Ear piercing studio space

Teens and adults wanting a first or extra piercing, parents booking for children, and gift shoppers buying piercing and jewellery sessions.

A fee per piercing, usually with the jewellery priced on top, plus extra sales of upgraded studs, hoops and aftercare products. Many clients come back for more piercings.

• Steady hands and attention to detail
• Strict hygiene and sterile technique
• Calm, friendly manner with nervous clients
• Basic booking and social media marketing

• Public health unit rules: many provinces inspect or register piercing premises, so check before you buy equipment
• Whether the host space meets the health unit's requirements, for example a hand-washing sink and cleanable surfaces
• Commercial general liability insurance, and whether your host's policy covers you
• Rules on piercing minors and parental consent, which vary by province
• Piercing guns are not suitable for cartilage and some health units restrict them, so check which tools are allowed
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your equipment, jewellery stock and the space you rent. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you book and the jewellery you sell.

Check with your public health unit before buying equipment, as many provinces inspect or register piercing premises. Also check whether your host space meets requirements such as a hand-washing sink, which tools are allowed, and the rules on piercing minors.

Steady hands, attention to detail, strict hygiene and sterile technique, and a calm, friendly manner with nervous clients matter most. Basic booking and social media skills also help. Estimates suggest at least around 12 hours a week.