Hanna Moore stands in a piercing studio at Sticking Point Studios, her tattoo and piercing shop in Sharon.
Hanna Moore of Masury fulfilled a dream when she opened Sticking Point Studios this fall.
Sticking Point, in Sharon, offers tattoos, body piercings, tooth gems and other body modifications.
“We do ear piercings on kids as young as 5, 6, all the way up to a couple weeks ago we pierced a 79-year-old’s nose,” said Moore, a body piercer.
Moore grew up in the business as she had two siblings who previously owned a shop. She has been giving piercings for about 10 years – she started as an apprentice – and calls it her passion.
“Modifications, they can be really beneficial for self-expression and self-esteem,” she said. “They can take people from viewing themselves one way and help them personalize themselves in a different way.”
Body modifications can improve someone’s confidence, bring a little joy in the middle of a hard time and some people believe piercings alleviate medical issues, such as headaches, Moore said.
“I really like being able to help make someone’s day,” Moore said.
Moore wants her shop to be a safe space for often marginalized populations, and she’ll hold fundraisers for community causes.
Pennsylvania does not require licensing to be a tattoo or body piercing artist – Ohio does – but Moore said many artists who operate in Pennsylvania are trained in first aid, blood-borne pathogens and CPR, and many in the medical field offer tattoos or piercings on the side.
Similar to many hair salons, the artists who work out of Sticking Point are independent contractors.
“We all work together as a really amazing team,” Moore said.
Friday the 13th is a big day for body modifications and Moore used the last one – on Dec. 13 – to help spread the word about her shop. At times, people were lined up outside waiting to see what the shop had to offer.
“This event, it kind of gives them an opportunity to check out our shop, our artists, (and) get to know (them) real quick,” Moore said. “It’s a fun event. They can kind of get a groove, see if they vibe with the artists, (and) like their work.”
Sticking Point is at 1460 E State St. and is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Call or text 724-910-0340 for information.
