Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Mills.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been a professional body piercer for over two decades, but my journey really started long before that — with a fascination for adornment, ritual, and how people choose to transform their bodies. I began apprenticing in the piercing world when I was young and quickly realized it was more than just a job for me — it was a craft, a form of art, and a way to connect with people.
Over the years, I worked in different shops, learned every aspect of the industry, and built a reputation for both technical precision and genuine care for my clients. In 2024, I took the leap to open my own private studio, Oubliette Body Modifications, in Dallas. My vision was to create something different from the typical tattoo/piercing shop — a high-end environment where clients could feel both comfortable and empowered, with access to some of the best jewelry available anywhere.
Today, I’m proud to say that Oubliette is exactly that: a space that blends artistry, professionalism, and personal connection. It’s been a long road, but every step along the way — the learning, the challenges, the risks — brought me here. And I wouldn’t change a thing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. The piercing industry has its ups and downs, and like many artists, I’ve had to navigate slow seasons, financial uncertainty, and the constant push to stand out in a crowded market. There have also been personal challenges — walking away from previous shops, starting over from scratch, and taking the risk of opening my own studio.
But every struggle has shaped me. They taught me resilience, pushed me to refine my craft, and gave me the drive to create a studio that reflects not just what I do, but who I am. In the end, the bumps in the road made the journey more meaningful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a professional body piercer and body-modification artist with over 25 years of experience. At my studio, Oubliette Body Modifications, I focus entirely on piercings, jewelry and body modifications — no tattoos, just an environment dedicated to body adornment. I specialize in high-end titanium and gold jewelry, as well as unique large-gauge pieces made from glass, stone, bone, and horn.
What I’m most proud of is creating a space where clients feel comfortable, cared for, and respected. Piercing isn’t just about technique — it’s about trust, communication, and making someone feel good about themselves. That’s always been the heart of my work.
What sets me apart is the combination of precision, artistry, and environment. Many shops treat piercing as a side service, but Oubliette was built to elevate the experience — from the private setting, to the carefully curated jewelry, to the aftercare and personal attention each client receives. My goal is for every person who walks in to feel like they’ve had something special, not just “another piercing.”
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that this work is about people as much as it is about piercings. Technical skill and jewelry matter, of course, but what really makes a lasting impact is how you treat someone, how you make them feel, and the trust you build. I’ve learned that success isn’t just measured in how many piercings you’ve done, but in the relationships you’ve created and the confidence you’ve helped foster in others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oubliettepiercing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feengerz/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Oubliettebodymodifications
- Other: https://share.google/tyMSXYWC5UofEatY2
