“Coming from a traditional Nepalese family, there was a great emphasis on obtaining a university education, but I was always passionate about art and design.”
For the vast majority, pursuing a career as a piercing artist is still a niche speciality, despite the fact that multiple ear piercings aren’t seen as anything out of the ordinary these days. Rinku Sherpa, however, is not one to conform to societal norms.
The professional piercer and former tattoo artist, who has about 25 years of experience in the industry, runs Mantra Collective, a popular piercing studio located in Kampong Glam that specialises in earscaping, which involves personalising multiple ear piercings based on one’s ear anatomy.
Her business is booming – customers of all ages and gender identities flock to her to get their ears or body
