In an effort to capture the T.W.T experience, we asked a few of our very kind regulars if they wouldn't mind telling the story... service with a smile, some beautiful wares & of course a laugh, a brew & a good yarn or two.
This week's spotlight is on none other than Will Robinson
Will has been a loyal regular of Ben's since well before we opened our doors, and it has been a pleasure getting to know him ever since. You may recognise him at Union Tattoo, where he resides and runs Reclamation Piercing & Jewellery.
We asked Will what makes him tick...
HOW: did you end up where you are today / doing what you do?
I've been piercing professionally in Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington, for the majority of the last 7 years. Since I was a child I've been attracted to body modification, the strange, the unusual; spending hours trawling old bod-mod forums like BME, taking out the latest Ripley's Believe it or Not from my school library, fascinated by the abilities of the human body. For me, piercings, tattoos, and body modification came at a critical time in my adolescence and developed into what became a journey of self-alignment and self-fulfilment: everything I add makes me that little bit happier when I look in the mirror - that little bit closer to me. So, since starting out in the industry, having the opportunity to help bring that same joy to others still fills my cup every day.
WHY: Wellington?
I grew up here and I've seen the city go through a lot of changes over the years. The one thing that remains consistent is the wonderful humans that I get the honour of interacting with through work. Wellingtonians are a uniquely friendly and a largely accepting bunch that are a pleasure to be amongst. I've left Wellington a number of times, yet somehow I always seem to end up back here.
WHERE: is your #1 overseas destination?
WHERE: is your #1 overseas destination?
The last few years I've begun frequenting Australia a lot more. As much as I love the industry in Aotearoa, we are a small place at the end of the world. Connecting with industry colleagues, friends, and expanding horizons, is a current focus of mine. However, my favourite (holiday) travel destination (so far) would probably have to be Germany which has a great alternative scene and music festivals.
WHAT: is on heavy rotate for you at the moment?
Slow roasts for my weekly meal prep to compliment this cold winter alongside perfecting the humble roast potato. Dark and stormy music to further compliment like Chelsea Wolfe, Emma Ruth Rundle, and the new Deafheaven album. Having recently seen Chelsea Wolfe at Meow Nui, I think we have a new contender for Te Whanganui a Tara's best music venue.
WHO: are your current sources of inspiration?
I've recently discovered Joshua Kane Bespoke, which if I ever have a spare £5000 (haha, good joke!) .... As well as Tó Garal artisan jewellery. As someone who spends a lot of time (and money) on both my own ear-jewellery and client's ear curations, I need to up my otherwise hand-and-neck jewellery game!
You can find Will through his website: https://reclamationpiercing.myshopify.com/pages/about-us
or instagram:
@piercer_will