#iamAvanti -> I Am Moving Forward -> Stories of Transformation

Jessica and Sammie talk about how their life experiences transformed them into the person they are today. They also discuss the dangers of piercing oneself. Stay tuned for the next episode! Listen in and leave your comments below! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:41 - Meet Sammie 1:31 - Sammie shares what got her into aesthetics 5:59 - Sammie talks about how she wants to look the way that she do since she were five 9:59 - Jessica and Sammie talk about how they confide to their sisters about their piercings 13:38 - Sammie gives advice to those who are struggling with their parents and doesn’t have the same sense of self 15:09 - “It's gonna be okay,you can always take piercings out and get them repierced and don't do it yourself.” - Sammie 16:00 - Jessica and Sammie discuss the possible outcomes if you pierce yourself 19:11 - Sammie shares the craziest thing she have ever done to her hair #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Ann talk about how piercings and body modifications transform them as a person. Listen and learn to this fun conversation! Stay tuned for the next episode! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 1:00 - Meet Ann 2:33 - “It's nice to get to know more people and be able to help them.” - Ann 5:38 - Ann talks about her piercings 9:55 - “I actually wasn't planning on getting in on anything pierced but I kind of have this shiny ball syndrome where I see jewelry and then I want it!” - Ann 10:31 - Ann narrates how she got her first piercing 15:59 - Ann’s whole timeline of getting her piercings 19:33 - Ann shares what piercing she is looking forward to have 20:27 - “It's always fun. I see it as a collaborative art project.” - Jessica 21:20 - Ann shares how she feels with her piercings and body modifications 23:51 - Jessica and Ann talks about how piercings transformed them as a person 32:37 - Ann ends the conversation with an advice #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Sarah talk about how Sarah went from neuroscientist to artist. Listen and learn how creativity can be expressed through body modifications! Stay tuned for the next episode! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:32- Meet Sarah 2:51 - “The cool thing about what is happening in the world right now is a lot of people are finding themselves with a lot of spaciousness in time.” - Sarah 4:17 - Sarah shows some of her artworks and explains the process of how she create them 12:24 - Sarah talks about how her own creativity is related to her body modifications 13:19 - “If the environment that I'm trying to go into is not conducive to my own self-expression, then I shouldn't be there.” - Sarah 18:34 - Sarah talks about her first body modification 22:51 - Sarah shares her thoughts about tattoos and piercings 26:53 - Sarah gives advice to everyone with a creative mindset 28:56 - “If someone doesn't like the piece that you've done, then they're not the ones that the piece was for.” - Jessica #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Zani talk about their piercing experiences. Zani also shares how it is like to grow up in a foster care system. Stay tuned for the next episode! Listen in and leave your comments below! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:44 - Meet Zani 1:33 - Zani talks about her piercings 6:46 - Zani’s advice before getting a piercing 7:56 - “I think any form of modification is a way to let your inside shine out” - Jessica 8:02 - Jessica and Zani talks about listening to one’s inner voice to express oneself 11:10 - “Piercings and tattoos helped me find myself.” - Jessica 11:39 - Zani gives advice to everyone who is nervous to make a change for themselves 13:04 - Zani’s advice to the young ones who are new to modification who are having a hard time dealing with negative comments 16:20 - Zani shares her experience growing up in foster care 20:13 - Zani talks about the misconceptions associated with people who grew up in the foster care system 25:21 - Zani shares how empowering it is to have one’s own sibling in foster care 27:34 - Zani concluded the interview by giving advice to anyone who's facing any challenges at home #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Stacy talk about their own piercing experiences. Stacy also shares the piercing experience of her daughter. Stay tuned for the next episode! Listen in and leave your comments below! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:26 - Meet Stacy 2:21 - Stacy talks about her piercings 6:36 - Stacy shares how it is like to be a mother to a seven-year-old daughter 9:10 - “If you can't brush your teeth, how are you going to take care of your earrings? “- Stacy 10:18 - Stacy talks about what piercings mean to her personally 11:43 - “It makes me feel much more feminine to have earrings in which is why I really like it”- Stacy 15:06 - Stacy gives advice to parents who have kids who are wanting to get modified 19:07 - Stacy ends the conversation by giving advice to anyone who is curious about getting any sort of modifications but isn't really sure if they want to go through with it #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Riley talk about the different ways of expressing oneself. They also mentioned that getting piercings is one beautiful way of self-expression. Stay tuned for the next episode! Listen in and leave your comments below! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:25 - Meet Riley 2:39 - Riley talks about her first piercing 3: 50 - Riley shares what does self-expression mean to her 5:37 - “Why I get piercings or tattoos is because I think it's such a beautiful way to express yourself.” - Riley 8:18 - Riley talks about her tattoos 12:15 - Riley shares her preconceived notions of what a person with piercings and tattoos is when you she was younger versus now 19:12 - Riley discuss about how thoughtful is the piercing process in Avanti 23:28 - “I feel like it's just become such a part of me and it makes me a little bit happier when I look in the mirror like I have that and that's part of me now.” - Riley 26:07- “Actually, my body is exactly what I say it is because I'm the person who's wearing it.”