Today we’d like to introduce you to Roger “Rabb!t” Rodriguez.
Hi Roger “Rabb!t”, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I love learning so I have always worked different jobs and taken those skills with me. My brother was in the tattoo industry and body piercing sparked my interest. I didn’t have the greatest training and I was still working full-time as the head of a security company for a biomedical facility. I began working at Prix Body Piercing in Pasadena, CA and was introduced to the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). I joined APP as a member and this helped me hone my body piercing skills, technique, invest in quality body jewelry for my clients and have a better understanding of the regulations and laws associated with this industry. I quickly moved up to Manager and we opened a second Prix in West Hollywood, CA. While working in WeHo, I not only offered general body piercings, but I specialize in male and female genital piercings, body scarification and branding, and human suspension.
In addition, I also perform other body modifications including tongue bifurcation, silicone subdermal implants, transdermal implants, ear lobe reconstruction, and RFID implants. Through word of mouth, my celebrity clientele list grew. I was making house calls, on-set calls, and private parties for large companies and Influencers. I worked for Prix for 12 years and felt not valued, so in 2012 I opened my first studio, Ancient Adornments Body Piercing and Instructional Studio in West Hollywood. I left humbly and did not inform any of my clients. Fortunately, they found me and my business expanded. My Son learned the trade and we grew out of our small studio to open a second location with my partner, Danny, in Westwood, CA. I began offering an Introduction to Body Piercing course to those interested in our industry as a gateway to apprenticeship. Many of my students have gone on to work at great reputable studios.
Now, Danny and I have six locations in Southern California, with over 30 staff members. I have stepped down from being in-house at the shops but work behind the scenes. Pre-pandemic, we noticed that jewelry orders were taking 6 months to receive from some vendors, made worse during the Pandemic. I felt this a disservice to our clients, so Danny and I began manufacturing quality jewelry Divinity Metals, for piercers by piercers, made in the USA. By using the highest quality materials and manufacturing standards, our jewelry has met APP Body Jewelry Certification, and our wait time is approximately a 2-day turnaround. Our goal is to continue to make high-quality jewelry affordable, striving for advancement in technique, technology and equipment. I’ve worked hard, sacrificed time with my kids and wife, so now, I want to be able to spend more time with my wife, traveling in our camper van, meeting new people, and taking in the little joys in life we take for granted.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While working for my previous employer, the owner did not give me any autonomy. He did not want to spend the money to replenish jewelry and did not support my wish to start my own school. During the transition at the end of my time there and starting my own business, my wife had surgery and we both had no income and wasn’t working. This move was difficult, especially since I didn’t inform any clients I was moving. With my wife and kids’ support, we made the move and our friends helped us paint and decorate the studio. For the first few years, I did not take any money from the shop, it all went back into reinvesting in jewelry and equipment. Now, I think our struggles are getting our clients to come back in after the Pandemic. We lost a few of our staff members who did not return to work as well. We have made it our goal to ensure that our staff and our clients feel safe at all of our studios.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ancient Adornments Inc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Ancient Adornments Body Piercing and Instructional Studio sets the standards for safe body piercing and quality jewelry made from the highest standards in materials and manufacturing. We are a body piercing-only studio, no tattooing. We specialize in general body piercings, face, ears, and upper body, including genital piercings. Our studio maintains the highest standards in sterilization and cleanliness. We want our clients to feel like family and have the most options for jewelry. That’s why we have one of the largest selections in gold jewelry. We also offer ear curating with prices ranging from modest to extreme CZs to genuine diamonds. Our staff will work with you to make all of your piercing goals attainable. The time at the shop doesn’t end after the piercing. We educate our clients on aftercare and ask all clients to return after a month for a free check-up. During the check-up, our staff will clean and assess the piercing to see if the client needs to purchase a shorter backing. We are also available for all questions and concerns related to body piercings and or your recent body piercing. In addition, those interested in Body Piercing can go onto the website to find out more information about classes offered.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
We love our West Hollywood community also known for the largest Halloween street parade, Gay Pride Parade, and overall eclectic community. We support and stand with our LGBTQIA+ community. We have many great local restaurants and shopping within walking distance, and our Farmer’s Market draws in tourists.
Pricing:
- $30 is our least expensive jewelry, each
Contact Info:
- Website: AncientAdornments.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ancientadornments/
- Facebook: Ancient Adornments Body Piercing and Instructional Studio
