• Bella Reffit is the owner of La Bella Brows located in Minford, Ohio.
• She specializes in permanent and formal makeup, fine line tattoos, and piercings.
• When her 10-year-old niece asked her to pierce her ears for the first time, Reffit’s experience prepared her for the reaction that went viral.

When professional piercer Bella Reffit pierced her niece’s ears for the first time, it became a viral moment that started an important conversation.

With over 9 million views, the TikTok highlights not just the 10-year-old’s initial nerves but also Reffit’s calm, compassionate approach in easing her through the process. By the end, the young girl proudly admired her new earrings, a symbol of overcoming fear and embracing courage.

“My niece is…so brave!” Reffit told PEOPLE exclusively. “When she was younger, she had some health problems which involved a lot of needle pokes and surgeries. This has made her terrified of needles, even just the thought of them. She finally decided she wanted to get over her fear and have me pierce her ears!”

Though her niece was understandably nervous in the beginning, going through with the piercing was an important milestone for the family. “She got her anxiety out with the first ear and took the second one like a champ,” Reffit says. “It meant a lot to me that she trusted me to do this for her. Through this, she has learned she can overcome hard things, and fear does not make you weak.”

Although Reffit has only been a professional piercer for about a year, she’s had her own business since the early age of 18, specializing in permanent and formal makeup, as well as fine line tattoos.

The video didn’t just capture her niece’s courage — it also showcased the piercer’s compassionate approach. Reffit strives to provide a welcoming, bright, safe and positive environment for her clients, something she believes sets her apart from the typical piercing artist.

“When I was younger, I was always nervous to get my ears pierced, and anywhere I went, I was overwhelmed by the environment,” she said. “I am most passionate to be the type of piercer I never had when I was younger – offering kindness, comfort and positivity.”

Creating that positive environment is crucial, especially since she frequently pierces younger clients. “I pierce younger clients (5 and up) frequently,” Reffit shares. “I definitely have to approach children differently than adults. I start by getting them excited by picking out their earrings and talking about how cute they are going to look. I make sure to walk through each step of the process thoroughly and remind them it will all be over super fast.”

The 20-year-old’s gentle and patient demeanor has made a lasting impression on parents and children alike. “My shop is not like typical piercing shops with dark decor and harsh music,” Reffit explains. “From natural lighting, Bible verses here and there and the boho aesthetic decor, when you walk into my shop there is an immediate sense of calm and coziness that plays a role in my clients feeling more comfortable.”

Remaining patient is also key when working with younger clients, especially those with heightened emotions. “I always keep in mind that they are kids, and having emotions and fears are normal and valid,” Reffit emphasizes. “There are things that make me anxious and scared, too, and I will never make a child feel embarrassed for showing those emotions. I treat them with the same respect and affection I would want anyone to treat me with.”

For parents or guardians considering getting their child’s ears pierced, she offers one critical piece of advice: “Never try to pressure a child into getting a piercing,” Reffit advises. “Even if they are the one who asked for it, sometimes they will change their mind in the chair right before getting pierced, and that is okay. The thought of a needle going through your ear is scary.”

Reffit urges parents, friends and family to extend grace to their child and to reassure them that their fear does not make them weak. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it,” she adds.