We’re looking forward to introducing you to Trinity Kesterke. Check out our conversation below.
Trinity, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I’m a total workaholic and thrive on structure, so my days are pretty consistent by design. I wake up at the same time a day without an alarm (I know, it surprises me too), get some work done on my computer while I eat breakfast, squeeze in a workout, shower, then head to the studio. After work, I’m usually back on my laptop until around 7:30pm. I’m in bed by 9 and asleep by 10, like clockwork. On my days off, I try to fully unplug—I love reading, floating in the pool, hiking, playing board games or puzzles, and hanging out with my partner and 7 cats (yes, 7)!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the owner of AVA, a piercing and fine jewelry studio that focuses on ethics, safety, and piercings that are curated to each individual. It’s important to everyone at AVA that everything we do is intentional, starting with the brands we partner with to the time we allot for services. We’re a low-volume, high-attention studio that prioritizes quality over quantity, and we don’t cut corners on safety, materials, or experience. Creating a safe space for all is the most important thing to everyone here. Right now, I’m working on expanding our jewelry services and education, so clients not only leave with something beautiful but also feel empowered and informed.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents are hands-down the biggest inspiration in my life. They’re two of the hardest working people I know—and they couldn’t be more different.
My mom has always believed in working hard so you can play hard. Life is short, and her goal is to never waste a second of it. She taught me that building genuine human connections and showing love to everyone around you is what really matters. She also drilled into me that rest, recovery, and joy are just as important as hustle—something I struggle to fully embrace, but her advice definitely keeps me from burning out.
My dad, on the other hand, barely knows how to slow down. He became a business owner at 35, and growing up he always told me his one regret was not starting at age 25. So when I was 25 and considering opening AVA, I went for it—head first and with a lot less fear—because I knew he believed I could do it. I started working for his company super young (like, W-2 at age seven, timecard and all), and I’m really proud of the work ethic and well-rounded skill set I built from growing up around his business. Both of them taught me different sides of what it means to work hard and build a meaningful life, and I carry that with me every day.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self that it’s okay to like yourself—and to love yourself, too. I’ve always struggled with self-doubt, and it held me back from really putting myself out there for a long time. Piercing was the first thing in my life that felt worth taking a risk on, and it gave me the confidence to finally bet on myself. I don’t regret any part of the path that got me here, but I wish I could’ve told my younger self that failing is okay, that perfection isn’t the goal, and that I’m worthy of love—especially my own.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I don’t know if this is a traditional answer, but the thing I’m most committed to is spreading accurate, safe piercing information. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of an industry where so many experienced piercers and professionals have worked hard to create and share safer practices, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. My goal is to honor that work by continuing to educate clients, challenge misinformation, and help raise the standard for what people expect from their piercing experience. Whether it’s one conversation at a time or something bigger down the line, I’m in it for the long haul.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Definitely what I was born to do. The moment I was offered a job at a piercing studio, something just clicked—I knew it was what I was meant to do for the rest of my life. After high school, I went to college fully planning to follow a more traditional path, but everything changed when I started working the front desk at a studio with APP members on staff. Eventually, one of the piercers offered me an apprenticeship and later invited me to move to California to continue my education. I said yes almost instantly. It wasn’t a calculated decision—it just felt right. Piercing gave me a sense of purpose I’d never felt before, and I’ve never looked back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://avapiercing.com
- Instagram: @avapiercing / @piercingsbytrinity
Image Credits
@curations.by.brandy
