It’s Official: Jiinx is licensed and piercing at Evolution on Carlisle!
Big congratulations are in order for Jiinx, who has officially earned their license from the New Mexico Board of Body Art and has been promoted to Associate Piercer here at our Carlisle location. They've been a part of Evolution since 2021, and we couldn't be prouder to see them reach this moment. So let's get you properly acquainted with Jiinx: who they are, what it took to get here, and whether they might be your next piercer.
Meet Jiinx
Howdy! I’m Jiinx! I am a queer dog parent with a big heart for body modification and all things creative. When I’m not in the studio, I am usually geeking out over all the fantasy and anime universes out there, playing video games, watching movies or hanging out with my dogs. I’m originally from North Carolina, but I love to travel, which has given me the chance to live all over the country and even some time in Europe. I moved here from Washington state back in 2020 with my dog Kairi & I couldn’t be happier with this move! New Mexico holds a big place in my heart, and is somewhere I want to plant my roots. I first gained interest in body modification as a teenager, scrolling and learning about piercings and jewelry through the blogs of many piercers which cultivated a passion for safe piercing and beautiful jewelry. Working at Evolution has given me the opportunity to be a part of an industry that I have invested so much into as a client, the reward being that I get to be a part of the experiences that made me feel welcomed and accepted, but from a whole new perspective.
Have you always wanted to be a piercer?
I have had a passion for this industry since I was a teenager, but that always came from my perspective as someone who wanted a lot of piercings. Once I started working in the industry, my initial goal was to eventually make jewelry but as I got more and more exposure to seeing folks get pierced my interest in becoming a piercer grew. Later, I started to do jewelry changes which then secured the thought that becoming a piercer was meant for me!
What is your proudest moment from your apprenticeship?
My proudest moment was when I realized I had completed all of my licensure requirements months before my apprenticeship license was set to expire. I was proud to solidify my role among such an amazing community of people. Everyone I have worked with for years on counter had confidence enough in my ability to let me practice on them while still learning; and, it was because of my community that I was able to get as much hands on experience as I did so quickly! So, if you're reading this and you let me pierce you during that time, just know I am so grateful! It's because of the trust y'all put in me that I am able to do what I love!
What is your approach/what can clients expect from working with you?
I really love to have fun with my clients and celebrate the bravery and strength that it takes to get pierced! My goal is to always create a comforting experience through gentle guidance during the entire process so we can make the experience as enjoyable as possible!
Are there any specific piercings that are your favorite to work on?
I absolutely adore doing eyebrow piercings, stacked earlobes, snonches (otherwise known as a “high conch”, see below: top left image), and nipple piercings! Complimenting someone's unique anatomy is always incredibly fun, and it is truly an honor for me when others trust me to be a part of an experience that is typically more private.
What It Took to Get Here
Getting licensed in New Mexico is not a weekend course. Jiinx, like everyone who has apprenticed at Evolution, had a good head start. They completed the comprehensive training program we offer the entire team and put that into practice for years in a front of house role, which meant they walked into their apprenticeship with a solid knowledge base already in place. The state still requires a minimum of 1,200 hours of apprenticeship training, including 100 hours of theory and 1,100 hours of hands-on practical work under a board-approved sponsor. That training covers anatomy, infection control, sterilization, client consultation, and a full range of piercing procedures. Apprentices must also meet minimum requirements for the number and variety of piercings performed before they are even eligible to sit for the state board exam. Jiinx completed all of it and passed with flying colors.
Who Trained Jiinx
Ben Higgs served as Jiinx's licensed sponsor throughout their apprenticeship. Ben has been piercing since 2014 and joined Evolution in June 2022, coming to us from one of the nation's highest volume APP member studios. He brought over a decade of experience to Jiinx's training, and he wasn't the only one who shaped it. Piercers across both locations shared their knowledge and insights along the way, and the whole team supported Jiinx as they built the hours and experience needed to get here.
What Does An “Associate Piercer” Mean?
Jiinx is fully licensed and proficient in all common piercings, with a focus on safety, precision, and client comfort. As they continue building their client base and experience, they may occasionally collaborate with a mentor on more advanced or technical procedures. We take our team's continuing development seriously, and that kind of mentorship is how we make sure every client gets the highest standard of care.
Book with Jiinx
Starting in August, Jiinx will be piercing at our Carlisle location on Sunday, Wednesday, & Thursday! You can book any piercing with them directly through their scheduling link below. If they need more experience with a specific procedure, they will reach out after booking to let you know.
Reach out to Jiinx directly on Instagram at @Jiinx.evo or book online.
