Innovating Ear Piercing: From Concept to Expansion

Anna Harman is the co-founder and CEO of the ear-piercing and earrings brand Studs. She began her career as a mutual fund formation lawyer but soon realized she didn’t have a passion for law. She then spent several years at the asset management firm Bridgewater Associates before moving into business, eventually landing at Store No. 8, Walmart’s brand incubator. One day, while trying to get her ears pierced, she had a hard time finding a clean, reasonably priced, fun place to do it. She realized there was a huge white space in the market for a piercing destination that was more mature than Claire’s and more inviting than the tattoo shop on the corner. Soon after, she and her co-founder, Lisa Bubbers, developed the concept for Studs—a clean, cool ear-piercing store that made ear piercing a desirable, experiential moment. Studs opened its first store in November 2019 and was immediately profitable. It drew praise for the easy piercing experience and innovative offerings, like its trademarked “Earscape” concept. Today, Studs has expanded to over 30 stores, including one in Rockefeller Center, and offers scores of high-quality, affordable jewelry options for every taste.

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