Meet Owen Beane

A Journeyman through the Evolution of Body Piercing

In 1996, when Owen Beane embarked on his professional body piercing career, the landscape of the industry was vastly different from what we know today. At that time, the state of Massachusetts did not officially recognize body piercing as a profession. Though not illegal, it operated in a gray area without regulation. Being a professional piercer was a privilege, but the community interested in body piercing was small, leading to significant downtime for practitioners.

The turning point came in 1997 with the release of Aerosmith's music video on MTV, featuring Alicia Silverstone getting her navel pierced at "The Gauntlet." Alicia's popularity made the piercing experience enticing, sparking an overwhelming demand for navel piercings. Owen transitioned from idle hours to a bustling schedule, needing to keep a candy bar and soda handy for sustenance amid the newfound demand.

Simultaneously, Lollapalooza, a prominent music festival, brought counterculture to the forefront of popular culture. Band members adorned with visible piercings and tattoos fueled a surge in Labret, Tongue, Eyebrow, and Nipple piercings, further escalating the demand for body piercing services.

As the '90s approached their end, Owen found himself at the center of a cultural revolution. Amid warnings that body piercing was a passing fad, Owen built a clientele and formed relationships that would shape his future. Fortunately, the skeptics were proven wrong. Body piercing evolved into a lasting and expanding element of popular culture.

In the early 2000s, Owen's clients began requesting earlobe piercings for their children, a testament to the trust he had earned over the years. This marked the beginning of a unique specialization. By 2005/2006, Owen received his first drawing of appreciation from a child. This was a powerful moment for him. He realized that he wanted to dedicate his career to offering safe earlobe piercing for children.

Fast forward to 2020, the year of the unprecedented pandemic. Despite the challenges, the demand for earlobe piercings for children soared after the business resumed post-shutdown. Families, now more focused on public health, more often chose regulated facilities for their children's piercings.

After managing Chameleon Tattoo and Body Piercing for 18 years, Owen took over ownership of the piercing operation and changed the name of the company to True Love Body Piercing. Years of hard work and dedication resulting in a career that has withstood the test of time. Owen continues to evolve, driven by a passion for providing safe, empowering, and meaningful piercing experiences.

🪬Love and respect to all who have been part of this incredible journey.🪬