Artist Spotlight: Piercing with Angel

"This is a space to feel a human experience, and I hope to let it be as natural as that."

Angel is our piercer. She got into body art reconnecting with cultural and spiritual strengths, and sees it as a kind of remembrance and protection.

"I've lost a lot of materialism throughout life and relationships, but this is the one constant: the relationship to myself. Body art is a symbol of that connection." For her it's about body empowerment and the grounding that comes from something permanent when most things aren't.

Five years in, she describes her piercing as raw, freehand, and intentional. Her favorite piercing to do is the mantis: rare, bold, a little otherworldly. (Ask her about high nostrils too; she loves the tricky installs.)

What drew her to Old Crow was the feeling of the place. "You feel the care put into the shop, from artists to clients. Everything feels nurtured and accepting. Having worked at other shops before, I definitely feel the difference."

She wants clients to feel looked after. "I'm here to confide in and comfort you throughout the piercing process. Don't feel afraid to ask questions or take time to feel ready. The piercing is all about you."

If you're nervous: "The anticipation is worse than the actual piercing. :)" Her other advice: listen to a real piercer, not TikTok.

Her perfect day is a morning of installing jewelry and piercing while clients talk, maybe a little video of the shop, and ending on an ear curation. Her best meal after a long day: pumpkin curry.

Piercing is by appointment only. You can text the shop directly at (510) 834-2769 to schedule an appointment for a piercing. See her profile here.

Find Angel on Instagram as well: @nu.angelix