Pushing Boundaries: Crafting a Maximalist Ear Design for Lauren
by Marilyn Mena-Scott
Lately, I’ve noticed a shift in the requests I’ve been getting from clients. While I typically curate minimalistic and petite ear outfits, more and more people are asking for something on the opposite end of the spectrum—maximalist stylings. It’s been a refreshing challenge for me, pushing me out of my usual wheelhouse and into new, creative territory.
One recent example of this trend is my work with Lauren. She came to me with a handful of existing piercings—her first and second lobes stretched, along with an old industrial piercing and a tragus piercing. She had been trying to style her ear with white gold jewelry, but wasn’t quite happy with the results. Lauren had a specific vision in mind: she wanted to connect her industrial piercing with a chain, but not just any chain—something more unique, maybe even with a gemstone or decorative element in the center.
We went back and forth over text for a few weeks, trading ideas. Lauren didn’t want a "regular degular" chain industrial. She wanted something that would stand out, something that felt distinctly hers. After brainstorming, I realized I could create a custom piece for her using jewelry I had in stock. While I’m not a jeweler, I knew I could take existing pieces, pull them apart, and reassemble them into something special.
The result? A triple-point threader industrial that turned out beautifully. The chain connects her industrial piercing in a way that’s not only functional but also visually striking. We added ring stacked with rings design to the middle of the chain for that extra pop Lauren was looking for. The ring in her forward helix piercing stays put, but the threader chains can be removed, allowing her to clean between the piercings and ensure no dead skin gets trapped.
In addition to the custom industrial piece, we added a new conch piercing and three mid-helix piercings. Normally, I wouldn’t perform so many piercings in one session, but Lauren was an exception. She’s incredibly experienced with healing piercings and, since she’s local to Phoenix, I could easily check in on her progress to ensure everything was healing properly. This "after" photo was taken about a month into her healing journey.
Lauren’s ear is a perfect example of how collaboration can lead to something truly unique. Her willingness to experiment and push for something outside the norm gave me the chance to stretch my own creativity, and I’m so happy with how it turned out.
This experience has reminded me that, while I typically work within a minimalist style, sometimes stepping outside of that comfort zone can result in something extraordinary.