- Jessica 28:07 - Riley concludes the conversation by commending the platform for letting different people share and have self-expression to be talked about #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Melissa talk about how piercings help Melissa become more confident and appreciate her features more. Stay tuned for the next episode! Listen in and leave your comments below!  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:38 - Meet Melissa 2:39 - Melissa and Jessica talk about their piercings and their piercing experience 6:00 - Melissa shares how she became more confident after being pierced 9:26 - Melissa and Jessica share their parent’s take with their piercings 12:47 -  “I honestly think a lot of it has nothing to do with the stigma with modification and it has everything to do with the fact that their child is growing up.” - Jessica 13:40 - Melissa talks about how she would incorporate art in the job she wanted to do 16:59 - Melissa reveals the reason why she wanted to help people who learn differently 19:20 - “I don't really talk about my piercings in like, hoping that they would understand. I just definitely be myself.” - Melissa 22:50 - Melissa shares what piercing she is looking forward to get after the pandemic 25:15 - Melissa ends the conversation with advice to those who are afraid to get pierced but really wants to #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Alexa talk about Alexa's love for animals and for piercings. Stay tuned for the next episode! Listen in and leave your comments below! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:42 - Meet Alexa 1:17 - “It’s kind of nice in a medical specialty being able to express yourself that way without feeling limited by your job.” - Alexa 1:37 - Alexa talks about what got her into being a Veterinary Technician 2:53 - Alexa shares their clinic’s operation during the pandemic crisis 4:20 - Alexa talks about what led her to get piercings 6:05 -  Alexa’s piercings journey 10:29 - “I felt truly unique with my spiral on my right ear where I felt like that one was different and not one that a lot of people have so that was my special place.” - Alexa 10:46 - The piercing that makes Alexa feel the most unique 18:56 - Alexa shares what led her dedicate her life to animals 20:24 - “ I love talking about husbandry and the care of those animals with clients. I think it’s fun to share that knowledge and I try to do it in a way where they feel safe and not like they’re judged.” - Alexa 21:20 - “One of the reasons why we started doing these calls is you look after animals the way that I look after people’s piercings.” - Jessica 22:24 - Alexa explains her misconception before she started getting piercings versus now 29:23 - Alexa concludes the conversation with talking about her favorite animal #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Avanti's very own Jessica and Silas talked about Silas' ongoing process of self-acceptance. Listen in and be inspired to keep moving forward! Stay tuned for the next episode! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:42- Meet Silas 1:45 - Silas explains what it is like on the East Coast vs on the West Coast 4:21 - Silas talks about his journey of self-acceptance, and what that process means to him 6:40 - “This journey has been obviously really centered around my gender journey and being trans but I do feel like it really extends into so much more than.” - Silas 11:07 - Silas speaks about confronting your fears of self-reflection 14:08 - Jessica speaks about OCD and what it means to experience an anxiety based mental illness like that 14:50 - Silas talks about sitting with your feelings, and the process of moving from fear to witnessing them 18:58 - Silas talks about his expectations of the modified world vs. what it means to become a modified person 22:12 - Silas talks about his dream of being a tattoo artist 23:38 - Silas talks about what it means to be Jewish, trans, tattooed and pierced 25:15 - Jessica and Silas talk about living the questions and moving past the identities given into the identities chosen 36:01 - Silas wraps up the conversation with one more piece of advice on coming to terms with your true self #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Listen to Jessica and Shayna as they share a PPE walkthrough with a tutorial on how to safely put on your gloves. Stay tuned for the next episode! DISCLAIMER: Although these won’t create a completely sterile environment, these are great tips we compiled to help you understand the best, safest way to use Personal Protective Equipment for beginners. Please follow at your own discretion. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 1:57- Shayna begins the PPE walkthrough with a tutorial on how to safely put on your gloves 3:36 - Jessica explains what you need to do first before going to the grocery store 10:06 - Jessica goes over cleaning and sanitizing materials 10:51 - Shayna provides some safe, package free storage techniques 11:54 - Jessica and Shayna go over hand washing techniques, and how to decontaminate your household after a trip outside 14:45 - Jessica and Shayna wrap up the tutorial with some last bits of advice #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Martae discuss how they used piercings for body positivity. Martae also shared how she was able to overcome bullying and judgment from other people. Listen in and be inspired by these strong individuals! Stay tuned for the next episode! