Corinna Arlington
Owner/Piercer/Goddess of All
She/Her
Corinna Arlington is the heart, soul, and owner of Sadu Body Modifications. She began piercing in the late 90s, opening Sadu's first incarnation in the back of a Central Avenue record store in 1999. With a background in phlebotomy and a love of the alternative scene, body piercing came as a natural fit for Corinna--and her hard work and dedication helped her business flourish and grow steadily. Corinna is an active member of the Plaza Midwood Merchants Association, regularly participating in and donating to fundraising and cleanup efforts in the local community. Corinna is also a member of the Association of Professional Piercers and is passionate about keeping her body modification education up-to-date to ensure that Sadu offers its clients the best jewelry selection and safest practices possible.
Cindy Foster
Manager and Head Piercer
She/Her
Cindy has been a professional body piercer since 2010. She's been with Sadu Body Modifications since 2013 and took over studio management in 2017. Prior to her time at Sadu, Cindy pierced at and managed two tattoo studios in Western North Carolina. Cindy holds dual Master's degrees from Western Carolina University and is a member of the Association of Professional Piercers. She regularly attends continuing education classes in the piercing industry. Cindy is passionate in educating clients about safe body piercing practices, loves curating unique looks for each individual, and is always there for clients before, during, and after their piercings. She's also an avid gamer, gardener, and collector of crystals and houseplants. When she's not at Sadu, Cindy can almost always be found spending time with her daughter or in her garden.
Cyndi "Lucy" Smith
Piercer
She/Her
Cyndi Smith, better known in the piercing industry as "Lucy", began piercing in 2013 in rural Western North Carolina. She apprenticed under Cindy (Goode) Foster, later joining her mentor at Sadu Body Modifications in late 2017--yes, you heard right, we have a Cyndi and a Cindy at Sadu! Lucy is an upbeat ray of sunshine around the studio, and she's a miracle-worker with our younger clients looking to get their first earlobe piercings. Lucy is a member of the Association of Professional Piercers and is always eager to learn the best and safest ways to serve her clients. When she isn't at Sadu, Lucy works part-time as a licensed cosmetologist and spends lots of time with her young son.
Leda
Apprentice Piercer
They/Them
Leda fell in love with the body piercing community because of the empowerment, constant room for growth, and the sense of community it created. They have a passion for education clients on safe body modification and helping them find the perfect piece of jewelry! They love curating looks designed just for you, especially when it involves yellow gold and black diamonds. When they're not at Sadu, you can find Leda on a hike, playing music, working on an art project, or spending time with their cat Goose and their partner. They absolutely love talking to new people, so come by and say hi!
Alli
Apprentice Piercer
They/Them; She/Her
This is Alli! Alli has been in the industry since 2018 and became a member of the Sadu team in 2022. Alli loves to help our clients curate beautiful jewelry setups that accentuate each individual's anatomy. In their spare time, you'll find Alli watching anime, listening to true crime podcasts, or unwinding with a game of Animal Crossing! They're a big fan of mixed textures and rose gold -- especially pieces with natural stones like moonstone, labradorite, and moss agate.
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Sadie
Jewelry Specialist
They/Them; She/Her
Sadie Deviney is our resident space cowboy and jewelry specialist, whose sweet and patient demeanor wins the hearts of all of Sadu's clients. Sadie has been working in the piercing industry on and off since 2012. They're always willing to take their time to help clients with decisions and make recomendations about piercing placement and jewelry options. She's super enthusiastic, quirky, a total sweetheart, and basically the best person any of us know. Hiking with her two dogs and cuddling her cat, Feather, make Sadie the absolute happiest.
Lalena
FOH Operations Manager
& Jewelry Specialist
She/Her; They/Them
Lalena has cultivated a passion for safe and informed body modification, starting her journey in the industry with us at Sadu in 2022. She loves working with younger clients who are getting their first-ever piercings, as well as clients with plenty of healed piercings who are ready for a complete jewelry makeover! When she's not at our studio, she loves creating art, listening to live music, and spending time with her family, partner, friends, and dog.
Riley Rose
Jewelry Specialist
She/Her; They/Them
Riley is one of our jewelry specialists at Sadu, as well as an integral part of the behind-the-scenes team. They are very passionate about quality body jewelry and helping clients find the perfect fit. Riley enjoys gem mining, collecting crystals, cuddling cats, and adventuring. Riley's favorite jewelry combos involve white gold and labradorite; she loves to arrange themed jewelry curations--especially those that incorporate natural stones!
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Nicole
Jewelry Specialist
She/Her
Nicole is our front-of-house weekend warrior! She has been with Sadu since July 2023 as a part-time jewelry specialist, but Nicole has always had a passion for body modification. Nicole has a special spot in her heart reserved for large-gauge piercings and minimalist jewelry curations. Outside of work you can find Nicole getting tattooed, at a concert, or hanging out with her best friend, Leda!
Meg
Jewelry Specialist
She/Her
Meg is a dedicated professional who thrives on interpersonal connections. With a passion for creating inclusive environments, they found their calling in the industry in April 2023 after transitioning from being a long-time client themself. Beyond their work, Meg finds solace in spending quality time with their partner and beloved pets, typically unwinding by immersing themself in the world of video games. With a warm and welcoming demeanor, Meg has never met a stranger!
Kaya
Jewelry Specialist
She/Her; They/Them
Kaya has been a part of the body modification community since 2003.