Meet Michele Speelman | Professional Body Piercer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michele Speelman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michele, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My decision to start my own business came from a desire to create a space that truly reflects my values and provides a meaningful experience for my clients. I found that my previous work environments no longer allowed me to express my skills fully or align with my principles. It became clear that working for myself was the best way to be true to my vision.

In the body art industry, there’s often a glorification of the grind, but I believe in prioritizing self-care to ensure that I am able to provide the best service to my clients. My studio was designed to support both my well-being and that of my clients, integrating mindful practices into every aspect. While it doesn’t come without challenges, having the freedom to shape my own path and prioritize my well-being has been invaluable.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply rooted in the belief that body modification is not just about aesthetics but about empowerment and self-expression. What sets me apart is my holistic approach to body piercing, where I incorporate mindful practices that prioritize the well-being of my clients. I’m passionate about creating a safe, welcoming space where people can feel valued and heard, and where their unique stories can be honored through the art of piercing.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the intentional space I’ve created in my studio. It’s not just a place for piercings; it’s a space where clients can feel comfortable and supported throughout their experience. This journey wasn’t easy—there were many challenges along the way, from finding the right location to building a brand that reflects my values. But each challenge taught me valuable lessons about resilience, patience, and the importance of staying true to my vision.

Getting to where I am today professionally required a lot of hard work, perseverance, and the willingness to learn and adapt. While my studio is new, it was built on a foundation of extensive experience in customer service and communication from my 20-year career in healthcare. These skills have been invaluable in creating a positive and personalized experience for my clients.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s not just about piercings—it’s about creating a meaningful experience for each client. My goal is to help people feel more confident and connected to themselves, to provide a space where they can express their individuality in a safe and supportive environment. I think if my journey shows anything, it’s that it’s never too late to follow your passion and build something meaningful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m so excited to answer this because I absolutely love this city, and there’s so much to do! If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want to make sure she experiences the best of what Columbus has to offer.

We’d kick off the trip with a day of pampering at Perfections of Dublin, where my studio is located. We’d start the day by getting our hair done by Harley at Creative Beauty Lab—she’s amazing at what she does and always leaves you feeling fabulous. Then, we’d both head over to Taya’s Nail Spa for relaxing manicures. Afterward, we’d treat ourselves to rejuvenating facials at Skin Glam by KAM, leaving us both feeling like brand new people!

After a morning of self-care, we’d cross the street to Los Gauchos, one of my favorite places known for their incredible al pastor tacos. It’s the perfect spot for a delicious, casual lunch. And since no day of pampering is complete without something sweet, we’d stop by Kung Fu Tea for a refreshing bubble tea. Their selection is amazing, and it’s a great way to cool down and relax.

The rest of the week would be all about exploring Columbus’s vibrant coffee scene. We’d visit some of my favorite coffee shops, like One Line Coffee for their expertly brewed espresso, Florin Coffee for its cozy atmosphere and delicious pastries, and Gata Magica, where the ambiance is as magical as the coffee itself.

One of our favorite hangout spots would definitely be Tabletop Board Game Cafe. We’d spend hours there, enjoying great coffee and snacks while playing a variety of board games. It’s the perfect way to unwind and have fun together.

We’d also make sure to spend time at Japan Marketplace. We’d start by grabbing mochi donuts at Mochi Ring and coffee at Koko’s Bakery, then pick out our favorite Totoro plush at J Avenue. Afterward, we’d pick up some delicious sushi from Sushi 10, known for its great quality at a reasonable price, and take it with us to Griggs Park, where we could enjoy our meal outdoors in the lovely metro park setting.

And finally, we’d do something we’ve been talking about for years—get our matching shrimp tattoos! Columbus is home to so many incredible tattoo artists, and we’d make sure to find the perfect one to bring our idea to life.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my husband because without his unwavering support, none of this would have been possible. From the start, he believed in my vision and encouraged me to pursue it, even when challenges arose. He’s been there every step of the way, helping with everything from setting up the studio to managing the details behind the scenes. His belief in me has been a constant source of motivation, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without him.

Website: https://www.bodymodsbymichele.com

Instagram: @bodymodsbymichele

Facebook: Body Mods by Michele