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:42- Meet Martae 5:24 - Martae talks about the piercings she retired 7:10 - Martae talks about how her navel piercings helped her accept her body more 9:19 - “Now I see that now that I’m perfect the way that I am. I’ve always been self-conscious because in high school and middle school, I was bullied a lot.” - Martae 13:35 - Martae talks about why she wants to go to Beauty School 21:40 - Martae talks about beating the odd’s and rising above expectations 23:15 - “Like that’s I know, it’s not a once in a lifetime opportunity, but it was my opportunity that I had to take because I had to prove them wrong that I can do this.” - Martae 27:11 - Martae ends the conversation with advice for overcoming obstacles and bullying #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Gigi talk about how they love everything about makeup and how they realized that the creative world was for them.  Stay tuned for the next episode! Listen in and leave your comments below! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:38- Meet Gigi 9:30- Gigi explains what it was like to grow up in L.A. vs what it is like to live in Oregon 17:42 - Gigi explains when they first started to realize the creative world was for them 18:12 - "I was like, okay, maybe the idea of like working in an office isn't the worst thing in the world. However, I've kind of curated my look in such a way up until this point where I have to be in a really cool office." - Gigi 18:47 - Gigi gives advice for anyone curious in attending beauty school 23:13 - Gigi and Jessica discuss what it's like to work in a piercing studio 27:07 - Gigi explains why you DON'T have a nose that's too big for a piercing 29:46 - Gigi leaves us with some last pieces of advice on overcoming fear when expressing yourself #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Jasper talk about Jasper's experiences in the military and how he was able to apply all the lessons he has learned from there to his life and career.  Stay tuned for the next episode! Listen in and leave your comments below! DISCLAIMER: Some of this may be triggering for those who have served in the military. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:47 - Meet Jasper 5:20 - Jasper talks about what it was like to start his piercing Journey at 24 7:11 - Jasper talks about overcoming mental blocks when he started piercing 12:47 - Jasper explains what his favorite part of piercing is 14:39 - Jasper talks about his experience with being a guest artist 16:51 - After traveling so many places, Jasper explains what he loves about Avanti 18:31 - Jasper discusses the impact the army had in his life, serving during wartime 19:11 - "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong. In the army, when it happens and it happens every day, you think, you improvise, and you make it happen…that attitude helped me in everyday life." - Jasper 22:14 - Jasper explains how piercing has changed since he started piercing in 2001 26:55 - Jasper talks about his perspective on misconceptions about those who have served. 33:55 - Jasper talks about what bravery means to him 37:02 - Jasper and Jessica discuss how success is being redefined in light of current events 42:33 - Jasper wraps up the conversation by explaining what piercing he is looking most forward to doing when Avanti opens back up and why #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Jagger talk about how Jagger went from piercer to jewelry maker. Listen and learn more about the process of body jewelry making! Stay tuned for the next episode! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:46 - Meet Jagger 1:21 - Jagger talks about what brought him into the industry 2:42 - Jagger explains how piercing is an artistic expression that can take several sessions 5:45 - Jagger explains the stretching process and his own journey 6:46 - "When it comes down to stretching your ears, you better take your time." - Jagger 9:00 - Jagger explains how he went from piercer to jewelry maker 11:51 - Jagger talks about what brought him to Oregon 16:11 - Jagger explains the differences between West Coast and East Coast modification communities in the '90s and now 20:11 - Jagger talks about his favorite, and least favorite, stones to work with 24:58 - Jagger and Jessica discuss allergies to rocks 31:05 - Jagger talks about his new business venture into the Adult Novelty industry 34:40 - Jagger ends the interview with advice for how to get started into stone carving and jewelry making 37:27 -  "When it comes to making body jewelry, there are not many resources at all, so you got to get a little inventive and just think outside the box" - Jagger #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Jaelyn talk about their own journey as they go through life. They also shared how they become better persons when they learned to accept, respect, and love others for who they truly are.  Stay tuned for the next episode! Listen in and leave your comments below! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 1:06 -  Meet Jaelyn 4:29 - Jaelyn and Jessica discuss looking past their flaws to see their own unique abilities 8:02 - "I was deciding to finally treat my body the way it was designed to be treated. I think that my goal as a coach is to help people see that there's no judgment on you." - Jaelyn 11:20 - Jaelyn speaks about transforming from the inside out to feel a lasting change 15:57 - Jaelyn and Jessica talk about living the questions and feeling freedom in discovering truth 22:28 - "What's cool is seeing how many I see God setting me up for so much more as I continue to learn and grow." - Jaelyn 26:37 -  Jaelyn talks about celebrating diversity instead of polarizing ourselves to it. 28:47 - Jaelyn and Jessica discuss what it means to be fearless of other's opinions of you. 32:37 - Jaelyn speaks about true Identity 37:31 - Jaelyn and Jessica talk about facing emotional and mental challenges during the Covid-19 Pandemic 45:01 - Jaelyn shares some last bits of advice #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Annie chat about Annie's journey as she pursue her dream. They also discussed how safe tooth gems are, especially to those who want to be pierced but have health problems. Stay tuned for the next episode! Listen in and leave your comments below! