Boutique Ear Piercing: What to Expect from a More Intentional Experience

Why Piercing Felt Like the Right Next Step

At one of my very first permanent jewelry appointments in December 2024, a client asked if I was going to be doing piercing. Although I didn't plan on it at that moment, it was something I had thought about. I'm a huge fan of piercings myself, and have 11 in my lobes/ear cartilage. As 2025 progressed, more clients asked about piercing, and I started exploring how to add it in a way that aligned with the All That Glitters experience—authentic, luxurious, and simple. When I discovered Kaunis, it clicked immediately. Nikki, the owner, is also a permanent jewelry artist, and she was able to answer all of my questions about safety, sanitation, and process easily, all of which helped make the addition a perfect next step for All That Glitters.

Not Rushed. Not Random. Not an Afterthought.

Like I said, I've got a number of ear and cartilage piercings, and I'm willing to bet I'm like most of you - at least the first few happened in a mall accessories store. While that was fine when I was an 11-year old dying to catch up to my friends and get my ears pierced, the experience was not something that felt well-matched to what I'm offering at All That Glitters. So how is a piercing with All That Glitters different than a mall kiosk?

• Appointment-based: All piercings require an appointment and take place at my North Loop studio. It's a beautiful space, quiet and calm, and appointment-based scheduling ensures a relaxed atmosphere for the client.

• One on one attention: No busy mall traffic wandering by or other customers needing my attention. You'll be able to select the stud(s) you love, confirm the exact right spot for your new sparkle, and ask all the questions about aftercare.

Clean, Careful, & Done the Right Way

I use professional, hand-pressured equipment from Pro-Pierce, which is different than the piercing gun that gave me my first two sets of lobe piercings and a cartilage piercing (which eventually failed). Each piercing utilizes single-use, sterilized cartridges, so the pieces

touching your skin are only used with you and then discarded at the end of the appointment. I'm meticulous about ensuring that the entire space is sanitary and prioritizing your comfort throughout the process. In addition to reviewing aftercare instructions at the end of your appointment, I'll send them home with you in written form, along with my contact info so you're able to feel completely confident in caring for your new piercing.

The Jewelry You Start With Actually Matters

All of the piercing studs I offer are high-quality, medical-grade materials, designed to promote healthy healing of your new piercing and look great while doing it. Options include medical-grade surgical steel, stainless steel, and titanium, and several are available in long-post versions to support thicker lobes/tissue. The studs feature patented Luft-Flow Backing, which helps prevent overtightening and promotes safe and comfortable healing. Plus, they are similar in gauge to regular earrings, so they are safe to wear long-term if desired.

I also carry retail earrings from Kaunis and other wholesalers that offer great hypoallergenic options, perfect for sensitive ears. In addition to the Luft-Flow Backs offered by Kaunis, I have flat-back options, both of which are perfect for young clients and anyone who wants to put their earrings in and forget about them.

Who Boutique Ear Piercing Is (and Isn't) For

First of all, boutique ear piercing is perfect for first piercings. Whether that's you or your little one, I'm happy to provide a calm and comfortable experience that will melt away any anxieties about the process. And for the young ones, I even have some fun perks to make the day a real celebration! Maybe you have a piercing that you let grow shut and want to revive - I've already done a few of these, and it's super simple! If you are looking for a walk-in experience, boutique ear piercing will not be a good fit. Overall, boutique ear piercing is an experience for anyone who wants a quiet, intentional moment of sparkle in a safe, clean environment.

What An Appointment Looks Like, Step by Step

When you book an appointment, you'll leave a small deposit, and this will be applied to the total cost of your piercing. When you arrive at my studio, we'll get you settled in. I offer complimentary beverages and a chill space to review all of the information before you select your studs and we get started.

I have multiple styles of studs in both gold and silver finishes, from super simple to a bit more presence, and several perfect for kids. Once you've picked your earrings, I'll walk you through the process, we'll mark the spot(s) for your new earrings, and get you taken care of - the whole appointment takes less than 30 minutes.

I'll review the aftercare instructions with you and send you home with an aftercare kit that includes them in written form, along with my contact info so that you can reach out at any point with questions. I also like to check in a day or so later, just to make sure you're feeling good and understand how to support quick healing for your new piercing.

Piercing As Part of a More Intentional Approach to Jewelry

Just like permanent jewelry, piercing is a long-lasting expression of your style or a way to mark a memorable moment. I love helping clients created a curated ear look that allows them to express their individuality in an effortless way. And I insist that the experience reflect the values of All That Glitters - calm, inclusive, and high-quality without being overly complicated.

If You're Curious, Here's How to Learn More

Piercing officially launched on January 1, and my appointment books are open. I'm available at the studio on Sundays and for limited weeknight appointments. I would love to chat with you about your goals in adding a new piercing - feel free to send me a DM or reach out via email: leanne@leannekampfe.com. During the month of January, I'm also taking limited model appointments to help build my portfolio. If you're interested in this option, shoot me a message! I'm excited to share this new facet of All That Glitters with you!