FAQs
About Cherrycore & Ownership
Q: Who owns Cherrycore?
A: Cherry Sutherland is the founder and owner of Cherrycore. She began her professional piercing career in 2003 and established Cherrycore in 2011.
Q: Who is Cherry Sutherland?
A: Cherry Sutherland is a professional body piercer with over two decades of experience in the industry. She is the founder of Cherrycore and has played a significant role in advancing professional piercing standards in Australia through her work as a piercer, educator, and industry contributor.
Q: Does Cherry still perform piercings?
A: Yes. Cherry remains an active piercer at Cherrycore; however, her availability is limited. She focuses on more specialised work and appointments, while the wider team supports day-to-day bookings and walk-in services.
Q: Can I book directly with Cherry Sutherland?
A: Yes, you can request an appointment with Cherry when booking. Due to limited availability, advance bookings are recommended.
Q: Who performs piercings at Cherrycore?
A: Cherrycore has a team of professional piercers who carry out services. All piercers at Cherrycore are trained to meet the studio’s high standards of safety, technique, and client care.
Q: How are Cherrycore piercers trained?
A: All Cherrycore piercers are personally trained under Cherry Sutherland. This ensures consistency across the studio in technique, hygiene standards, and overall client experience.
Qualifications, Standards & Industry Leadership
Q: What qualifications or professional memberships does Cherry have?
A: Cherry Sutherland was the first member of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) in Victoria. This organisations promote high standards of safety and professionalism within the piercing industry.
Q: What is the APP and why does it matter?
A: The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) is an international organisation that sets best-practice guidelines for safe body piercing. Membership indicates a commitment to high standards in hygiene, jewellery quality, and professional conduct.
Q: Has Cherry contributed to the industry outside the studio?
A: Yes. Cherry has worked as an educator and presenter within the industry, sharing knowledge and helping to raise standards in professional body piercing.
The Cherrycore Experience
Q: What makes Cherrycore different from other piercing studios?
A: Cherrycore was created to offer a more refined, inclusive, and elevated piercing experience. The studio combines high-end jewellery, advanced techniques, and a strong focus on safety and healing outcomes.
Q: What is Cherrycore’s approach to piercing?
A: Cherrycore takes an anatomy-based, healing-focused approach. Every piercing is performed with careful consideration of placement, jewellery, and long-term results rather than short-term aesthetics alone.
Q: Is Cherrycore suitable for first-time clients?
A: Yes. Cherrycore provides a welcoming, educational environment and takes the time to guide clients through the process, making it suitable for both first-time and experienced clients.
Q: Do you offer curated ear styling?
A: Yes. Cherrycore offers curated ear styling, allowing clients to create personalised piercing combinations with carefully selected jewellery.
Safety, Hygiene & Jewellery
Q: Do you use piercing guns?
A: No. Cherrycore uses only single-use sterile needles for all piercings. This method is safer, more precise, and supports better healing outcomes.
Q: How is equipment sterilised?
A: All equipment is sterilised using medical-grade autoclaves, and strict hygiene protocols are followed at all times.
Q: What jewellery do you use?
A: Cherrycore uses high-quality materials including implant-grade titanium, solid gold, and Niobium.
Q: Why is implant-grade jewellery important?
A: Implant-grade jewellery is designed to be biocompatible, reducing irritation and supporting proper healing.
Bookings & Availability
Q: Do you accept walk-ins?
A: Yes, walk-ins are available depending on the day and studio capacity. However, bookings are recommended to secure your preferred time.
Q: Do I need an appointment?
A: Appointments are recommended, particularly for more complex piercings or if you wish to request a specific piercer.
Q: How do I choose a piercer?
A: All Cherrycore piercers are trained to the same high standard. If you have a preference, you are welcome to request a specific piercer when booking.
Age, ID & Legal Requirements
Q: Do I need ID for a piercing?
A: Yes. Valid photo identification is required for all piercing services.
Q: Can minors get pierced?
A: Minors may be pierced in accordance with Victorian regulations. A parent or legal guardian must be present, and appropriate identification is required.
Q: Do you perform intimate piercings?
A: Yes, intimate piercings are available for clients aged 18 and over, in line with Victorian legal requirements.
Aftercare & Healing
Q: How do I care for my new piercing?
A: Aftercare instructions are provided at your appointment. Following these guidelines carefully is essential for proper healing.
Q: How long do piercings take to heal?
A: Healing times vary depending on the piercing, but most take several weeks to several months. Your piercer will provide guidance specific to your piercing.
Q: What should I avoid after getting pierced?
A: Avoid unnecessary touching, sleeping on the piercing, and exposing it to unclean environments. Following aftercare advice will help minimise complications.
Additional Information
Q: Why should I choose an experienced piercer?
A: An experienced piercer has a deeper understanding of anatomy, technique, and healing, which reduces risks and improves long-term results.
Q: What makes a piercing safe?
A: Safe piercing involves sterile equipment, high-quality jewellery, proper technique, and thorough aftercare guidance.
Q: Why are your prices higher than some studios?
A: Cherrycore prioritises safety, quality materials, advanced training, and a high level of client care. This ensures a better overall experience and outcome. The Cherrycore team do not offer ‘upselling’ strategy’s from lower quality metals like steel to titanium or externally threaded to internally threaded. Cherrycore believes these practices are unethical and never in the best interests of clients. At Cherrycore you will only ever start your piercing journey with implant grade jewellery there are no other options. Cherrycore is in fact not a higher price for services but is a higher standard of care with higher priced options for those wishing to wear fine jewellery or custom designed jewellery.