue was embraced by a community of dedicated professionals. The environment was defined by its shared passion for elevating our industry, not by what modifications a person had or how many years of experience they’d gathered. The collective desire to learn and support one another in providing the best possible service for our clients was truly inspiring, and solidified my place in this industry.
I will always be thankful for the kindness of others that offer their time and knowledge to ensure we all “stay sharp.” Especially my friend Matt. I wouldn’t be the piercer I am today without him.
Debunk a commonly believed myth about piercing.
One of the most persistent myths is that piercing guns are a safe and acceptable method for body piercing. This is unequivocally false. Piercing guns use a spring-loaded or hand-pressed mechanism to force a blunt stud through soft tissue, causing significant blunt force trauma and tissue damage. The studs are often made from low-quality metal, and the devices themselves cannot be properly sterilised, posing a high risk of cross-contamination and infection.
Another common misconception is the use of oils in aftercare. Products like tea tree oil, aloe vera, or others are often incorrectly recommended for healing piercings and ‘piercing bumps.’ In reality, these oils can be highly irritating, and – more importantly – they can clog the piercing channel (fistula), in turn prolonging the healing process by trapping bacteria and preventing the natural secretions needed for proper healing.
Why did you decide to relocate?
Choosing to move was a difficult decision. Like many businesses, we faced rising costs – and I needed a more flexible schedule with my daughter. I refused to compromise on the quality of our jewellery or service, so a change of location was necessary. When this specific lease became available, it felt like fate. Fifteen years after falling in love with the industry within these very walls, I am now able to open Jersey’s only dedicated piercing studio within them. Walking down the road to our new home fills me with a sense of nostalgia, and it truly feels like a full circle moment.
What can clients expect from your new space?
A piercing experience in a studio that is designed first and foremost for their comfort and safety. We’ve expanded our jewelry selection to include an even greater variety of implant-grade materials, genuine stones, diamonds and solid gold pieces – from a range of world-renowned brands. Our new space allows us to continue providing the quality experience we’re known for, where a client’s anatomy, lifestyle and personality align for the best possible outcome. We’re also working on some exciting new products and services that we’ll be announcing soon!
What impression do you hope clients leave with after their piercing experience?
I want every client to feel truly cared for and to leave with the impression that their experience was a worthwhile investment. My goal is to ensure every person who walks out of our door feels confident, safe and excited to show off their new piercing, knowing they’ve received the highest standard the industry has to offer. I always want my clients to understand that they are welcome to come in for follow-up appointments anytime – we’re always here to help, no matter how small the question.
