Rising Stars: Meet Sam Cleghorn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Cleghorn.

Hi Sam, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a kid, I was always obsessed with the concept of being able to express yourself to the world through body modification. With whatever medium you choose.

16 years ago, I was given the opportunity to learn the art of body piercing. Through all the ebbs and flows, successes and failures. I have never once looked back.

The majority of my career was spent piercing in Europe. I have spent my whole career surrounding myself with the best piercers I know. Learning as much as I can and trying to constantly better myself and my craft.

Learning the technical aspect of Piercing. Learning how to accentuate your client’s unique anatomy with a combination of placement and jewelry choice. And also learning, arguably the most important aspect of piercing, client connection. Creating an environment and space where clients feel safe, heard and seen.

Practicing the art of piercing is very sacred and privileged. It is so much more than putting a hole in someone and filling it with something pretty. The adornment can make people feel beautiful and empowered, giving them a layer of confidence that they didn’t previously possess.

As a piercer, you’re giving your client a new physical part of themselves and you have one opportunity at the memory and experience that the client gets to hold onto every time they look at that piece in the mirror and they put their trust in you to do it right.

Two years ago, I moved to the states and have been piercing at a studio in Venice. I have now once again opened my own studio here in Santa Monica.
Seven Stones Piercing.

I work with many different jewelry designers across LA doing piercing events. Piercing exclusively with their jewelry. Which I love. I love meeting new creatives, new demographics of clients and building new relationships.

At this stage in my career, I am exceptionally fortunate and grateful. I spend most of my time working on full curations for my clients using nothing but 14 and 18 karat gold pieces.

I am now setting off on a brand new venture to perfect the art of jewelry making and will eventually release a seven-stones, jewelry line.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The beginning stages of my career. The initial learning process of piercing was one of the most stressful experiences of my life. Which intern also made it the most rewarding. Body piercing isn’t a consistent canvas. Everybody’s anatomy is completely different. There are basic rules of thumb and with enough experience and clients under your belt, you start to navigate your way around The human body. But there is so much to learn. Which is why any Piercer who respects their craft will always tell you they are always learning, and there is always more to know.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
So I’m lucky enough where the majority of my clients let me curate their full ears.

I’m known for my very elegant and delicate style when it comes to dressing someone’s ear. I’m constantly looking for a balance of elegance and strength.

I like to leave breathing room on an ear. I pay close attention to the flow lines and the shapes left in the skin tone between the jewelry.

I like to dress the anatomy and add dynamics using custom-made chains and charms.

When it comes to my career, I give myself permission to be proud of all of it. If you’re on a lifelong journey of perfecting your craft and character, it is important to recognize the achievements along the way, giving yourself the drive and energy to carry on pushing forward.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Intuition! Go with what feels right. Despite what you see on social media or what people are telling you to do always go with your intuition. It will never steer you wrong. Every decision I have ever made that has changed my life for the better has been based on what feels right and never overthinking it. That is in both my personal life and my professional life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/sevenstonespiercing
• Yelp: Seven Stones Piercing

Image Credits
Seven Stones Piercing