Today we’d like to introduce you to Jett.
Hi Jett, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Well originally I was born in Winter Haven Florida where I went to high school and left briefly afrer graduation for college, where I started body piercing up in Jacksonville. Through a friend at the Association of Professional Piercers i ended up for the next decade being mentored by owner of Nomad Body Piercing in Marin County….who also owned over 100 pinball machines which he operated all of SF. ….id go out for a month here, 3 months there to apprentice. I eventually stopped piercing to sell fun and well the next is literally history. I now have over 20 pinball machines of my own amist an array of classic arcade games, own an d operate a retro arcade and creative safe space, Artcade since 2017 and was the inaugural WNACS Florida State Pinball Champion 2022-23. Full circle I am facilitating safe body piercing again here in Winter Haven this time not in my own studio (The Piercing Boutique Est 2012 -2017) but under Pinky at Pinky’s Place, walking distance from the arcade! I can’t wait!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course its had its ups and downs. A main struggle would be scheduling/work hours being different from the “mainstream” and my family. Being open at either the arcade or working at the tattoo shop while it’s “normal” dinner time caused alot of missed family meals and get-togethers.. i was raised to work through my struggles or hard times. Find one thing and do it. “Focus on the closest alligator” and let the rough end drag… It’ll all work out.
As you know, we’re big fans of Artcade / Body Piercing. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am currently owner operator of a retro arcade and creative space. I strive to be and am a safe space EVERY BODY. I have 2 identical gender neutral bathrooms with baby changing stations with the exception of one being handicap/wheelchair accessible. Im proud of that.
On the other hand I am known for being the best / most accredited professional body piercer in Winter Haven, if not Polk County…. though I am just getting back into the iindustry at the moment. Im excited about that…
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Well my parents of course. My mom and dad for always embracing my “dreamer” mentality and encouraging me to work hard to achieve them. Helping in so many way mentally, physically, financially- all of the ways a parent can empower a child to be successful and have a killer drive. 😃
My pinball coach Sam Witts. – My MVF Most Valu(ed)(able) Friend
Anna Riner, my Sherriff. I trust her ideas and decisions more than mine most days! I couldn’t do anything with her!
My twitch editor, Patrick Swift.
My Dogs 100% for mental health, consistency and just Joy. Apollo (rip) Ozma who turns 15 next month and my Doberman puppy, Titania.
Everyone who has ever trusted me with the body to facilitate a piercing for them or who has walked in the arcade and given me money to have fun. Yall keep the doors open ❤️
And Thrash Metal. Id like to take a second to be thankful for Thrash Metal. 🤘🫶
Pricing:
- $10/up to an Hour
- $15 All Day Unlimited Play
- $60 Monthly Membership
- $0 -$1,000,000 we accept donations.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/artcadewh
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/artcadewinterhaven
- Other: https://Twitch.tv/pinballerina
Image Credits
Photos by @lynsishay
