ST. GEORGE, Utah — A request from a friend a decade ago changed the direction of Genial Hall’s career. The emergency room nurse, who later moved into operating room nursing, was asked to perform a piercing at a local tattoo shop. What began as a side job ultimately became two St. George studios built around safer practices, thoughtful training and a more reassuring client experience.
Today, Hall operates Medusa’s Piercing Studio with her daughter Ally and daughter in law Mariah. The family team serves clients across generations while working to raise expectations for piercing education, infection prevention and continuing care.
At a glance
From the operating room to the piercing studio
When Hall entered the local piercing field, Southern Utah offered few studios and little access to structured professional education. She relied on her medical experience while continuing to learn the technical demands of piercing and aftercare.
“Ten years ago, there was no training, there were only two piercing studios in town at the time,” Hall recalled. “I trained myself feeling comfortable knowing that I have a medical background. Over time, as I transitioned into operating room nursing, people would still reach out asking for piercings. So I thought, ‘Let me just open a little side job alongside my nursing.’”
That side endeavor became Medusa’s Piercing Studio, named for the Greek mythology that Hall and her children enjoy. During five years in business, the studio expanded from a small closet setup into two rooms, then a house on Main Street and, most recently, a larger modern venue on Bluff Street.
The new studio preserves the Greek inspired character of the brand while providing more room to serve growing demand.
A family team focused on the client experience
Hall works alongside Ally and Mariah. Together, they aim to make each appointment feel personal, informed and affirming. Hall credits both women with helping the studios grow while preserving the care clients expect.
A dedicated space for young clients
The recent move also allowed Hall to address something she had repeatedly observed: a busy traditional studio can feel overwhelming to a child getting pierced for the first time.
“When children came into a busy studio, I saw how it increased their unease,” Hall said. “Getting your ears pierced as a child can be a core memory. I wanted to separate the experiences so children feel welcomed and safe.”
Hall created Little Luxe, a separate children’s ear piercing studio and jewelry boutique designed for young clients and their families. Whimsical colors, butterfly decor and coloring tables help turn an intimidating appointment into a celebration of courage and confidence.
Support after the appointment
Hall said Little Luxe invites clients back for routine follow up support and jewelry questions. Suspected infection or significant complications should be evaluated by a licensed medical professional.
Shared family experiences
Mother and daughter appointments and other family options allow a parent or relative to get pierced alongside a young client.
“If anything happens, like an earring falling out or troubleshooting questions, families are welcomed to come back so we can help,” Hall said.
The Little Luxe boutique also carries jewelry in a variety of styles selected by the studio for initial piercings.
Medical expertise and a push for higher standards
Utah regulates body art through Rule R392 701, which the Southwest Utah Public Health Department enforces locally through facility permits and requirements that include current bloodborne pathogen and first aid training.
Hall believes Utah should go further by creating a clearer statewide occupational path with consistent education and competency standards for individual piercers.
“We are putting a puncture wound into your body and inserting metal into it,” Hall emphasized. “There are pathogens that can be passed. To me, that requires real competency, an understanding of cross contamination, and safe metals.”
Hall said she submitted a sunrise review application seeking a clearer statewide occupational path. An application requests policy review; it does not create a license, change the law or guarantee legislation. The Utah Office of Professional Licensure Review publishes information about that process.
Hall said her proposal includes supervised experience and an examination. Those elements are part of her proposal, not current Utah law or an agency decision.
Within her own businesses, Hall prioritizes applicants with healthcare experience. She said medical and nonmedical team members alike complete a structured apprenticeship lasting about a year before piercing clients independently.
Changing how Southern Utah sees piercing
For Hall, piercing is both a technical responsibility and an art form. She wants every client, regardless of age, to feel heard, respected and more confident when leaving the studio.
“We see everyone from young children who glow with excitement to young adults building self esteem, to older women wanting to feel beautiful again. When you see their face light up after a piercing, it’s pretty incredible.”
Plan a visit
Visit Medusa’s Piercing Studio online for current booking and aftercare information.
Follow Medusa’s Piercing Studio and Little Luxe on Instagram for studio updates, jewelry and client work.
