Unveiling the Art of Body Piercing: A Journey with Jasmine of Aurous Adornments

Welcome to another illuminating episode of the Life Multiply podcast! Today, we dive into the vibrant world of body piercing with Jasmine, the passionate owner of Aurous Adornments in downtown Bloomington. With over 13 years in the industry, Jasmine shares her unique journey, insights on entrepreneurship, and the artistry that goes into her craft.

Jasmine’s journey began with a simple love for shiny things. "I like to joke that I am a crow or a magpie," she shares, highlighting her affinity for beautiful adornments. This fascination led her to the world of body piercing, where she could create art on others' bodies—something she found more appealing than tattooing, as she humorously admits, "I can't draw to save my life."

Originally from Nebraska, Jasmine moved to Bloomington 13 years ago to pursue an apprenticeship in piercing. "It's like a tattoo apprenticeship; you find an artist willing to teach you, and then you learn over a couple of years," she explains. Despite not initially planning to stay long-term, Jasmine found herself deeply rooted in the community and committed to building her business.

Opening Aurous Adornments was not part of Jasmine’s original plan, but over the years, the idea began to take shape. "It started to become an idea within the last eight years or so," she recounts. With determination, Jasmine spent time researching and preparing before finally committing to her dream of owning a studio.

Every entrepreneur faces challenges, and Jasmine's experience was no different. She recalls, "Government stuff basically, you know, playing the waiting game with the fire department and the health department." Navigating inspections and regulations delayed her opening, but Jasmine remained resilient, ensuring she had enough inventory to meet customer demand.

Jasmine attributes much of her success to the supportive Bloomington community. "The downtown community is pretty great. We're friendly with most of the businesses here," she notes. This camaraderie not only fosters a positive work environment but also attracts more foot traffic to her studio, crucial for a new business.

As Jasmine settles into her new space, she has ambitious goals for the future. "I definitely want to kind of expand a little bit, as I said, and add a second piercer." She’s also considering adding permanent jewelry to her offerings to respond to growing customer interest in this trendy service. "I've had a couple different people walk in asking if I do that already," she reveals, indicating a promising direction for her business.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Jasmine offers a crucial piece of advice: "It's gonna take way more money than you anticipate. Honestly, I would double what your process is." This insight is invaluable for anyone considering starting a business, underscoring the importance of financial preparation.

Jasmine's journey in the body piercing industry is a testament to passion, resilience, and community support. From her humble beginnings to running her own studio, she exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit. Key takeaways from her story include the importance of thorough planning, embracing challenges, and the value of a supportive community. As Aurous Adornments continues to grow, Jasmine is poised to make an even greater impact in the world of body art.