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:43 - Meet Annie 2:24 - Annie talks about her journey to becoming a piercer 5:31 - Annie talks about her perspective on what it takes to become a piercing apprentice 8:40 - "I think my favorite aspect of piercing is being able to give someone that boost of self-confidence and being able to let them have control over their own body and just seeing the look on their face." - Annie 10:18 - Annie and Jessica discuss what is becoming a more common modification, tooth gems 14:11 - "Yes. It is good for people that have health problems....Where it wouldn't really be responsible for you to get piercing, like people that are in treatment for cancer, or serious autoimmune, or other things like that" - Annie 15:43 - Annie and Jessica discuss how the piercing world has changed over the past two decades 22:31 - Annie and Jessica talk about threadless Jewelry and how it's changed the piercing experience 23:58 - Annie gives advice for what she wished she knew when she started her career 30:38 - Annie and Jessica end the conversation with what Annie is looking forward most too when it is safe to resume work at her studio #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Anastasia talk about traveling as a way of collecting different parts of oneself. Listen as they also share how great it is to work in the piercing industry. Stay tuned for the next episode!  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:47 - Meet Anastasia 2:23 - Anastasia talks about the emotions behind leaving Ukraine 10:12 - Anastasia talks about the cultural differences in all the places she's lived 21:48 - Jessica and Anastasia discuss expression 28:25 - Anastasia talks about piercing as a process 30:55 - "I love it. I feel so special. It makes me feel special." Anastasia 37:51 - "You're building yourself." -Jessica 39:38 - Anastasia and Jess discuss how working at Avanti is different from other jobs they have had before 45:05 - "I feel like we're making a lot of friends like our family friends. Every person that we help in-store just becomes our friend. " - Anastasia 45:34 - Jessica and Anastasia conclude the interview by discussing what they look forward to when COVID is manageable and they can re-open #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Stephanie discuss how much they love what they do for their customers and how Stephanie went from never wanting piercings or tattoos to loving them. Stay tuned for the next episode! Listen in and leave your comments below! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:49 -  Meet Stephanie 1:37 -  Stephanie discusses when she first realized she loved hair and makeup 2:29 - Jessica and Stephanie discuss the 'hairdresser effect' and how much they value the conversations with customers in their fields 3:32 - "And really, I look at it as like, an artist might use a canvas, or they might use skin; my medium is hair and I just love it." - Stephanie 5:42 - Stephanie and Jessica discuss things to think about when considering beauty school 10:01 - Jessica and Stephanie discuss how even their least thought out tattoos or piercings have meaning to them 12:20 - Stephanie dives into what it's like balancing motherhood and being an entrepreneur 14:38 - Jessica and Stephanie discuss the importance of self-care 16:40 - "It's amazing how each stage of life presents different things and you learn that you like different things." - Stephanie 21:00 - Stephanie talks about her favorite piercing 22:24 - Stephanie wraps up the interview by discussing how she went from never wanting piercings or tattoos to loving them #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Hannah talk about fears and overcoming the feelings of insecurity and failure as they go through personal transformation. Be empowered and encouraged as you listen! Stay tuned for the next episode! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:50 - Meet Hannah 3:23 - Hannah speaks about overcoming the feelings of insecurity and failure  9:36 - Hannah speaks about struggling with her own mortality and those of her loved ones  11:06 - Hannah and Jess discuss the positives to come out of the Covid-19 pandemic  20:04 - Hannah and Jess discuss the spiritual side to body modification  25:18 - Hannah and Jess sign-off with a conversation about the perks to septum piercings #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!

Jessica and Kara discuss safe stretching practices at home and share their own inspiring stories about standing up against stigma to body modifications. Listen and be inspired to these brave souls! Stay tuned for the next episode! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:14 - Meet Kara  1:53 - Kara talks about balancing her dreams and ambitions with parenthood  6:17 - “I didn't get a moment to embrace everything that was going on, going to work one day and then all of a sudden, like, overnight, not being able to go back to work at all.” - Kara  9:45 - Kara and Jessica discuss safe stretching practices at home  14:07 - Kara dives into misconceptions with stretching and how to avoid making the same mistake.  33:11 - Kara talks about her experiencing being a modified parent  38:15 - Dealing with misconceptions in the modified world  44:55 - “...And she looks at the woman and she says these tattoos were on my heart before they ever came out in my skin.” - Jessica 1:03:05 - Last pieces of wisdom from our interview with Kara #iamAvanti Podcast is brought to you by iamAvanti.com. AvantiBodyJewelry.com Use promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off your next purchase of the best Body Jewelry available!