“I wanted to create a safe space for everyone, and especially for kids, women, people of color, or queer,” said Fiona Luddy, founder and piercer at Resilience Body Arts at 39 Main Street in downtown Maynard. “Growing up, I had so many negative experiences getting earrings, but that helped me be clear about what I wanted. People are coming in just to thank me for this cosy, clean, and safe space.”

Fiona and her partner have lived in Maynard for the last two years. She’d walk by the empty storefront and dream of being her own boss, and not having to work for someone else. She did piercing in another town and worked as a waitress, saving her money.  Finally able to rent this space, it took them six months of renovations until they were able to open April 8th.  

The shop has Fiona doing piercings and Leo Gielow, who Fiona worked with before and calls a kindred spirit, as their in-house tattoo artist. “They are so talented,” Fiona said, “and have a degree from Mass Art. Leo has a unique style and is very passionate about their work.”

“Town Hall was really helpful,” said Fiona. “It was surprisingly easy. I had never opened a business before and, while there were hiccups, the town made it easy to get this open.”

Fiona had planned on being a tattoo artist herself but couldn’t find a shop where she could apprentice. Eventually she was offered a job as an apprentice piercer and found she loved it. She has always loved jewelry and drawing was hard for her. She is now a certified piercer (did you know the mall stores don’t really pierce, using a gun to push an earring in and not a needle).  

“I’m a certified piercer, licensed for six years. We sell quality jewelry and next I’m studying gemstones in order to expand the gems with different piercings,” said Fiona.  “About 50% of our business is young people. Kids, eight and older, can have their lobe pierced and over 14 can have lobes and cartilage pierced. It’s gentle piercing and I have everyone from families to individuals, young and older people coming in; we’re here for everyone.”