COMMUNITY
BEST
2 nd 3r d
Revolt Tattoo Studio Flying Machine Coffee
NEW BUSINESS:
Pinky's Piercings
Allison Macey
2520 Village Green Place, Champaign
wasn’t sure what to expect when I made my first trip to a piercing shop. To my pleasant surprise, my excursion to Pinky’s Piercings, winner of CU’s Best New Business, was the least intimidating experience I could’ve asked for. In fact, going to the new shop, located within the Rod Sickler Salon and Spa, feels more like you’re getting your nails done than getting a piercing. Having a location within a salon was a “godsend” to owner and pro-piercer, Karla Pinky Grimes. Formerly of No Regrets Tattoos, Pinky said she is thrilled to have her own shop on her own terms. “I have my own business which I can control, and still I get all the benefits of having these other businesses here in a professional environment,” she said. Professionalism and safety is present in everything Pinky does. The main idea behind Pinky’s Piercings was a shop that could meet APP (Association for Professional Piercers) standards. This means that all the jewelry is implant-grade quality, and the shop has the best hygiene methods possible. “One of the first things I did was get rid of the junk jewelry,” she said. “I know what’s in my metal. I know how it’s polished. Long story short, it makes everybody happy.” Not only is her jewelry high quality, it’s also low priced. Pinky was annoyed by huge disparity
between the cost and value of a piece of jewelry at most shops and wanted to change that at her own place. “At most piercing shops, if you’re paying $15 for piercing, it’s mostly likely only worth $0.30," she said. "I saw there was a tremendous markup on cheap jewelry, so I wanted to offer really nice jewelry to people at a decent price. I don’t mark my stuff up much.” Pinky offers a standard $25 fee plus the cost of jewelry on any, and I mean any, type of piercing. Many may not realize there are piercing trends, but whatever the hot, new piercing is, Pinky can do it and has great jewelry to match. “Last year was the trend of the triple forward helix, that’s the three itty bitty gems at the top of the ear and it goes small, medium, large," she said. "Pinterest started it. It went gangbuster ... and septum piercings are really hot right now on girls and guys.” Of all the great things Pinky’s Piercings has to offer, the biggest asset is Pinky herself. From the environment to the pricing to the styles, everything she does at her shop has her customers in mind. She even has a “no pressure piercing” policy where she won’t pierce anyone, especially young kids, without proof of desire for a piercing. She has new markdowns every month and even offers discounts to people with good grades.
Danielle Janota
I
If I ever feel the need to get a piercing, I will most definitely go to Pinky’s Piercings. She’s experienced, sweet, and fashion-forward. Pinky is the cool aunt I always wanted.
Pinky's Piercings is run by Karla Pinky Grimes in Champaign.She is dedicated to having a clean, comfortable and professional shop.
Your Champaign-Urbana location for hair, skin and nails! Best Place on Campus for Your Full Body Waxing!
6 buzz November 8≠ 14, 2013