Glitter Brain, Sharp Needles, Big Heart

Today we’re delighted to introduce Freya Corrigan, the creative mind and steady hand behind Stabby Tabby Piercing. Her journey hasn’t been traditional, but that’s exactly what makes it brilliant. Freya followed what felt right, trusted her instincts, and built a career that lets her show up as her true self every single day. We’re excited to share her story in this week’s PowerWomen feature. ✨

Right Tattoo, Right Place

There’s no way I can say that I came out of the womb with the ambition of being a body piercer, because I didn’t. I wanted to be a rockstar or a criminal profiler. I learnt to play several instruments and started watching episodes of Law and Order. Turns out, I didn’t really want to be either; I’m not good with travelling for long periods of time so touring was out of the question and there’s not really much call for a criminal profiler on the Isle of Man. Although, I’m actually currently doing a degree in Criminology and Psychology with The Open University as a mature student. 

I started working in Insurance after leaving college, I stuck at it for a while too until I hit the realisation that it wasn’t for my neurodiverse glitter ball brain. In pursuit of dopamine I was getting yet another tattoo while moaning about how deflated I was by my job then Simon Williams said some words I bet to this day he wishes he never said, “just come work here then”…. So I did. 

I started my piercing apprenticeship while still doing my 9 to 5 and it couldn’t have been any more of a better decision. I worked hard learning every bit of information about metal, jewellery and the world of piercing that I could. It was during this time that it clicked - this is what had been missing from my life. Being a piercer isn’t just about sticking holes in people - that’s a common misconception. Every day is a mixture of marketing, biology, customer service, mathematics, art, child care, therapy, cleaning, building and most of all - just being human. 

I believe in me

The biggest challenge I faced was believing in myself. People obviously put their belief in me, they wouldn’t let me stick needles through them if they didn’t! So why couldn’t I believe in me? Day by day my confidence in myself grew and now I could probably pierce blindfolded - not that I ever would! 

I love my job. I LOVE my job. I LOVE MY JOB! I’ll say it again for the people in the back. I.LOVE.MY.JOB. How many people can say that and truly mean it? I’m so incredibly lucky. 

I get to meet new people from all walks of life every day. I get to give them the confidence boost that comes with a new piercing. I get to be unapologetically me. That’s a feeling that I don’t think anything else in the world could beat. It took me a while to find myself, it was kind of like Where’s Wally apart from I was searching for me with no clue what I looked like. But now I’ve found me, I’m never hiding again. Sorry to anyone that see’s any of my silly posts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok….. but my face is going to be on your feeds for a long time to come! 

YOU CAN’T DO THAT!

My advice for anyone wanting to do an occupation that’s not the norm is:

• Just do it.

• Don’t procrastinate because you’re scared of the outcome (from the biggest procrastinator ever) 

• Believe in yourself.

• Just because it’s not the way someone else would do it, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong - we’re all different.

• If you’re given an opportunity grab it with both hands and be thankful.

• We aren’t all the same, so stop being afraid to be different.

• Don’t chase money, chase joy.

Looking in my crystal ball

The future I dream of consists of me making progressively weirder social media posts. Mainly just continuing to be me and letting life continue to lead me…. Maybe finish my degree too. 

Why Stabby Tabby?

I’m a crazy cat lady obvs. My oldest cat Winston gained the nickname “The Menacing Tabby” for staring at people from the top of the stairs with an evil scowl, he’s actually a big softy…. If he likes you. My response was “At least he’s not being a Stabby Tabby” and that was the birth of a business name! Also, a cat immortalised, not that he’d really care unless there was ham involved. 

Freya’s journey is a great reminder that there’s real power in choosing joy, backing yourself, and carving out your own version of success. Her honesty, humour, and commitment to doing things her way make her such a refreshing voice on the island. We’re proud to spotlight her in our PowerWomen series, and we know her story will give you a little confidence boost too. 💛