Aberdeen’s first dedicated piercing studio now open

Katie Hauck opened up a dedicated piercing studio in Aberdeen in February. Aberdeen Magazine photo by Annie Scott

Kate Hauck opened Aberdeen’s first dedicated body piercing shop, The Wilder Studio, this February.

Hauck has been piercing for five years and got her start working in tattoo shops. One of the deciding factors in opening her own studio is the ability to cater more towards piercing clients.

“Sometimes it can be hard to get the right information about piercings,” Hauck said. “I try hard to educate people with no judgment. I always want to be able to provide safe and high-quality services, so I am always learning as well.”

Currently, The Wilder Studio, at 304 Sixth Ave. S.E., is offering piercings, dermals, tooth gems, gold and titanium jewelry, and jewelry curation. This summer, permanent jewelry will also be available. Ear piercings are offered to anyone old enough to verbally consent to a piercing while other body piercings depend on the client’s age.

Those looking for a unique piercing experience can book the studio for a piercing party. Groups of six or more people can bring in food and beverages and will receive a small discount on piercing services.

Hauck is also working on obtaining certification from the Association of Professional Piercers, an international health and safety organization that is dedicated to providing information about proper piercing practices. No other piercing shops in South Dakota are currently APP certified.

As one of the only full-time piercers in town, Hauck is regularly available for aftercare questions and troubleshooting. She hopes that her new studio can help normalize body piercings and portray them in a positive light.

For more information, visit thewilderstudio.squarespace.com or call 605-252-0235.

News and notes

• The Dempsey’s Proper Hot Dog Co. will start making the rounds in Aberdeen. Search for Dempsey’s Proper Hot Dog Co. Aberdeen to see where it will be set up.
• The Salvation Army summer lunch program begins June 5. Lunches will be served Monday through Friday from 11:20 a.m. until approximately 12:35 p.m. with 11 parks on the list divided into two routes. One route begins at the 16th Street Park at 11:20 a.m. and continues to Aldrich Park (11:35 a.m.), Manor Park (11:50 a.m.), Dakota Square (12:05 p.m.) and Melgaard Park (12:25 p.m.). The second route begins at the 12th Street Park at 11:20 a.m. and continues to Frontier Park (11:30 a.m.), Roosevelt Park (11:45 a.m.), Sunshine Park (noon), Garfield Park (12:10 p.m.) and Central Park (12:25 p.m.)
• The Aberdeen Development Corp. has a new quarterly newsletter available. It can be found on the Aberdeen Development Corporation Facebook page. To sign up for the mailing list contact Kendra Hinz at [email protected].