Meet Gustavo Lopez | Body Piercer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gustavo Lopez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gustavo, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing that I think people are not aware of (not just for body piercers but for tattoo artists as well) is the time and materials that go into doing what we do. I always get asked why such a simple earlobe piercing costs so much? But they don’t see the time and materials that I put in to get the jewelry ready for the customer, sterilizing my clamps, cleaning and maintaining the autoclave, sanitizing my work area or making sure everything is 100% ready to go when the customer walks in. All of that takes time and materials. But I do it so my customer has the best piercing experience and hope they come back for more.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
More about my art……hmm. Well I have been piercing for a little over 9 years now. It’s definitely a fun job to have. I mean I’m sure not a lot of jobs let you take your Xbox to work and play on company time lol. I’m most proud of all the things that being in this business has allowed me to have and accomplished. There are people living in Greece, Africa and I believe Finland that have piercings done by me. I’m pretty proud of that too. It was definitely not easy to get to where I am today. You have to work hard at it every day. But if you do that it will definitely pay off. A lesson I’ve learned is to take the risk. I was working construction during the day doing piercings after. Then I decided to take the risk and do body piercing full time and here we are in my 1st interview. First of many I hope. Weather the world sees this or not I just want them to know that your life is what you make it. I’m just a regular guy that was able to start a business and become my own boss. If I out of all people can do it, you can too. Trust me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s one thing I love about Houston. There’s so many things to do and there’s always something going on. I personally like to have a drink or two, so I like to go to bars. My favorite being Poison Girl so I would definitely take them there. Kemah boardwalk and Pleasure Pier are also some good spots. Would go kart racing at any K1 speed location. Landry’s Seafood House or Texas Roadhouse are a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely my partner for the last 5 years. Since the day we met she has pushed me to be the best person I can be ever single day. She has helped me get organized in my work and personal life and has always been there to make sure I’m alright. And the times I have fallen she was right there to pick me back up. She also gave me the gift of being a father and I cannot thank her enough for that. She’s the most amazing person you will ever meet and a wonderful mother to our little girl. I will also like to give credit to my good friend and local tattoo artist Beto Pizano who was the one who taught me and brought me into this business 9+ years ago. Without him offering that chance I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Instagram: piercings_in_houston

Other: Studio page @sacredartshtx

Image Credits
Photography by L & C