I did a new thing - and it was a long time coming

On Saturday, May 25, 2024, I did a new thing.

It may seem small to some, but it was a huge deal for me and one that has been a long time coming. Look closely at my face, in particularly, my left nostril. You see it? Yes, I got my nose pierced!

It was about 32 years ago when I first wanted my nose pierced with a diamond stud. I was a senior at Winston-Salem State University. When I shared with my public relations professor, Dr. Marilyn Roseboro, what my plans were for my face, she immediately scorned the idea. 

"It's not professional," she said.

"But I can take it out," I responded.

"But the hole will still be there," she quipped.

"But makeup could cover it," I said to myself. Because you knew better not to go too many rounds with the Dr. Roseboro. After all, she held my final grade in her hands.

She was known for being tough. In fact, I feared her class because of her reputation. We were warned that no one gets an 'A in her class. I walked in determined to defy the odds. 

And I did. I finished with an 'A' and was the envy of those who relented to the bluff and bluster of their peers (insert diabolical laugh). I challenged myself to do the assignments, to ask questions and to seem genuinely interested in the class. 

In fact, looking back, my personal experience in her class was actually a real life, hands-on lesson in public relations itself. I built a trustworthy relationship with her, was responsive to her assignments and lectures, and displayed genuine responsibility: the three R's of PR. 

My major was mass communications with a concentration in radio and TV broadcasting. I wanted to be in front of the camera not behind it. So I relented and decided to hold off on piercing my nose.

Back then, news anchors were required to have a certain look. Hair - straight. Body type - slim. Dress - conservative. Nose piercings - no. Tattoos - hell no. 

But look around, look around. Times have changed. News anchors come in all shapes, sizes and shades. They wear short sleeves, wigs, braids, tattoos and yes, nose piercings. So do your doctors and nurses, teachers and preachers, lawyers and judges, clerks and cashiers. 

And most of us should recall the distinguished TV journalist Ed Bradley, who dared to don an ear piercing while he worked for CBS' 60 Minutes.

According to an article in business.com, body modifications are becoming more mainstream. As competition for top talent grows more intense in the hiring process, many workplaces no longer frown upon tattoos and piercings.

"Labeling something taboo is dangerous for workplace transparency," said Kirsten Davidson, former head of employer brand at Glassdoor and current managing partner at Employera. Companies that let people be themselves are rated highly for company culture and values, she said. "We often saw employee feedback about feeling comfortable bringing their whole selves to work, or feeling free to be authentic."

Authenticity fosters creativity and innovation, allowing employees to produce their highest quality of work. Furthermore, employers are more focused today on the mental well-being of their employees.

Studies show that 41 percent of millennials have tattoos, followed by 32 percent Gen Xers, and 23 percent Gen Zers. Piercing data shows that nostril piercing is the second most common with earlobe piercing being number one. 

Among women, 19 percent have nostril piercings. 

Many years ago while a staff writer for a daily newspaper, I was promoted to news editor just before I was scheduled to get my hair braided with kinky twists. Fearing this would be shunned upon, I asked my white male publisher how he felt about me getting braids.

"I don't care how you wear your hair," he replied. 

This past weekend, I didn't seek permission from anyone. I didn't consider what people would think. I only heard the refrain of influencer and actress Tabitha Brown in my head: Do a new thing.

This nose piercing is a celebration of completing my master's degree program in a few weeks, which I had put off for years. It's a declaration of my independence from people pleasing. It signifies empowerment, freedom and new beginnings. 

My best friend Patricia and I walked into Black Cloud Tattoo in Charlotte nervous and giddy. We were the oldest ones in the shop. Others waiting inside cheered us on and said how excited they were of us having the courage to do it - finally. They showed off their piercings and tats and allayed our fears of pain.

As the needle penetrated my nose, my left eye watered. I didn't flinch. 

And just like that, a new thing was affixed to my nose - a constant reminder that it's never too late to do something new.

Email Kimberly Harrington at onyxlyspeaking@gmail.com