Today we’d like to introduce you to Maja Eernisse.
Hi Maja, 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?
From a young age I knew I was creative when it came to my self expression. As a preteen I experimented with starter earrings from every piercer’s favorite shopping mall store that shall not be named with girlfriend’s during sleepovers. Looking back I only thought of it as a girl’s right of passage — we all were doing it. After all I was set on being a chiropractor after finishing high school.
After an attempt at a formal education I decided that the classroom wasn’t for me, and went on to pursue something that was a better fit for my lifestyle. First it was lifeguarding, coffee shops, nannying — usual gigs for an 18 year old, but I knew what I had my heart set on. I bugged a shop I frequented every weekend until I got my foot in the door. I hustled as a counter gal and later as a back person, keeping my long term goals to myself. Soon enough the cat was out of the bag, but nothing really came of it at that moment in time.
Fast forward a few years; I’m working as a barista and a bartender to get by when I get a text from my now mentor, Caleb Steffes, to come check out Promised Land’s new digs. After catching up over coffee I’d been asked the one question that changed my life for the better: “how would you feel about apprenticing with us?”
Totally shocked, I stumbled over my words graciously accepting their offer. I knew exactly what I wanted out of life, but I had no idea it would be offered to me at the young age of 22. Now at 28, I’m just about three years into piercing professionally, and living a life I thought of as a distant dream just a few years ago.
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?
What’s life if everything is easy going? Of course there were trials and tribulations. If I’m speaking honestly, any sort of lifestyle change can be incredibly difficult for me. Being a body piercer was something I’d wanted for years, and the fact that it was happening so quickly was really daunting. Luckily my moments of self doubt were short lived. My own sweat and tears; along with the blood of the people that willing offered their trust and bodies to help grow got me through.
Not only was learning challenging, but I was doing a lot of painful growing that most early twenty-somethings go through. Working 17 hours days in between the times I could be in the shop, managing my mental health, and navigating living alone for the first time; I had a lot on my plate. I feel so grateful that I had my family, friends, and the Promised Land crew in my corner cheering me on.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I absolutely adore long term curations to help people achieve their dream set up in a healthy way. On the other hand I also enjoy seeing the folks that are just passing through that create new connections for the future. I’d like to think I’m known for understanding someone’s vibe, and accurately tailoring a selection for clients to choose from. I also pride myself on being a safe space for every body. Everyone is welcome, and I’m happy to work with clients old and new to achieve their goals.
I’d say I’m most proud of the level of knowledge I’ve gained in just a few short years. Ensuring that my clients are safe, healthy, and well informed are my main priorities. Providing a quality experience, and preparing clients on expectations for the next few months makes what can be a nerve racking experience into something you can enjoy from start to finish.
What are your plans for the future?
In the future I’d like to expand my knowledge, attend APP, and potentially travel. I’d say I’m a little superstitious, so I can’t reveal too much.
Pricing:
- Basic Lobe: $35 for one $55 for two
- Stack lobes: $40 for one $65 for two
- Helix, conch, daith, nostril: $50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.promisedlandtattoo.com
- Instagram: @pierc_ingsbymaja
